Alexia, hearing the shouting from the study, smiled to herself. She knew her son was standing up for what he believed was his by right. Maximus was likely fuming over his son’s presence, but there was nothing he could do to stop him."Father! I’m just saying what I see. Bartz returns, and you open t
After the last time she saw Maximus, Audrey was devastated. She felt she had done everything in her power to win his favor. She was a girl from a good family, young and beautiful. Audrey took pride in her looks—any man would be proud to have her by his side. But, unfortunately, the man she desired d
“Would you like something to drink?” he asked politely.“What are you getting?” she replied cheerfully.“An espresso,” he answered flatly.“Oh, I can’t handle coffee that strong! I’ll have a white hot chocolate and a cheesecake.”Maximus signaled the waiter, who came over to take their order. While
Laura was the second child of Maximus and Alexia. She had straight blonde hair, eyes that shifted between shades of gray and green, and an oval face with delicate, rosy cheeks that accented her pale, porcelain skin. She didn’t share any noticeable features with Maximus or the Palmer family. Laura wa
[The past]The next morning, Marcus set off toward Florentia, with a specific destination in Lunavalle in mind. It had been years since his last visit, but today he felt the urge to stop by the Bartz family mausoleum. The last time he’d been there, Peter had accompanied him.Marcus had several bouqu
[The past]Alexia had arrived in Paris full of dreams—dreams of a future with a man 20 years her senior. As a young woman, she believed life would be kind, that they would live together and enjoy a bright future. Gabriel, on the other hand, hadn’t expected her to cling to him so intensely. After mon
Lucius walked into Laura’s room unannounced. She was sitting on the balcony, headphones on, listening to music. She had heard the sound of an argument coming from their father’s study but chose to lose herself in her music and the view before her. She didn’t even notice her loving brother enter.“My
The weekend flew by quickly. It was Sunday afternoon, and the three Bartzs stood anxiously at the airport, awaiting the arrival of little John and his nanny, Camille. After picking them up, they would head to collect Emma Fiore, who had finally agreed to live with the Bartz family. Though Emma was a
As soon as Maximus left the hospital room, Peter sank into his thoughts, trying to figure out what to do next. It was clear that his life had completely changed, and Maximus was right—whether he liked it or not, he was a father and a grandfather. And soon, he’d be a father again. There was also a wo
Peter had his eyes closed. His brother was still sitting next to him, curious about what he might be thinking. He didn’t want to pressure him, so he waited for him to speak."What do I do about Celeste?" Peter finally let out, his voice filled with worry."What? What do you mean?" Maximus asked, int
Two weeks had passed, and Peter still showed no interest in speaking to or seeing Maximus or Celeste. The hospital, which had once been filled with family and friends waiting outside his room, was now only visited by Alden—and occasionally, Marcus.Celeste tried to stay calm and positive, but in thi
"But he is right—your mother asked us to take care of your education and finances. We know you don’t want contact with your family, and if you stay in Valentia, you won’t just run into them—you’ll also be at risk from any enemies your grandfather may still have out there.""So you’re saying… I have
"Where the hell am I?" Lucius muttered, waking from his forced sleep."You’re in my house. And you better behave, because I’m not a very patient man. I promised to look after you, but your mother isn’t here anymore, so she won’t know if something happens to you," Anthony Moriarty said, his piercing
And then—"Daddy!"Maurice bolted toward him, his little feet barely touching the ground.After a few steps, Maximus crouched down to scoop up his youngest son, who looked noticeably bigger than the last time he had seen him."My boy, how are you, my love?""Daddy! Daddy! We’re back!""Yes, my boy,
After leaving the hospital, Maximus drove home, the only thing on his mind being the need to have his family together again. Things with Peter hadn’t gone well, but at least this time, he had something to keep him grounded—his family and Diana.Diana hadn’t accompanied him home; she had stayed behin
Throughout their conversation, Alden had asked his father multiple times if he wanted to see Celeste, but Peter refused every time. He even seemed irritated whenever her name was mentioned. However, whenever Alden spoke about his mother, there was a glimmer in Peter’s eyes—something Alden kept to hi
Celeste and Alden exchanged looks. They were the two closest people to Peter, yet neither of them knew how to handle this situation. A Peter who only remembered being in his twenties was something they hadn’t expected."Alden, go in. He’s your father, and I’m sure he’ll be happy to see a copy of him