A week after Lucius returned to London, he had already organized his affairs. He requested a leave of absence from university and ensured his businesses could be managed remotely. With everything in order, he prepared to return to Valeria. The idea of Bartz being at the company made him restless; he
“Lucius,” Bartz said in a disturbingly calm voice. “You said you’d help me, didn’t you?”“Yes… Just let me down… Everything hurts,” Lucius replied, his voice cracking with pain.“You’re just a kid, but you want to play adult games. Fine. I’ll give you your chance,” Bartz said, his tone almost patron
Maximus returned home, utterly drained. He walked in quietly, knowing all the staff were already asleep. Heading down the hallway, he noticed the light on in his wife’s room. A surge of anger flared within him—he was sure that if he faced her now, he might actually strangle her. He took a deep breat
Maximus had fallen asleep for several hours next to his daughter. When he woke, he carefully slipped out of Laura’s room, feeling a rare sense of peace. With this newfound calm, he decided to head to his study to tackle a task he knew wouldn’t be easy.It wasn’t unusual for Maximus to stay up late,
After realizing that she and Maximus wouldn’t be spending the day alone, Laura’s expression turned serious. Though her shyness remained evident in her eyes, she was clearly upset. A single tear slipped down her cheek. In her mind, there was no doubt—her father must be introducing her to a mistress h
Minutes later, Valerie appeared in the kitchen, still groggy. She found Marcus gazing out at the garden with a coffee cup in hand. Smiling, she walked up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his firm yet warm back.“Good morning, sweetheart,” she murmured.“My l
Serenity looked up, momentarily unsure. Then she recognized him—Maximus. For a split second, she hesitated. He looked different today, much like Laura had thought. The man standing before her seemed nothing like the stern, cold figure she had briefly met in Madrid.“Hello, Maximus,” Serenity replied
After a ten-minute drive, Maximus, Laura, and Serenity arrived at the café Serenity had mentioned. The place reminded Maximus of the one he had visited with Mary on her birthday. The three of them took a table on the terrace—a charming spot surrounded by greenery, exuding a tranquil atmosphere. Laur
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