My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 253

Chapter 0253 

+35 BONUS 

Maximus had to step behind Alexia and place his hands firmly on her shoulders, exerting, just enough pressure to signal that she needed to calm down and keep quiet. Alexia visibly seething, restrained herself, biting her tongue for the time being. She resolved to confront her husband in private later. Meanwhile, Lucius tried to piece together what this man, Marcus Bartz, truly intended. Not knowing the full story between Marcus and his family, Lucius knew he had to tread carefully, avoiding drawing suspicion from either his father or Bartz. 

After the meeting concluded, Marcus was escorted to his new office by the same nervous secretary who had greeted him earlier. 

“Mr. Bartz, this will be your office. If there’s anything you’re not happy with, let me know, and I’ll arrange for adjustments to be made,” she said, her voice quivering slightly. 

“What’s your name?” Marcus asked, looking at her directly 

“Greta, sir. 

“Well, Greta, this place is in dire need of a makeover. These colors aren’t to my liking at all,” Marcus remarked, surveying the office with a faint scowl. 

The room, once Alexia’s, was decorated in aggressive shades of red and black–bold and confrontational, a reflection of her personality. For Marcus, it was utterly distasteful. He preferred subdued tones and understated elegance. 

“Understood, sir. I’ll notify the remodeling team immediately,” Greta replied, practically bolting out of the office. 

Once the door shut behind her, Marcus walked to the large window overlooking the city. He knew better than to trust his new workspace. There could be cameras or microphones hidden anywhere, and he couldn’t afford to let his guard down. 

“Alright, my friend,” Marcus said to Frederick, subtly signaling caution with a small gesture. “Where do we start?” 

“I think we should begin by reviewing the financial records from the last five years, along with the latest reports for this year,” Frederick suggested, catching on to Marcus’s caution. 

“Sounds good. I trust you’ll handle this with your usual expertise. You know these things aren’t my favorite,” Marcus replied, carefully crafting his words as if expecting eavesdroppers. 

As the two continued their conversation, Marcus’s phone lit up with a message from an unknown number. He glanced at the screen and immediately understood who it was. 

[Meet me on the helipad terrace in 5 minutes.) 

Marcus slipped the phone into his pocket, maintaining his composure. 

“Frederick, I’m going to step out for some fresh air. It’s been a long day already. I’ll be back in about 15 minutes. If the remodeling team arrives, have them clear everything out. Order the usual furniture from my preferred supplier–you know my tastes,” Marcus said casually. 

“Gray and black it is,” Frederick replied with a small smile, turning his attention to the documents spread on the desk while dialing Greta for instructions. 

On his way out, Marcus passed by Greta again. She looked up, her curiosity getting the better of her. 

Chapter 0253 

“Sir, the helipad is up that way,” she pointed, hesitantly. 

+25 BONUS 

“Exactly, Greta. I’m heading to the terrace. I’ve already given Frederick instructions about the office,” Marcus replied with a faint smile, leaving her no time to argue. 

Within minutes, Marcus stepped onto the terrace. A young man, no older than 20, was waiting for him. During the meeting, he had been in a sharp sult. Now, he was dressed down, his tie and jacket discarded, and the sleeves of his shirt rolled up. He was smoking a cigarette. 

“Lucius,” Marcus greeted, his voice calm but firm. 

“Mr. Bartz. What a surprise to see you up here,” Lucius replied, feigning casualness. 

“More surprising that you’re not in London. Who’s managing your businesses there?” Marcus asked, his tone serious. 

“Everything’s running smoothly. I don’t need anyone else to look after my assets,” Lucius responded flatly. “But tell me what are you doing here? What are you planning with my family?” 

“Lucius, we know each other, but not well enough to be having that kind of conversation,” Marcus replied coolly. 

“Maybe not, but your presence here worries me. My father might be an idiot, but you.. you’re a different story. I don’t know what you’re up to, but I’m asking you–leave my siblings out of it. They don’t deserve to suffer for the family we were born into,” Lucius said, exhaling a trail of smoke. 

“You know me, Lucius. I have principles–unlike your family. I don’t go after children. That’s not my style. But keep your sister out of this office, or she might end up caught in the crossfire,” Marcus warned, his gaze sharp enough to send a chill down Lucius’s spine. 

“She’s innocent in all of this. My parents don’t even care about her. I plan to take her to London with me,” Lucius said, trying to shield Laura from whatever storm was brewing 

“Good. She doesn’t seem like trouble. Quiet girl. But with the Palmers and the Levetts, you can never be too sure.” 

“I don’t owe you anything, Marcus. I already repaid my debit when you helped me in New York. We’re even. All I ask is that my siblings aren’t left defenseless. As for my parents? I couldn’t care less. Now, tell me what’s your connection to my cousin?” 

Marcus smirked. It was obvious that Lucius was out of the loop on many aspects of his family’s tangled history. ‘Serenity is my daughter. She’s your uncle Peter’s child, and her mother is my wife. I’ve raised her as my own. Now your father wants to recognize her as a Palmer,” Marchs stated bluntly.