My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 221

Chapter 0221 

+25 BONUS 

[Present day in Westhaven, Valentia] 

Valerie rested in Marcus’s arms. She hadn’t been able to relax since he left the house, her mind racing with worry. Why had he rushed out so abruptly? Now that he was back, things were clearer, but her anxiety hadn’t subsided. The thought of telling her daughter that she was part of the Palmer family filled her with dread. To Valerie, Serenity was a Bartz, and nothing could change that. Yet the real fear gnawed at her–the possibility of a truth being revealed that only she knew. 

“Valerie, my love,” Marcus said softly, “come on, let’s sleep. It’s almost dawn. Whatever happens will happen, but for now, I don’t want you to worry. Serenity is a smart, sensible young woman. She’s mature–she’ll understand what you tell her. But you have to talk to her.” 

“I know, Marcus,” Valerie murmured. “It’s just… the thought of telling her she’s the daughter of a Palmer terrifies me.” 

“We knew that coming here, this was bound to happen sooner or later. Come on, let’s get some rest. Worrying now won’t help anything. In the morning, we’ll figure out the best way to tell her the truth.” 

“Marcus… thank you for loving us and taking care of us all this time. You know I love you, right?” 

“I know, my love. I love all three of you. You’re my life,” Marcus said, kissing her gently. 

Valerie eventually drifted off to sleep in Marcus’s warm embrace. But Marcus couldn’t sleep. Seeing Maximus again had rested every ounce of his patience and self–control. He’d resisted the urge to beat the man senseless, but the memory of everything Maximus had done to Valerie still burned in his mind. It fueled a deep desire to exact the same vengeance he had unleashed on those who’d murdered his family. 

[Hesperia, nearly 18 Years Agol 

A month into their relationship, Valerie was getting used to Marcus’s constant gestures of affection. He spared no effort in showering her with attention–breakfasts, dinners, trips–but she didn’t want to let Serenity get too accustomed to a luxurious lifestyle. Valerie’s world was simple, and she intended to keep it that way. She had managed to get by on her own for a long time, and if she ever had to do it again, she wanted Serenity to be prepared, not spoiled by comforts she couldn’t provide alone. 

Meanwhile, Marcus was facing a difficult decision. He didn’t want to take his usual month–long trip to Valentia this time, but postponing it wasn’t an option. Everyone at the company knew that once a year, their boss traveled to the beautiful country, stayed for a month, and returned. Many of their operations in Hesperia depended on this trip, especially the buying and selling of minerals and precious metals. 

In the past, Peter had handled all these dealings–and other, less legitimate activities–but since his death, Marcus had taken on the full burden. He hadn’t yet found someone he trusted enough to delegate these more delicate matters, especially those involving Frank Levett, whom he would be meeting on this trip. 

“Frederick, what’s been going on with Frank Levett these past years?” Marcus asked during a late–night meeting- 

“Sir, after you… let’s say discouraged him by nearly ruining his hand, Mr. Levett disappeared for a long time to Switzerland. But the union between his granddaughter and Maximus restored the Levett family’s power- specifically to Frank. You know how it works; the parents are just a front. The real danger comes from the old man and the granddaughter.” 

“He’s not a judge anymore, right?” 

“Correct. Remember, we discovered that during Peter’s time, he was already losing favor in the courts. He put on a good show of authority, but internally, he was on shaky ground with his superiors. His grandson–in–law’s 

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+25 BONUS 

Chapter 0221 

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