CHAPTER 90: HARTMANN

The morning sun spilled over the quiet, elegant neighborhood as Miles pulled his car through the iron gates of the Hartmann residence. The house wasn’t extravagant, but it held a classic charm—aged stone walls, a sloped dark roof, ivy climbing one corner of the facade, and a well-maintained lawn with trimmed hedges. A narrow cobbled path led from the driveway to the wooden front door, where a bell waited patiently to be rung.

The car engine went silent. Miles stepped out in a clean, tailored suit. He scanned the surroundings—calm, serene, the kind of place someone with stories to tell would call home. His polished shoes tapped softly against the stone as he made his way up the steps and rang the bell.

The door opened.

Time slowed.

A familiar face stood in the doorway—sharp eyes, stunned expression.

"Miles...? What are you doing here?" Jemma stood frozen.

Miles gave her a warm, amused smile.

"We meet again, Officer."

Before Jemma could respond, a deep voice called out from within the house.

"He is my guest. Let him in."

The voice belonged to an older man, now stepping into view behind Jemma. His posture was straight, movements steady with age and grace.

"Come in, come in," the man beckoned.

Still dazed, Jemma stepped aside as Miles walked in past her, the smile never leaving his face. He moved toward the old man, extending a hand.

"Hilbert Hartmann."

"Miles Sterling. Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Hartmann. I thought I’d be leaving without getting the chance."

They shook hands firmly and made their way to the sitting room.

"My apologies for the delay, Miles. Something urgent came up," Hilbert said as he settled into a deep leather chair. "I hope Brightvale hasn’t given you too much trouble."

"No trouble at all," Miles replied with a faint grin. "Got to enjoy a day in the city. I loved it."

Hilbert leaned back, eyes twinkling.

"Speaking of trouble... looks like you’ve already met Jemma."

"That was mean," Jemma muttered from behind, folding her arms.

Miles chuckled. "We crossed paths at the shooting range."

Hilbert turned to Jemma, half-smirking. "Hope she didn’t do anything too reckless."

"Seems like you know her well," Miles remarked.

"She’s my younger sister’s daughter. Takes care of this old man now," Hilbert explained. "I asked her to leave the police and join the family business... but she had no interest. So, I decided to sell it."

His eyes met Miles’s.

"I was looking for a good buyer. Then Miss June reached out to me. The moment I heard the name, I knew exactly who you were."

Jemma’s brows furrowed.

"Wait... you’re the same Sterling who’s been in the news out of Star Harbor?"

Hilbert smiled, nodding slowly.

"Yes. He’s the one."

He turned back to Miles.

"I respect that you worked hard and reclaimed your father’s legacy. That’s why I believe you’re the right person to take over my father’s legacy too."

The morning light spilled softly through the sheer curtains as the breakfast table glowed under the golden sun. Jemma sat quietly, her thoughts spiraling.

Miles Sterling. The same man who turned Star Harbor upside down with nothing but his presence and a name. The same man now sitting calmly across from her uncle, exchanging stories like old friends. Who was he really? What was his connection to the Army? To the President himself? Every answer only bred more questions.

But the moment remained peaceful. The old dining room, filled with the warm scent of toasted bread and brewed coffee, became a quiet haven of conversation.

Miles smiled often, listening more than he spoke. Hilbert’s voice carried wisdom and age, gently passing along decades of experience in the jewelry trade. Jemma watched them both, still stunned, still absorbing.

Eventually, Miles set down his cup. A soft clink on the saucer. He stood, adjusting his coat with that composed elegance he wore like a second skin.

He thanked Hilbert for the breakfast, for the wisdom, for the trust. He promised to take care of the business—an heirloom passed down from another time.

Hilbert rose with a proud glimmer in his eye, shook his hand firmly, and wished him well.

As Miles turned toward the door, Hilbert’s voice followed behind him with a gentle authority. "Jemma, see Mr. Sterling out."

She stood instinctively and followed him toward the entrance. Outside, the sky was clear and the neighborhood still. Birds fluttered in distant trees, the world unaware of the quiet farewell taking place in the Hartmann yard.

Jemma paused at the steps. Her voice softened. "Miles... I’m sorry about yesterday."

Miles turned, the sunlight catching the sharp angles of his face. He smiled, calm and forgiving. "It’s okay. I know you still have your doubts. Just... let it slide. Don’t bother digging into my past."

