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
"Marcus, you surprise me," Frank said with a sly grin. "I thought you were smarter than the others, but now I see even you’ve been fooled. I have to admit, when you came to visit me in Switzerland, I thought it was my end. I didn’t expect you to leave me alive. I had a decent three years after that…
"After a little over three years, my money had dwindled so much that I couldn’t afford to stay in that damned house anymore. So, I returned to Valentia. That’s when I asked my granddaughter for help. She didn’t want me back at Palmer Group, but you know me, Marcus."I can be very persuasive. I got b
Adrian Brown was a twenty-year-old young man who, due to his indulgences and fast-paced lifestyle, had lost two years of high school. His time at Clearmount College was now his last chance to finish his studies and choose a career within the Brown family, without becoming a disgrace.The son of Amad
Adrian, after ending the kiss, glanced at the girl before him—blushing, her face pure and angelic, her eyes still closed. He allowed a slight smile to form, amused and confident. It was clear that he wasn’t indifferent to her, nor she to him.“I’ll see you after school…” he said, leaning in for anot
“Maximus, their lives—and mine—are fine as they are. I don’t want to bring chaos into their world. That’s why it worries me so much. Who could possibly be looking into me?”“Bro dear, I just want to know more about you. I want you to meet my kids. They’re right over there, look. The two boys and the
Both men stepped out of the vehicle, walking casually toward the school entrance. Today, Peter seemed more at ease, though he’d initially appeared irritated. Something inside him told him that Maximus was telling the truth about the investigation. Theodore had warned him the night before that someon
“Nice to meet you, Ethan! My name is Maximus Palmer, and I’m your granduncle,” Maximus said warmly.Ethan’s eyes widened in surprise. He turned to his grandfather and asked, “Grandpa Peter, is he another grandpa?”Peter crouched down to meet his grandson’s gaze and said gently, “Ethan, little one, h
"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