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
“With you, it’s different. When I saw those pictures of your mother that Theodore sent me, I remembered her. And when I saw you, I knew without a doubt—you’re my son. Just look at us; we’re like two drops of water. Though I can’t figure out where those gray eyes of yours come from—must be a family t
"Thank you, Serenity. I have a lot to think about… But first things first—my daughter and my studies.""That's the spirit, my beautiful sister!" Serenity said, hugging her again.Finally, Serenity turned to Maximus and Diana. She looked at them, and they smiled at her. Maximus opened his arms and pu
Peter watched little Ethan, who still wouldn't meet his eyes. During all the goodbyes, Ethan had avoided coming near him—but now, the moment had come to do what was right."Ethan, come here…" Peter said, looking at the boy.With his head down, Ethan slowly walked toward him. Peter crouched down to t
[A few months earlier ]It was nighttime. Alden was out of town, and Serenity couldn't sleep. Her belly was still round with pregnancy when she noticed Peter sitting alone in the garden. She decided to join him—as long as he was okay with her company.He had recently woken up, and to him, nearly eve
Valerie approached, one last time, one of the most important women in her life in Valeria.Emma Fiore—the woman who had taken her in almost like a daughter. While they had grown close during the three years Valerie was married to Maximus, their bond went far beyond that. They were family.Emma had c
After that hug, Valerie walked over to Laura, Serenity's sister, with whom she'd developed a bit of a bond."Laura and beautiful Adele—I wish you both all the success in the world… You must finish your studies and use your degree. You're living proof that it's possible—and that's exactly what your l
The day had finally come—the Bartz family and the newly formed Palmer-Bartz family were leaving for Hesperia.Without meaning to, the three families found themselves gathered once again at the airport.Marcus was saying goodbye to Peter, who, due to his memory loss, only held onto the memories of th
While Valerie packed up their things for the move back to Hesperia, Peter was driving with Celeste and their little girls toward Willowcombe.He was taking her to see how the renovations on the house—where they'd soon be living—were coming along.Celeste was in the back seat with the girls, tending
Valerie was packing clothes into the suitcases, though she kept drifting off, thinking about the reason they'd come here in the first place.At first, everything had seemed simple—quick even. Within a few months, they'd be back in Hesperia. But it had already been over a year.Things hadn't gone as
After Maximus said goodbye to Pierre, he went back into the mansion and headed straight to his son's room. Paul was lying on his bed, facing away from the door."Paul, can I come in?" Maximus asked gently."You're already in, Dad… Are you here to scold me for something that happened years ago?" Paul