Maximus still hadn’t shaken off the feeling left by that beautiful dream. As he walked through the mansion’s halls, it was as if he were experiencing déjà vu or living in parallel dimensions. Though the mansion looked different, every step brought glimpses of his ex-wife’s silhouette and the faint s
“She didn’t hesitate when she ordered my father’s murder. She didn’t think about leaving Mary and her daughter without a husband or father. So why are you thinking about her? Do you still love her?” Alden snapped, losing what little patience he had left.“I don’t love that damn woman!” Maximus shout
Maximus felt drained; that brief conversation with his nephew had left him utterly exhausted."Alden, yesterday I read through the entire investigation. It pains me to see what the woman I once loved—the mother of my children—has become."He hesitated, staring out the large window. "I know you won’t
Marcus and Valerie returned to the house. She picked up the bouquet of flowers and her bag, then said, "I'm ready! We can go. This house holds so many beautiful memories, but the ones I want to keep are the ones we make together with our children."Marcus turned to look at her, his almond-colored ey
[Ushuaia, Argentina, 7 years ago]“Alden, I know you’re caught up in the buzz around here, but I don’t want you to join the force. You’ve got a gift, and you should make the most of it. I’d rather see you get into business. Your mom has been working at the factory for years, and while she’s still yo
Katherine had lived in the shadows for many years. After hearing the news of Peter's death, she had closed her heart and vowed never to love again. For reasons she never fully understood, Darius Richards had always reached out to offer her unconditional support, but she had always refused it. Today,
Theodore had been raised by a strict military father, which meant his education at the military academy was rigorous and disciplined. When the time came, he left the service and began working in private security. His excellent performance and discretion quickly caught the attention of the city’s eli
"If you already know everything, why are you even asking me?" Theodore replied, shifting uncomfortably."Marcus Bartz wants to speak with you. Now. In fact, he’s waiting outside for my signal to come in and see you. I told you—this visit isn’t a courtesy. He’s very interested in knowing why you spar
Peter, understanding his son Alden’s intentions regarding Alexia, felt it was wise to stay close. Knowing how impulsive his son could be, he had no choice but to return to Valentia. He entrusted the arrangements to Darius Richards, who secured a central house in Westhaven and enrolled little Ethan a
Marcus chose not to interrupt his girls and instead went to tuck John in. Afterward, he headed to the master bedroom, took a shower, changed into his pajamas, and lay on the bed. The past few days had been exhausting.When he first entertained the idea of returning to Valentia, he never imagined it
“Serenity, he adored you. Even though he wasn’t your biological father, he loved you. If he had stayed with us, I know he would have loved you more than your real father ever could.”Valerie recounted every detail of her life with Peter. Serenity listened quietly, wishing that one day she might find
Serenity released her and nodded silently, her tearful eyes wide with anticipation.Valerie took a deep breath and began. “I told you I fell hopelessly in love with Maximus Palmer, but things didn’t work out. After my suicide attempt, I was discharged from the hospital and went to his grandmother’s
Valerie and Marcus arrived home after a short flight. She had been longing to get back and hug her children. As difficult as it would be, she knew she needed to have an honest conversation with her daughter. Just as she had opened up to Marcus, she now needed to explain everything to her daughter, l
When Alden saw how much his mother was suffering from the revelations, he nearly made the mistake of revealing that his father was alive. He had to bite the inside of his lip to stop himself, clenching his fists so tightly that his palms bore the marks. The pain was almost unbearable. After tucking
After Alden and Grace’s divorce, Grace decided to move to Spain. She had considered returning to Argentina, but her strained relationship with her parents made that impossible. Meanwhile, both Alden and Grace continued to receive unconditional support from Peter, who held Grace in high regard. Their
Alden was stunned. No one had ever spoken to him that way before. His mother had always been gentle, and Ignatius, who he had come to see as a father figure, was patient and understanding.“Take it or leave it! But make up your mind now,” Peter snapped, his tone tinged with exasperation.Alden ran t
After that long conversation, Theodore felt as if a heavy weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Alden, on the other hand, was in shock. What kind of man had his father been to endure something like this? The whole story sounded absurd, yet it had to be true—after all, the man standing before hi