Alden couldn’t sleep after Serenity’s words echoed in his mind: “We love you too!” He kept glancing at her as she cuddled Adele, replaying the moment in his head. He wasn’t naive, and one thought kept nagging at him, though he wasn’t sure how to process it.When Serenity woke up after a long nap, Al
Maximus had left the hospital to tend to some business matters, giving Peter the perfect opportunity to slip away. It had been almost three weeks since he’d been to Slovenia, and not being able to contact Celeste was gnawing at him.By the time Maximus realized what had happened, his brother was alr
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 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
"That's right. I'd like to speak with him alone, if you don't mind, Mr. Evans.""I think you're misunderstanding something. Letting you into my home doesn't mean you get to decide whether I'm in the conversation or not. Still, I'm trying to be reasonable—and if Paul wants to speak with you alone, on
Not too thrilled about it, Paul left his room and headed toward the garden, where a man was already waiting for him—one who didn't look his age. And to be honest, the resemblance between young Paul and the man was unmistakable.As soon as he heard footsteps approaching, the man—already sipping a cup