Skylar was shocked to the bone, her stomach twisted into a tight knot, legs growing weak. Just as she was about to take a step back and run away, Raul raised his head, pushing Claire off him. “Skyler!” he called out, shoving Claire aside. But Skyler didn't want to hear it, she wasn't interested in whatever explanation he had to offer.She spun around on her heels, tear filling her eyes as she dashed away from the library. He followed after her while Claire , who was still standing in the background, smirked. Earlier on she had cornered him, forcing him into an uncomfortable situation. She was trying to get her revenge on Skyler for having Amy being arrested and charged to court. Initially, her plan was to cause a scene and hurt Skyler, but when she arrived at the library and saw Raul by the corner, she had a change of plans. She knew that It was only a matter of time before Skyler would come here to read with him, so she waited until she had seen Skyler before getting up and moving

Skyler jumped out of the car, “hey what are you doing to my mum!” She cried, running towards him. Irene was right behind her while Raul also got down and followed suit. Elizabeth raised her teary eyes to face her daughter who quickly pulled her up from the floor and hugged her. Skyler could see Desmond's driver holding a bag, presumably her mother's bag. Then he stepped out of the gate and then tossed the bag on the floor. This gesture angered Skyler so she lunged forward, managing to give the driver a good slap before Irene held her back.“How dare you bring your filthy selves to our house and try to harass my mother!?”Desmond smirked. “I can see that you haven't changed one bit, you still talk too much. This house belongs to me since your brother is dead now.”His words felt like a physical blow to Skyler. “Don't you dare ever say something like that again, Ethan isn't dead!”“Oh but he is, haven't you seen the news?”Irene walked forward. “Even if Ethan is dead, what makes you

“My baby, how is my baby?” Valerie asked desperately. “We ran all the scans and your baby miraculously survived. The angle at which you were shot didn't have any contact with your uterus or developing baby whatsoever. And thankfully you were shot from a distance so the bullet didn't do much damage, a little bit of rest and healing and you'll be alright. The only issue is the amount of blood you lost, so will be placing you on some supplements and as well as giving you some dietary suggestions.”Hearing this news from the doctor felt like the light at the end of the tunnel. At least she could finally smile about something. “I just wish Ethan was here and then my family would be complete,” he whispered. Lucy backed away from her. “It's going to be okay.”The lieutenants had no idea that Ethan was still alive, because Natasha hadn't communicated it to them yet. “When can I be discharged and go home?” Valerie asked. “Right now I can see that you're safe for travel so you can go today

The Vanguard's were all gathered around the living room with panic strikes expression on their faces. Martha looked like she had just seen a ghost. Larry descended from the staircase with a stoic expression on his face, briefcase in hand. “Just where do you think you're going?” Desmond's voice boomed.“I'm leaving this place before Ethan comes back here to throw you guys out on the streets and disgrace you in the neighborhood, I don't want to be a part of it.”A gasp escaped from his parents lips. “Larry, how could you say such a thing!” Martha scolded him. “Ethan can't do that! He can't! I've called the lawyers already, everything is under control.” Larry scoffed, shaking his head slowly. “You guys don't realize it, don't you? You stole from him, you took what rightfully belongs to him and his father, this house, this manor, it belonged to my uncle! Not you, nothing you do will change that!” He tightened his grip on the bag and walked away, sparing no second glance. Tears prick

Several months laterValerie was standing by the balcony, overlooking the city. The past few months have been nothing but perfect and she couldn’t help but wonder if she was dreaming. Even if she was, she would rather not wake up from it because this was a blissful dream. The sound of footsteps coming from behind her met her ears, she turned around to face Ethan. “I knew I’d find you here,” he said affectionately, wrapping his hands around her waist as he rested his chin against her shoulders.She melted into his frame, a warm smile spreading on her face. “Yes, the view from here is quite lovely.”Ever since Ethan had reclaimed the Vanguard manor, he moved in with Valerie. She loved the change of environment so much. The Sterling manor was sold because after Clifford lost the presidential elections, he was neck deep in debt and had to pay. His sponsors had ruthlessly abandoned him like he was vermin. Leaving him stranded and bankrupt.. Valerie was not even at the slightest intereste