Read on to the next chapter and find out what happens next.

-12-

Spring in Manhattan arrived with a rush of emerald green and blooming cherry blossoms that transformed Central Park into a vibrant watercolor painting.

Purely Petals had officially broken ground on our new flagship manufacturing and research facility in upstate New York, a sustainable, solar-powered campus designed entirely around zero-carbon organic production. Chloe was managing the expansion with brilliant efficiency, allowing me to step back slightly and focus on what mattered most: our family and our future.

On a bright Saturday afternoon in April, the six of us—Julian, myself, the triplets, and our golden retriever puppy, Barnaby, whom Julian had finally surrendered to after Noah’s relentless lobbying—were walking along the shaded paths of Riverside Park.

The triplets were sprinting ahead toward the duck pond, their laughter carrying on the gentle spring breeze.

Julian walked beside me, his hand holding mine securely. The platinum petal ring caught the dappled sunlight filtering through the budding tree branches.

“The board approved the upstate campus expansion budget this morning,” Julian said, a proud smile touching his lips. “You’re officially running one of the fastest-growing independent lifestyle brands in the country, Mrs. Vance.”

“Mr. Vance,” I teased, glancing up at him. “If you keep calling me that, people might think you’re actually proud of me.”

“Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it,” he replied, pulling me slightly closer as we walked. “Watching you build this empire while raising three brilliant kids... it’s the most remarkable thing I’ve ever witnessed. I spent my whole life thinking power came from real estate holdings and boardrooms. But real power? Real power is what you built out of nothing.”

I leaned my head against his shoulder as we walked, breathing in the fresh spring air. “We built it, Julian. Together.”

Ahead of us, the triplets suddenly stopped by the edge of the duck pond, pointing excitedly toward the water where a family of ducklings was paddling in formation behind their mother.

“Look, Mommy! Look, Daddy!” Maya shouted, waving her arms frantically. “They’re staying together! They’re not leaving anyone behind!”