“I’m sure they did. But one thing I’m confident in is my very effective persuasion techniques.” Alden leaned in and began tying the man’s hands with duct tape.Though Alden looked composed, he remembered Theodore’s lessons: never get overconfident. This was one of the first times he would have to do
At the airport, Alden and the children were escorted by a driver and a team of guards. A private jet was already waiting for them, prepared to take them anywhere they wanted.As they boarded, Alden found bags of clean clothes, hot food, and blankets ready for them. Once the children were fed, cleane
As an intense battle unfolded elsewhere, Valerie and Peter found themselves admitted to the Rosaria psychiatric hospital, each grappling with their own demons and unresolved issues. Though they were physically close, they felt worlds apart. Days passed uneventfully for the most part, and Peter, who
"I grew up fearing and hating my father, and I can say that now. But my daughter doesn’t have to feel that way. Her father wasn’t the best person, but I can’t judge the demons that brought him to that point.”“Did you ever imagine going back to Maximus?”“No, never. I could never go back to him. He
Valerie cried for several minutes. It was painful for her to admit that, all this time, she’d carried guilt—a guilt rooted in her past with Peter. He had been an honest man in the end, but Valerie’s heart was too wounded. She hadn’t been able to love him the way he wanted.After his death, she lived
"Since Marcus came into my life—despite how different we were—he's always demanded more of me than I thought I could give. He’s always believed in my abilities, never limited me, always taught me something new, and constantly pushed me to be better."When we saw each other again, Marcus accepted Ser
This day had started as a glorious one for Frank Levett. He was finally becoming the owner of Palmer Group—a feat comparable to buying one of the biggest designer clothing chains or something like that, without spending a single cent.What Frank hadn’t counted on, however, was that by taking the bus
After a long journey—hours that felt like days and days that seemed eternal—Alden boarded a flight with the children to the UAE. They were already expected there by Serenity and the others.This was where Alden, or Theodore, stayed whenever they visited the country. The security measures in place we
"Yeah, Dad. I know it’s not easy, and that there will always be new things to learn. I can’t take anything lightly.""That includes talking to Serenity’s parents. You need to do that.""There’s a lot we have to discuss—including the truth. Dad, I love Serenity. We’re expecting a baby. And we got mar
"Do you even hear yourself?" Diana cut in. "As far as I know, you married Marcus under the exact same circumstances. Don’t go looking for excuses. If your daughter fell for him, there’s a reason. And I don’t doubt that you and Marcus raised her to be a good person. You told me yourself—she’s smart.
Diana and Valerie walked down the hallway in complete silence. When they reached the coffee machine, Diana finally spoke."What happened, Valerie? I don’t really understand the situation, but if I’m not mistaken… that girl was your daughter?""Yes…" Valerie said through clenched fists. "And the boy
"Mary! Please…! This isn’t the place!" Maximus said, fully understanding where her reaction was coming from.Marcus, seeing his wife, had no idea what had just happened. But before he could spot Serenity, Alden, and Ethan, they had already slipped into Peter’s room.Serenity had tears in her eyes, a
Maximus took a deep breath, thinking for a moment while Alden went to the car to get Ethan. Watching him, he said,"Serenity, like I said earlier, I’m probably the last person who should be saying anything. But I just want you to know one thing—no matter what happens, I will support you. It’s only n
"Serenity, Alden…" Maximus said, watching as they checked on Ethan, making sure he was still asleep in the car."Maximus…" Serenity said softly, looking somewhat embarrassed."Alden, you and I talked about this… What happened?""Dad… Maximus… He and I love each other. That should be enough for us to
"Let’s go. I don’t know what happened exactly, but we need to hurry.""Yeah…"Once he saw the others leave, Alden found the car he had arranged, helped Serenity and Ethan inside, and secured them. Ethan had fallen asleep again. As Alden drove, his mind was racing—above all, he was anxious about what
After several long hours of flying, a plane landed at Flameco International Airport in Valentia. Alden and Serenity arrived with the whole family, both feeling a mix of nerves and conflicting emotions. On one hand, Serenity was finally returning to her mother and father after months away. On the oth
"You did a great job as a father too. Alden turned out to be a good man, and let’s not forget your grandson, little Ethan.""Alden is who he is because of his mother. I’ve only been helping shape him for the past five years. He’s a good kid thanks to everything his mother taught him. He’s good in bu