She exhaled, lips curving into a smile of her own. A small, honest one."Next time you’re in Brightvale... contact me. I’ll make up for it."

A nod. "Sure."

Miles opened the car door, stepped in, and with a low purr of the engine, pulled away from the house.

Jemma stood alone at the gate, her eyes trailing the sleek black vehicle until it faded into the distance.

Her voice, barely above a whisper. "Miles Sterling... What an interesting personality."

The work in Brightvale was finally done. The pieces had fallen into place, the questions laid to rest — or at least for now. It was time to go back. Back to the city where it all began.

Star Harbor.

Miles stood near the edge of the small airstrip, the early afternoon sun painting golden lines along the tarmac. The wind tugged gently at his coat as he looked out toward the sleek black private jet waiting for him — June had arranged everything, as always.

Behind him, Brightvale stood quiet. Its cobbled streets and worn rooftops held no grudges, only memories. He didn’t turn around. He didn’t need to.

The engines began to hum.

He walked up the steps of the jet without a word, carrying nothing but his thoughts.

As the wheels lifted off the ground, Brightvale grew smaller beneath him, swallowed by clouds and sky.

Ahead lay Star Harbor — and a home that was waiting for his return.

His mother’s cooking.The twins’ laughter.A warm light in the hallway.

He leaned back in his seat, eyes half-closed.It was time to go home.

The plane touched down smoothly on the Star Harbor runway, its wheels screeching softly against the tarmac. The city skyline loomed in the distance, wrapped in a soft orange hue as the sun began its descent.

Waiting near the hangar was a black SUV, engine quietly running, lights on low. June leaned against the car, arms crossed, sharp as ever.

As Miles stepped off the aircraft, she straightened up and gave a small smile."Welcome back, boss. Let me drop you home."

Miles returned her smile, his voice calm."Hello, June. You didn’t have to come all the way to pick me up."

She shrugged lightly, opening the passenger door."It’s fine, boss. Figured you’d be tired. Plus, I thought you might enjoy the ride back... it’s been a while."

Miles slid into the seat without argument.

The SUV glided out of the airport gates, merging onto the familiar roads of Star Harbor. Skyscrapers and neon signs blurred past as they moved through the city’s pulse.

The world outside changed block by block, until the traffic faded, and the streets turned quieter, lined with trees and warm lights.

They were nearing Pearl Villa.

The high security gates began to slide open slowly. The vehicle rolled inside, tires crunching softly on the gravel.

Miles stepped out, pulling his luggage from the trunk. The breeze carried the scent of pine and fresh earth from the nearby Maple Forest.

"You should rest for a day, boss," June said, nodding politely.

"Thanks, June. Take care."

June gave a small wave before getting back into the car and driving off into the distance.

Miles stood still for a moment, rolling his shoulders. The villa stood before him in quiet peace. But then—

A faint sound.

"Big brooo!"

He turned quickly.

From the edge of the Maple Forest, two small figures dashed toward him. Hope and Asher, their voices filled with joy and excitement. Behind them, at a slower pace, Elena and Daniel walked side by side, smiles already forming on their faces.

Miles dropped his bag and crouched down just in time to catch the twins as they leapt into his arms. Their laughter echoed across the open lawn.

"We missed you!" Hope squealed.

"You were gone forever!" Asher added, burying his face in Miles’s shoulder.

Miles laughed softly, wrapping them both in a tight embrace. "I missed you too. I brought gifts for you."

The twins gasped in unison, their eyes sparkling with anticipation.

By then, Elena and Daniel had reached him. Elena’s eyes shimmered as she looked at her son, her expression a mixture of relief and pride.

Miles stepped forward. "Mom... I’m back."

"Welcome home, son," Elena whispered, pulling him into a gentle side hug.

Daniel placed a reassuring hand on Miles’s back. "Good to have you back. She was worried, you know."

Miles smiled, glancing at his mother. "I know."

The small family walked together toward the front door. The villa, once quiet, now buzzed with laughter and familiar voices. Miles handed out the souvenirs, each wrapped with care. Hope danced with hers, Asher immediately trying to figure his out. Elena watched them with a soft smile, her hand resting gently in Daniel’s.

Warmth returned to the house like a hear

tbeat resumed.

The prodigal son was home.