Chapter 39

• Four days had passed, and Ares and Tina's Maldives getaway continued to cast its shadow over Valerie's home. The bond between Valerie and the kids deepened as they crafted their own adventures, free from the parental duo.
• Video calls, a digital lifeline, helped bridge the geographical gap. During one such call, Valerie couldn't hide her joy for Ares, who seemed to have found love amidst the chaos.
• The following day, after the usual school drop-off routine, Valerie sought solace in her mall. The familiar hum of business and the rapport with her staff provided a welcomed break.