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
Marcus had dropped Serenity off at home and immediately called Frederick, desperate for any news about Valerie. His guilt was consuming him—he knew he’d failed her. He should have stayed by her side, should have defended her rather than letting his anger and jealousy take over. He understood why she
Maximus was utterly taken aback when he saw the name on his phone screen. Of all the people who could have called him, he hadn’t expected her. The surprise was overwhelming, but without hesitation, he answered. Tonight, of all nights, he needed to hear her voice.“Maximus? Maximus Palmer?” said a fa
As the bus pulled into the station near midnight, Valerie stepped off, feeling a hollow ache in her stomach. When she stormed out of the hotel, she hadn’t known where to go. Home wasn’t an option—not in the state she was in. A hotel felt too risky; she couldn’t predict how far Marcus might go to fin
After the conversation between Pierre, Laura, Lucius, and Maximus, it was time to talk to Paul. However, Maximus felt it was something that needed to be discussed between father and son.He fully understood that Laura wanted to be involved, but this—this was something only he could and should handle
"We never said we would deny you that," Laura replied sharply. "But let’s be honest, Mr. Legrand, this puts us in a very uncomfortable situation. I do believe he should meet you, but we should take it slowly—we can’t just drop the truth on him all at once.""Lau…" Lucius finally spoke, his voice cal
[Present Time]Adrian replayed the conversation in his mind, but there wasn’t much to consider. The offer was tempting—anyone in his position would see it as the perfect deal. But he already knew what he truly wanted: his daughter.He had made the mistake once before—choosing what his school, his fa
"You said it yourself—if I wanted to, I could’ve hit her back. But I won’t. I don’t want to. And I refuse to let this situation escalate any further. Look at me now—I have stitches in my head. Who knows what will happen next? I’d rather put an end to this now.""Adrian! You don’t have to air our bus
Adrian sighed as he watched Alice disappear in the distance. A short while later, he arrived home. Hilda, the housekeeper, rushed to help him out of the car."Sir… How are you? I thought you’d be back later… We were all worried!""Relax, Hilda. It was just a hit to the head. A few stitches, and that
As if fate itself wanted to set things in motion, the time had come. Laura, Lucius, and Maximus left the house together.The younger siblings saw them go, but they didn’t think much of it. Lately, the three of them had been leaving without saying where they were going, so this time didn’t seem any d
"Dad?""Come in," Maximus said, still checking his inbox."What’s going on, Maximus? Why all the secrecy?""Alright… Serenity’s wedding is over, and Lucius, I know you’ll be heading back to New Zealand soon. Moriarty won’t give me another extension, so we need to move forward with whatever decision
Another day passed at the Evans residence. The family was gathered for breakfast while Diana ran around in a rush, realizing she was running late for work. Maximus, ever the bad influence, kept telling his future wife not to worry so much, but it was impossible—Diana was always incredibly respectful
"Come here," Maximus said, opening his arms.Laura walked over and hugged him."My girl… Never apologize for standing your ground. Never—hear me? Never apologize for defending what’s yours. Honestly, I can’t picture the scene, but I wish I could’ve seen it.""Dad… This is embarrassing. I’ve never ac