“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
[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