Once inside, Alexia looked around nervously, her legs trembling as if they might give out beneath her. She never imagined she’d find herself in such a situation. Seeing Maximus, Leonardo, and Lucius all in the same room, she immediately understood what was happening. She regretted staying behind to
Serenity's P.O.VMinutes after hearing Marcus, Maximus, and Lucius discussing a DNA test, Serenity realized they were talking about her test. She had set all of this in motion, naively trusting that giving that cursed sample wouldn’t lead to chaos.A sharp pain hit her chest as she turned to her mot
Laura turned her anger on Alexia. “Mom, you’re the worst person I’ve ever known. You’ve never cared for us. You don’t deserve a man like my father risking his freedom for you. And you,” she said, glaring at Lucius and Leonardo, “you’re just as guilty. You sat there and enjoyed watching someone else’
Maximus walked out of the company building, each step heavier than the last. That place was suffocating him—or rather, staying there made it likely he’d kill someone himself. Laura had saved him from doing something irreparable, from choking the life out of Alexia—his wife of twenty years, the woman
Maximus’s eyes glistened with tears as he continued. “Knowing I’d hurt you again, after everything, broke me. But I thought the best thing I could do was let you go. When I saw you with Peter, it killed me. But I convinced myself he’d make you happy, that he’d give you the life I couldn’t. And I bel
Marcus stormed toward Valerie, gripping her waist tightly and lifting her off the ground. Her tear-streaked face met his fiery glare, and Maximus’s pained expression wasn’t far behind. Marcus’s mind raced with a flood of chaotic thoughts.“Valerie, haven’t you had enough? Hasn’t today been enough fo
“I told you, we’re not going home,” Marcus said curtly. “You and I are far from fine. We’re not going anywhere until we deal with this.”After several tense minutes on the road, Marcus and Valerie arrived at the St. Regis Eterna. Marcus had already reserved a suite. Going home wasn’t an option—not a
Maximus watched as Marcus forcibly dragged Mary away. He wanted to go after them, but he stopped himself, uncertain of how his interference might impact her. The look in Marcus’s eyes was all too familiar—it was jealousy, pure and corrosive. Maximus recognized it because he had been consumed by the
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