“Regina! How can you ask something like that?” Valerie replied, blushing furiously. “I’m not telling you anything. You’re incorrigible!”“Incorrigible or not, that’s just who I am—and I’m your best friend!” Regina shot back, laughing. “Mary, it hurts me that I wasn’t there for you, that you had to g
Lucius had recently spoken with Leonardo, requesting permission to put his studies on hold. He was determined to join Palmer Group and start learning the intricacies of the business. With the looming presence of Marcus Bartz, Lucius felt a growing urgency—not only for the future of his siblings but
At 3:00 a.m., Lucius had spoken with Leonardo. Three hours later, the elder Palmer finally arrived in Valeria. His steps were slower now, and while his imposing six-foot-three frame had softened with age, his striking features still carried a quiet dignity. The deep lines on his face betrayed his ye
[Paris, 25 Years Ago]"I’ve already told you—I can’t offer you anything more than the status you already have. Why can’t you understand that? You knew perfectly well that I was married, and yet you stayed with me. Don’t try to make me feel guilty now," Gabriel said angrily."You didn’t say that when
He had been staying at a five-star hotel near the bar where Alexia was headed. Unable to sleep, he’d decided to take a walk and have a drink. To his surprise, he stumbled upon Alexia—a coincidence, or perhaps, destiny."I’m doing well. I was just out for a drink. And you?" Leonardo asked, his tone r
Nearly three hours had passed when Lucius and Leonardo arrived at the Flavian Cemetery. For Leonardo, being there was an uncomfortable experience. On one hand, he felt pride for his family, but on the other, standing in that place filled him with guilt and shame. Resting there were Martina and Peter
[Hesperia, 15 Years Ago]“Leonardo, I don’t know what the hell you’re trying to do, but you’d better hand over my daughter. You know damn well that if anything happens to her, you and your family will pay dearly,” Marcus said, his voice cold and malicious.“Your daughter? She’s not your daughter! Sh
[Hesperia, 15 Years Ago]Catherine’s health had been steadily declining, and the last time Leonardo had seen her in good spirits was over two years ago, shortly after Marcus Bartz had visited her. Catherine was perpetually distressed about the life her granddaughter might be living. Despite her best
After several hugs and a strange sense of emptiness, Lucius and Amanda left the house. Lucius started driving, knowing he still had to get home—he hadn't said goodbye to his siblings, his father, or the grandfather he'd just met.Time was ticking. Through the rearview mirror, he caught a glimpse of
The week had flown by, and Lucius and Amanda were getting everything ready to head back to New Zealand. Their time in Valentia had been amazing. This visit had given them a lot of good memories, but it was time to return to university.Maximus and the others were hoping they could visit during the
After Ethan gave a masterclass on how to hold a baby, it was the grandparents' turn. Marcus, not wasting a second, held little Isabelle in his arms. The moment he looked at her, he knew—she was the spitting image of his daughter, the same baby girl he had met just over two years ago. "Hello, prince
After finally finishing all the paperwork and preparations for the creation of PBE Group, Maximus and Peter drove from Florentia to Valeria. Both men were determined to get there—after all, their daughter, so to speak, had just given birth, and it was essential to meet the family's first granddaught
A couple of hours after that awkward conversation, Alden, Serenity, Isabelle, and Laura were on their way home. After all the advice from the OB-GYN and the pediatrician, the new little family was finally heading back.Serenity was filled with mixed emotions. In her arms, she held her baby—yes, her
The next day, Serenity had her check-up. Little Isabelle stared intently at her mother, those big, beautiful eyes locked onto her face. Serenity couldn't stop admiring her.She was completely in love with the tiny angel in her arms. Looking at her, she couldn't help but remember how she and the man
They barely made it to the car before they were already pulling up to the place where Adrian was now living. When they arrived, Laura was surprised by the location. It wasn't bad, exactly—just not the kind of place she could ever picture Adrian choosing for himself.It made her think his financial s
"Is it far from here?" Laura asked, a bit concerned."Not really. I could actually walk, but honestly, with the crutches, it's kind of uncomfortable—and risky.""If you wait for me, I'll say goodbye to my sister and give you a ride. I'm guessing it's on the way, so...""No! No, you came to see your
"Well, Laura, things aren't that simple... but I'll figure something out. And with all this, what are you doing at the hospital? Who's taking care of Adele? Is something wrong? Is someone in your family here? Are you okay?""Wow... That's a lot of questions. But yeah, everything's fine. Emma's watch