My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 312

Chapter 0312 

[Hesperia, 15 Years Ago] 

+25 BONUS 

Following his failed attempt to bring Peter’s daughter back to Valentia, Leonardo had no choice but to face his mother. Catherine had summoned him, demanding he visit her as soon as he returned. What she didn’t know was that Leonardo’s supposed retreats to Nepal lasted only a week; he spent the rest of his time traveling the world, escaping his responsibilities and, perhaps, his guilt. 

When Leonardo arrived at the Palmer estate, Catherine noticed immediately that he seemed more jovial and talkative than usual. While the change in demeanor was unusual, she attributed it to a possible romance. Knowing her son and grandsons as well as she did, Catherine guessed Leonardo might be seeing someone. The idea pleased her. Her son had been alone for years, and the thought of him rebuilding his life with someone who loved him. brought her a measure of hope. 

But fate had other plans for Catherine’s peace of mind. 

One day, as she moved about the estate, Catherine overheard a conversation in Leonardo’s study. At first, it sounded innocuous–just an ordinary phone call. But the tone and context soon triggered her suspicions. The voice on the other end was familiar, and the things Leonardo said made Catherine’s heart race with dread. 

‘It can’t be true,‘ she told herself, though doubts gnawed at her mind. Her son would never do something so heinous. He loved his wife and children too much. “Would he?” she wondered, her thoughts spiraling into dark possibilities. 

“Catherine, you’re getting paranoid in your old age. Your imagination is running wild,” she muttered aloud. But her instincts refused to let the matter go. She hired someone to follow Leonardo discreetly. 

What she uncovered left her speechless. 

Alexia Levett–the same woman married to her grandson, Maximus–was involved in an illicit affair with both Leonardo and Lucius. Catherine couldn’t determine when the sordid relationship began, but one thing was certain: while Maximus had been divorcing Mary under the pretense of expecting a child, the truth was murkier. Catherine wasn’t convinced the child Alexia carried was Maximus’s. In her heart, she feared it might be 

Leonardo’s. 

The formidable matriarch, known for her strength and resilience, crumbled under the weight of the discovery. Confronting her son seemed impossible. What could she say? ‘Leonardo, I know you’re sleeping with Alexia Levett. She’s your son’s wife. The words stuck in her throat every time she rehearsed them. 

Her distress caused her to retreat from the family, appearing at gatherings only out of obligation. At the funeral of Albert Preston, she forced a cordial demeanor, masking herinner turmoil. Peter’s death deepened her despair, leaving her frail and weary of life. She no longer had the strength to fight. 

One fateful day, Leonardo visited his ailing mother. He entered her room with an air of sorrow, guilt etched into 

his face. 

“I found Mary,” he began, his voice low. “But she doesn’t want to return to Valentia.” 

This was a lie. Leonardo had never asked Mary. 

“She’s married now–to Marcus Bartz. Can you believe it? That bastard gave her his name. Oh, and by the way, he said his debt to you is settled. I don’t understand what he meant by that,” Leonardo added, feigning confusion. 

What did you do, Leonardo?” Catherine asked weakly, her voice heavy with exhaustion. 

“I only wanted to bring Peter’s daughter back to this house he replied, attempting to sound conciliatory. 

Chapter 0312 

+25 BONUS 

“Leonardo… before you try to bring anyone back… you should… you should…” Catherine struggled to form her thoughts, her breathing labored. “You should be honest with yourself.” 

“What are you trying to say, Mother?” Leonardo asked cautiously.