Chapter 0114
Chapter 0114
Frank Levett was an unyielding judge, whose reputation over the years had become untouchable. Considered an exemplary citizen, his opinions carried weight both professionally and personally.
Alexia’s parents, who for years had been passive observers of their daughter’s relationship with Maximus Palmer, were eager to meet him after hearing through the media that their daughter had finally secured one of the wealthiest men in Valeria.
Lucia Sands and Frank Levett Jr. asked Alexia to arrange a meeting with her future fiancé. Thrilled, Alexia organized a dinner at an upscale restaurant in Valeria, Joining them would be Frank Levett Sr., while on Maximus’s side, he would be attending alone since Leonard was away on business.
That evening, Maximus felt very alone. He donned his usual cold and businesslike demeanor to conceal his unease.
“Alexia, Maximus! I’m so glad to see you both!” exclaimed Lucia upon arriving at the restaurant and spotting the couple already seated.
“Mom! How was the flight?” Alexia asked, trying to break the ice.
“Good, good. Your father is outside waiting for your grandfather, who should be arriving shortly. Maximus, didn’t anyone from your family join you?” Lucia asked with a concerned expression.
“Hello, Lucia. No, my father is traveling, and my grandmother is too old for sudden trips,” Maximus replied, lying smoothly.
“I understand, I understand. There will be time to meet everyone later. And of course, everyone already knows Judge Levett. He was insistent that we arrange this dinner,” Lucia added, trying to justify the sudden meeting-
“Grandpa, Dad!” Alexia called out excitedly, tugging on Maximus’s arm.
Anyone watching the 32–year–old would have thought she was a spoiled teenager delighted to get her
way.
“My beautiful granddaughter! How are you? I don’t see any sign of a baby bump yet. We must hurry with the wedding; I don’t want the tabloids spreading rumors about a shotgun marriage,” Frank Levett Sr. remarked coldly, fixing his gaze on Maximus.
“Grandpa, please! Don’t start with those inappropriate comments,” Alexia replied, feigning annoyance. She knew this exchange was part of a carefully rehearsed scene between her and her grandfather.
“Judge Levett,” Maximus said, his tone sharp with frustration, “I think the wedding date is a decision for Alexia and me alone. No one else’s opinion matters What matters is that I love your granddaughter and intend to take responsibility for my son, as a Palmer should.”
“Maximus, there’s no need to take it that way. My father is just protective of his only granddaughter. I’m sure you’ll do what’s right, and yes, the date is your decision. Whatever support you need, we’re here for you,” said Frank Levett Jr., his tone more conciliatory.
Frank Jr., more rational than his father, had inherited his mother’s temperament. The judge’s domineering nature, however, had skipped him and landed squarely on Alexia, who was her
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Chapter 0114
grandfather’s pride and joy.
“Alright, alright. Let’s sit down and enjoy dinner as the family we’re about to becorne,” Lucia interjected, trying to lighten the mood.
“Well, Maximus, I saw a statement your grandmother gave a few weeks ago in the finance section. She declared that she’s returning shares of the Palmer company to their rightful families. How does that affect you?” Judge Levett asked directly.
“Yes, my grandmother made that statement, and It’s accurate. However, I don’t like discussing business matters during dinner. If you’d like, I can send you my financial statements later to prove that I can provide for your granddaughter, regardless of company changes,” Maximus replied curtly.
“Maximus, don’t take it the wrong way. I know my granddaughter won’t lack for anything with you. I just wanted to ask if you needed help reclaiming what rightfully belongs to your family,” the judge said smoothly.
“That’s not my decision to make. My grandmother decided, and I must respect her choice,” Maximus answered, clearly wanting to end the conversation.
“Alexia, dear, how far along are you now?” Lucia asked, noticing Maximus’s irritation.
“The baby is about 12 weeks along,” Alexia replied proudly.
“Congratulations, sweetheart! You’ve passed the hardest part. Now you just need to enjoy the rest of this journey–it goes by so quickly. Congratulations, Maximus! This will be the family’s first grandchild, won’t it?”
“Yes, that’s correct, Mrs. Lucia.”
“Well, enjoy this new phase of your lives. Having a baby changes everything for the better, especially now that neither of you are so
young anymore,” Lucia teased with a light laugh.
After everyone ordered their meals and drinks, the dinner proceeded peacefully until a phone rang.
please continue eating. I need to take this call,” Judge Levett said, excusing himself from
“Excuse me,
the table.
He walked to an empty lounge for privacy.
“Tell me, have you found anything?”
“Yes, sir, but I need to share it with you in person.”
“Alright, I’m at a restaurant with my family. I’ll send you the address. Meet me here. I’ll excuse myself from the dinner and come out to meet you.”
“Understood, sir.”
Judge Levett returned to the table, apologized for having to leave early due to an urgent matter at the courthouse, and left the restaurant. He waited in his car until his informant arrived.
“Sir, I’ve uncovered information about Albert Preston and his children. You’ll be surprised by what this trio is hiding,” the investigator said, handing over a folder and a USB drive.
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Chapter 0114
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