Maximus had spent the past few days consumed with Peter's situation at the hospital. Dr. Hill had informed him that Peter had left the country, a decision that worried her greatly. She warned Maximus that the episodes of confusion would persist and that, while he couldn’t make decisions for his brot
"Then bring them back and talk to them. Tell them that whatever is going on, or whatever they want to happen, just can’t. They’ll have to understand that the circumstances are too complicated.""Before that, I need to make sure Leonardo is where this report says he is. I also need to clarify a few t
Frank leaned closer, his voice low and venomous. "By the way, I’ve figured out who Alden Pietrovich is. I did some digging. You were so worried about who would inherit your empire, so fixated on making a child with Maximus’s daughter. Well, surprise—you already have a grandson!"Leonardo’s eyes wide
[Bartz Family Estate]Marcus was preparing to leave for Florentia when an unexpected visit delayed his plans. The police officer he had befriended in prison arrived with information he wasn’t expecting."Mr. Bartz, are you heading somewhere?" the officer asked."Yes, officer. What do you need?" Marc
Everything she had endured while he wasn’t by her side weighed on him. But no more. He wouldn’t let Valerie face any more hardships alone. She was the love of his life, and he couldn’t bear to see her suffer any longer."Valerie!" Marcus called out, his voice warm and familiar.Valerie’s heart skipp
[Rosaria Clinic's Garden]Marcus and Valerie had been discussing their plans for the next month and a half, carefully avoiding heavier topics, but the inevitable came up. It was a question Marcus dreaded, one he wished could be left unspoken."Marcus, I need to ask you something, and I want an hones
-A few hours had passed since Marcus stormed out of the hospital after his heated argument with Valerie. His frustration still simmered, and his mind was set on confronting Maximus. He wanted answers—why Maximus had inserted himself into Valerie’s life and played the role of a good Samaritan.Marcu
"Your kids are with Alden too?" Marcus asked, his voice edged with disbelief."Marcus, you’re letting jealousy cloud your judgment. All of our children had to leave. Alden and Emma are taking care of them, and unless you don’t trust them—which I do—you can be sure they’re in good hands. Do you think
Alden held Celeste tightly as she wept, her body trembling against his. It felt like a part of her was being ripped away. It had already been a week, and still, there were no signs of Peter waking up.The swelling in his brain had gone down, but for some unknown reason, there was no neurological act
"I was thinking we could grab some vanilla ice cream and sit somewhere to talk. Sound good?""Perfect."We stopped by an ice cream shop and bought a liter each.As expected, she devoured hers.I watched her for a moment before taking a deep breath."Mary… there’s something I want to talk to you abou
After a few minutes, I helped Mary into the car. As I closed the door, I noticed Agnes stepping outside to see us off, drying her hands on her apron.Seeing her there—knowing she would be one of the many people affected by my death—I walked over and pulled her into a hug."You stubborn old woman… I
She hesitated. "Well… when you put it like that… maybe."I exhaled, running a hand through my hair."I have to admit something. You’re my least favorite person in the world.""Gee, thanks.""But you’re also Mary’s best friend. And you’ve proven to be a good friend to her. So, I just want to ask one
As I stepped out of my room, I was immediately greeted by the loud, unmistakable laughter of Aurora. God, that woman still got on my nerves… And to think that at one point, Mary had actually suggested that she and I could be a couple. According to her, since we were both wild, chaotic, and loved par
After finalizing the last details of my fortune, I picked up the phone and called the one person who had the power to change my life forever."Peter?""Marcus…""What’s going on? You don’t usually call me twice…""Well… technically, you called me earlier…" I said, trying to sound casual."What’s wro
"I just remembered I have something urgent to go over with Marcus. I can’t put it off—it’s about the meeting. I completely forgot. I’ll talk to my father and the doctor to reschedule our appointment. Just give me until noon, okay? This is really important."Before she could respond, I turned toward
[Peter's P.OV]For a few seconds, I just stared at Celeste.She was just a girl—well, compared to me, she was.She was thin, her curly hair as messy as always, and she wore glasses that made her look even younger. There was an innocence in her eyes, a brightness untouched by the weight of life.I sm
Alden’s stomach dropped. "What do you mean by that?"Maximus hesitated before saying, "I’m sorry, Alden… Celeste… But we have to be prepared for the fact that he might not wake up.""He will wake up," Celeste said firmly, her voice trembling with emotion. "He promised me. You said it yourself—Peter