Frank Levett had spent several years confined to a hospice reserved for those with no resources. Marcus Bartz had appeared as a generous benefactor, ensuring Frank was fed, cared for, and safe in exchange for a hefty check—a payment the staff deeply appreciated.After Marcus’s last visit to Frank, i
Peter watched as Celeste stepped out of the small house. The scene felt surreal. Not long ago, she had been in their home—her home. A place where she could live comfortably. And now, here she was, in the modest house he had given her as a gesture to make her happy. A house he had hoped she wouldn’t
“Fine. I’ll message you this evening.”“Good.”As she walked away, Peter felt a sharp pain in his chest. The Celeste he knew—the cheerful, loving woman who always seemed to glow—was gone. In her place was someone colder, someone distant. Peter was facing the full consequences of his decisions, and i
Peter ended up cooking an exquisite pasta and preparing a delicious salad, leaving Celeste surprised. She never imagined that this man could do such things. She had to admit that she really didn’t know much about the man she’d be spending all these days with, but she was determined to give herself a
His mind was in chaos. Fate was giving him the chance to think through his words and actions. This morning, he hadn’t known what to say. Now, he had time to figure it out—but his thoughts were interrupted by a phone call.“Peter, are you in Valentia?”“Matthew, yes, why?”“Damn it, Peter! Stop screw
“Marcus? Are you awake?” Frederick asked as he walked into the room.“Yes! Do you have the information I asked for?” Marcus replied, sitting up in bed.“I do… but after going through everything again, I think someone else should be here,” Frederick said cautiously.“Who?”“Maximus Palmer. He’s the h
“What? What’s going on? Did he do something to you? Tell me! Where is he?”“No! He didn’t do anything to me. Dad’s really drunk and hasn’t come out of his room. A little while ago, I heard his door open, but when I went to check on him, it was locked again. I called for him, but he won’t answer.”“L
[Valeria, Present Day]“Laura, let’s try something. I’ll knock on Maximus’s door—maybe hearing a different voice will make him open it.”“Alright…”Serenity knocked on Maximus’s door, but there was no response. Thinking for a moment, she said:“Laura, Maximus’s room is on the first floor. His room h
“Well, I don’t, Serenity. My life changed completely when I found out I was going to be a father. One day I was a broke kid, and the next, I was managing absurd sums of money, getting paid, and changing diapers.”“Sorry…” Serenity murmured, her tone softening."Sorry… what?" Alden asked, raising an
Alden and Serenity exited the Palmer Group building, the tension from their earlier “altercation” significantly eased. Serenity felt more comfortable around him now, while Alden, with his trademark charming smile, continued to catch the admiring glances of every woman they passed in the hallway. Ser
Maximus sighed. “Emma, I know I’m inexperienced. I’ve avoided hiring anyone because my younger kids have spent years in boarding school. I didn’t want them to be raised by nannies anymore. Besides, my eldest is 15, and Maurice is 8. They’re not little anymore.”“I’ve been thinking… I want to come ba
Maximus returned home after a long day, his thoughts weighed down by the countless decisions he had to make. As he walked through the house, he noticed his younger children quietly doing their homework at the dining table. Laura, as always, had stepped in to keep them on task. When he found her rest
“Peter… What else are you planning to do?”“Nothing. Just wait. My time, and Marcus’s time, is coming. He and I will have to pay for what we’ve done. But that, dear brother, won’t affect you,” Peter said, placing a hand on Maximus’s shoulder.“Damn it, Peter! What the hell are you going to do?” Maxi
“What kind of nonsense is this? Of course, I loved Mary! I still love her!”“Do you? Then why did you let Marcus take her? If you loved her, why didn’t you fight for her?”“Because it was what was best.”“For who, Peter? For you? For her? For Marcus? Because it sounds to me like you sacrificed your
Maximus arrived in Slovenia, where Peter’s driver was already waiting to take him to his brother’s grand estate. As they approached the enormous house, Maximus couldn’t help but admire its majesty, but he chose not to comment.“I hope your visit is short and that you’re not here to punch me in the f
After Maximus left for the airport, Alden began showing Serenity around the various floors of Palmer Group. Though Serenity typically carried herself with poise and confidence, she found herself faltering every time Alden looked her way. There was something about his presence, his composed demeanor,
“Serenity, at the office, I’m not your dad—I’m the boss,” Maximus said, frowning slightly as he downed his coffee in one gulp.“I know, Maximus! Now let’s get going, or I’ll be late for my first day as your assistant.”“Miss Bartz, today is your induction day. No one starts working without completin