Laura walked alongside her father, her eyes and nose red. Her greenish-gray eyes were clouded with emotion, a haze of tears she was struggling to hold back. Serenity had told her to face the hard things quickly, like ripping off a Band-Aid. The day had been anything but easy, and Laura knew she had
Adrian, after hearing Laura’s announcement, froze. The playful smirk that had been on his face moments ago vanished, replaced by a cold, almost chilling expression. He pushed her away abruptly, as if she had said something offensive or disgusting."Abort it! Get rid of it!"Laura didn’t understand a
Serenity left the university and drove as fast as she could to Clearmount College. On the way, Laura had texted her, explaining more or less what had happened. Serenity wasn’t in the best mood—anything anyone said to her could set her off, and no one wanted to see her angry. Though she didn’t know h
Valerie arrived at the hospital, more composed now. She was wearing an oxygen mask, which helped her breathe more easily. Sedatives weren’t an option due to her advanced pregnancy, but the supplemental oxygen stabilized her. It was only then that she truly realized the gravity of her actions. She ha
"Marcus… I think I need to be honest with you," Valerie said softly.Marcus closed his eyes, bracing himself for the truth he already suspected."Marcus, please forgive me. I know I haven’t been reasonable lately. I know I’ve seemed obsessed with Peter, but today… today Peter showed up at the house.
"I’m a terrible father," Maximus muttered, his voice heavy with guilt. "I don’t even know how to care for my kids. I wasn’t there for them when they were young, and now I don’t know how to be a good father.""Maximus, you’re doing the best you can. You have to remember, we’re not little kids anymore
After the doctor examined Valerie, he found no reason for her to stay in the hospital and discharged her. Marcus drove her home in complete silence, the atmosphere in the car thick with tension. When they arrived, they were greeted by Camille and Emma, who were visibly worried after Valerie had left
At the hospital, Frank Sr. looked up and was met with the face of his estranged son."My dear son! How many years have passed for us to meet again?" Frank Sr. exclaimed, tears streaming down his face, his voice trembling with emotion."Frank? Frank, is it really you? Oh God! God is merciful! My son
“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