[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
After a long week, Katherine received a message from Darius Richards. He would be waiting for her at Ana & Juana - Onas at 6:00 PM, a public venue designed to ease any fears she might have about meeting him. Though Darius didn’t fully understand her apprehensions, he knew this would be his first tim
[Present day]In a room saturated with the smell of disinfectant and medication lay the inert body of Alexia Levett. Her condition had shown some improvement—not enough to say she was cured, but at least she no longer required an endotracheal tube. Now, she only needed an oxygen mask.The people car
Alden and his mother, Katherine, had always been seen as outsiders. It was obvious they weren’t from Argentina. Grace’s parents, on the other hand, were well-known as one of the most prominent families in the oil extraction business.The relationship between the two young people had been a surprise—
While Alden comforted Grace and tried to figure out their next move, he kept glancing at the man driving the elegant car they were in. It was surprising how this stranger had stepped in to help him. Though Alden’s memories of their encounter were still muddled, he felt a deep sense of gratitude for
Before long, Peter arrived at the hospital where Celeste was being examined by a doctor Peter trusted."Peter," the doctor said, "I’ve checked on Celeste. Her wounds are healing well. If things continue like this, we can consider discharging her. After all, I know you’ll take good care of her. There
Peter took a bath and a short nap. He woke up when he felt someone tugging on his hair—a small hand playing with his curls."Ethan, aren’t you going to school?" said Peter, groggy, with his eyes still closed."Yeah, but I want you to take me. Where have you been, Grandpa?""I’ve had a lot of work, a
Camille, having seen Marcus storm out, went to find the girl she considered her daughter. She found Valerie in tears, embraced her, and said:“Valerie, my love, I don’t think this is going to work. Have you thought about whether it might be better to end things?”“What?”“Valerie, darling, I’m not b
Minutes after Frederick received Marcus’s call, the man was knocking on his door. When Frederick opened it, he was greeted by the sight of his friend and colleague’s battered face.“Marcus, what happened to you? Who did you fight with?”“Can I come in?”“Oh! Right! Come in, come in, my boy. When you
Peter circled around Maximus’s car. It was clear he owed him a window now. He was heading to his house to ask Theodore for help taking it to the shop. Besides, there was no way he could return to the room with Celeste in this state. It was past 5:00 a.m., so the best option was to go home, take a ba
He paused, leveling a hard look at Marcus. “By the way, why the hell haven’t you killed Frank yet? Everything that happened—this whole mess—is because of him! Did you forget what he did to your family?”“Don’t you dare bring up my family,” Marcus warned, wiping blood from his lip.“Oh, I haven’t for
“Stop! Stop it! Calm down!” Peter shouted, holding Marcus back with all his strength.A stray punch escaped Marcus’s struggle, smashing into the window of Maximus’s car. The glass cracked, and Marcus’s hand began to bleed.“Enough!” Peter bellowed.“You’re a damned bastard!” Marcus shouted. “Why, Pe
Marcus drove aimlessly, trying to cool his head and avoid escalating the argument with Valerie. Yet, his heart guided him to a place he instinctively knew wouldn’t bring him peace. Parking outside the hospital, he stepped out of the car, ready to confront the turmoil consuming him.At the reception
"No, Marcus, it’s me who needs to apologize. Something’s been bothering me, consuming my thoughts, and it’s not fair to you—to you, my husband."Before Marcus could respond, Valerie was already by his side. Her growing belly brushed his shoulder as she stood close. Marcus turned to face her and stoo