“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 hanging up with Diana, Maximus headed to the old mansion. Once there, he wasn’t in the mood for anything other than taking a bath and sleeping—it had been a long day. He was lying on his old bed when the light of his phone pulled him out of a half-sleep. An email with encrypted files had just
After nearly being strangled to death by her husband, Alexia shockingly returned to the mansion. It was clear that many things were about to change drastically. A few hours earlier, Leonardo had made it clear that he wouldn’t help her at all. Lucius had only advised her to leave the house and find s
For the first time in years, Marcus felt an anxiety attack creeping in. With no other option, he called Frederick. It was late at night, but like Matthew, Frederick knew his bosses well and had been expecting the call, though it was clear from the delay that something was wrong.“What’s going on, my
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