"Sir, I don’t think this will be necessary. Get in my truck, and I promise I’ll let your men go without any violence. Mr. Moriarty really wants to talk to you, and he’s not in a good mood."Marcus did as the man requested and got into the truck in front of him. Afterward, he saw that his security te
Peter had been taken out of Valentia by Theodore, just in time to avoid being arrested. He didn't even have the chance to check if Mary was in good hands and safe—his friend and companion had stopped him, and no power on earth could convince him to go see her.He was being taken to his home in Slove
Celeste had heard the name Mary before. She didn’t know who it was, but it was obvious it was a woman, someone with whom Peter had likely spent all this time.Celeste sat down on the bed, the same one that had kept her company during the months when she couldn’t walk. One of her hands pressed agains
Maximus was at the police station when Magnus Evans arrived. The man walked in, and many people there recognized him. Apparently, he wasn’t invisible to the eyes of the police. This man had more power than the Palmer family, although he kept himself completely secretive in Germany.Magnus had learne
"I understand, Maximus... It's just that I don't know if bringing your ex-wife is wise, especially with Marcus out of control. I only had to hear how he spoke to you earlier to realize that man is dangerous.""Calm down! As long as you’re by my side, there won’t be any misunderstandings."Magnus lis
Peter had been in his office for a long time, struggling with what was on his mind and what he was truly feeling. He realized that by not answering the questions Celeste had asked him, he was confirming whatever she might be thinking, and quickly he stood up from his chair and went to the room he sh
As Peter returned to Slovenia, Maximus made the decision to bring Mary with him. The only way he could ensure she was safe in case of a relapse or a run-in with Marcus was to have her at Magnus’ house. He didn’t know why Marcus had left her stranded at the psychiatric hospital, but he knew it wasn’t
"That would be terrible!" Mary gasped, placing a hand over her mouth in shock."Well, even then, it wouldn’t be the worst. The real danger is that if the surgery isn’t done, his brain is deteriorating rapidly. Forcing him to recall things is leading him toward a stroke or even a heart attack."Mary’
[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