After dropping Valerie off at home, Marcus headed to the office, still reeling from the news. At 55 years old, he was going to be a father again—not to one baby, but two. It was a revelation that brought immense joy but also meant a significant shift in plans. As he’d told his beloved wife, family w
“What about Valerie’s shares?” Frederick asked, leaning back in his chair. “Maximus signed the paperwork to transfer them to you, but he left it to you to handle the protocols. From what I can see, you haven’t done much with them yet. Why is that?”Marcus sighed deeply. “I haven’t brought it up with
Marcus and Valerie had agreed to share their big news with the family during dinner. To make it special, Marcus left the office early and drove home. When he arrived, he found his beautiful wife already prepared for the announcement.Seeing her standing there, Marcus couldn’t help but let out a soft
After dinner, Marcus walked Valerie to their bedroom. They strolled arm in arm down the hallway, his embrace comforting her. She’d already tucked John into bed and had a quiet chat with Serenity. Together, they agreed that the timing of their news couldn’t have been better.As they entered their roo
After helping Valerie in the bathroom and holding her until she fell completely asleep, Marcus found himself unable to rest. He decided to head to his study to tackle some pending work. While diligently sorting through emails, his phone lit up with an incoming call from Frederick. Without hesitation
“I’ll get to work immediately,” Frederick assured him.Marcus ended the call, the weight of the revelation settling heavily on him. If Peter was alive—or if someone had gone to great lengths to impersonate him—this could unravel everything Marcus thought he knew.“Marcus, I know you’re thinking abou
After hanging up, Marcus returned to his bedroom and found Valerie sleeping peacefully. The sight warmed his heart. She wore a beige silk nightgown, her growing belly evident now. He couldn’t take his eyes off it, imagining their two little ones nestled inside. Six months still lay ahead, but Marcus
Dr. Monroe hesitated but complied. After all, Marcus’s financial support kept the nursing home running. Once Marcus was sure the doctor was out of earshot, he approached what was left of the once-dominant Judge Frank Levett.“Hello, Frank…” Marcus said coldly.“So, you’ve finally deigned to come see
"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