Sonia's heart sank as she watched Flint prepare to leave the hospital the following morning, her mind swirling with a whirlwind of emotions. She couldn't bear the thought of him leaving Malibu, of their time together coming to an end so soon."Is there nothing I can do to stop you from leaving?" she implored, her voice tinged with desperation.Flint's expression softened at her words, his gaze filled with regret. "I wish I could stay, Sonia, but Malibu is not for me," he confessed, his voice heavy with resignation. "I want to lead a quiet life henceforth, far from the hustle and bustle of a typical Californian lifestyle."Sonia felt a pang of sadness grip her heart as she listened to Flint's words. She knew she couldn't change his mind, couldn't force him to stay against his will. But still, she couldn't help but wish for more time together, for the chance to explore the depths of their connection and see where it might lead.With a heavy sigh, Sonia resigned herself to the inevitable

As the morning sun cast its golden glow over the quiet streets of Malibu, Sonia took it upon herself to drive Flint and his sister to the train station, determined to see them off and bid them a final farewell."I'll miss you, Flint," she said, her voice tinged with sadness as she shared a warm embrace with him, her heart heavy with the weight of impending separation."I'll miss you too, Sonia," Flint replied, his voice filled with genuine affection as he returned her embrace.Flint felt a lump form in his throat as he struggled to find the right words to express his feelings. "I'm really sorry for everything that happened between us. I—" But before Flint could continue, Sonia gently hushed him, placing a finger across his lips."You've already apologized, and I've forgiven you," she reassured him, her voice filled with compassion and understanding."Thank you so much," Flint replied, his gratitude evident in his eyes as he met Sonia's gaze."And just in case you change your mind, you

Lucas Bryan arrived at the hospital around 9 p.m. that evening to find the doctors conducting various checks on **Ivy.** Despite his long and stressful day, the news of Ivy's awakening compelled him to set aside any thoughts of rest and rush to her side. Ivy lay still in her hospital bed, her eyes open but her body motionless, casting a shadow of concern over Lucas's hopeful anticipation.Approaching **Stephanie** with a heavy heart, Lucas inquired about Ivy's condition."The doctors are still trying to determine the exact aftermath of Ivy's condition, but I'm afraid it may align with the initial report we received when Ivy was found," Stephanie lamented, her expression portraying every bit of worry."Don't say that, ma’am. Ivy will be fine," Lucas offered words of encouragement, hoping to instill a sense of hope amidst the uncertainty.After a few minutes, the chief of police arrived, having been informed by Stephanie about Ivy's awakening."How's she doing?" the chief inquired, dire

Racheal excused Victor and went to meet Lucas and Rickard, her attempt at cordiality met with frosty reception."You didn't tell me you'd be coming," Racheal said with forced politeness."I don't see the reason why I should," Lucas retorted curtly, his demeanor aloof as he brushed past her. Rickard followed suit, his silence echoing Lucas's indifference.Racheal's heart quickened at their dismissive attitudes, a sense of foreboding settling over her like a shroud. But she pushed aside her apprehension, determined to maintain a façade of composure in the face of their disdain."Heard Ivy's finally awake," Racheal remarked casually.Lucas's footsteps faltered at the mention of Ivy's name, his gaze piercing as he turned to face Racheal. "And how did you find out?" he inquired."I don't see the reason why I should tell you," she retorted defiantly, her words laced with defiance as she turned on her heel and made her way to join the other guests.Everyone was already seated in the grand hal

The grand hall of the cosmic conference was filled with vitality. Representatives from every part of the interstellar empire filled the expansive hall, their voices a soft, buzzing murmur of eagerness. The chamber's glassy walls sparkled, bending the light of far-off stars that poured in through the clear dome overhead. At the heart of everything was Alex Carter, his jaw clenched, eyes surveying the crowd of faces. He could sense the pressure of each stare directed at him. "Alex," Sophia hissed, leaning slightly toward him. "You ready for this?"He gave a small nod, though his hands tightened into fists by his sides. "As ready as I'll ever be."Luna Vega tapped the device on her wrist, her expression calculating. "Maxwell's here. Far left balcony. He’s watching us like a predator sizing up its prey."Alex didn’t need to look. He could feel Maxwell Drake's presence—a dark, unrelenting pressure in the room. His rival’s plan was already in motion, and Alex knew he had only one shot to s