My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 356

Chapter 0356 

Maximus felt like the USB drive his nephew had handled lil was burning a hole in his hand. It was a strange sensation. He had noticed the shift in Allen’s demeanor when he gave him the device, and though he didn’t understand why, he knew its contents were important. 

Driving to his new home, Maximus reflected on low efficient Matthew continued to be. The house was already illuminated, with a doorman at the pate, Inside, there was no trace of dust or neglect; everything gleamed, and the place was beginning to feel warm, almost like home. Yet despite its grandeur, it felt as solitary as ever, just like when he was younger. His only real companion remained Emma, his loyal housekeeper. 

He made his way toward the study, USB still in hand, when familiar voice echoed down the hall. 

“Dad? Is that you?” Laura called hesitantly. 

“Laura, my love, what are you doing here?” 

“I was worried about you. You didn’t come home last night either, so I decided to look for you,” Laura said, her eyes searching his face. 

“My girl, I’m sorry for worrying you. It’s just that so much has been happening, and I’m not ready to face your mother right now,” Maximus admitted, a hint of frustration in his voice. 

“Mom hasn’t come home either, and I felt lonely. I thought this was the only place you might go. 

Π 

Laura, despite often feeling sidelined by her father, knew his habits well. She searched everywhere he might be, even briefly considering Audrey. But she’d heard they hadn’t spoken in days, ruling her out. That left only the old Palmer mansion. She asked the driver to take her there, her last hope. 

To her surprise, the mansion was bustling with activity–cleaning crews and gardeners hard at work. She hesitated at first but reminded herself of her reason for coming. Walking inside, she was relieved to see Matthew, whose presence reassured her. 

“Dad, do you mind that I’m here?” Laura asked softly. 

Maximus looked at her and felt a pang in his chest. 

“Of course not, my girl. This is your home–and your brothers‘ too. You know, I’ll be bringing them back soon, and we’ll all live here together. What do you think?” 

Laura’s eyes widened in surprise. 

“What’s brought about this change, Dad?” 

Maximus sighed. “Laura, you’re old enough now, and I can’t hide it from you. Things between your mother and me aren’t going well. I’ve asked the lawyer to start divorce proceedings.” He reached out and gently ran his hand. through her hair. 

“Dad… but what if Mom fights for custody of my brothers? Laura asked, her voice trembling. 

“She’d better not,” Maximus said coldly. “After everything with Lucius, she has no leverage left–only what I choose to give her.” 

Laura studied her father and hesitated before saying, “Dad know you and Lucius don’t get along, but… do you really think he’s Grandfather’s son?” 

Maximus sighed deeply, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry to say that he is. I’ve looked into your mother’s past, and all the evidence confirms it. She deceived us the entire time.” 

1/3 

Chapter 0356 

-25 BONUS 

Laura took a deep breath and sighed. She had no resentment toward Lucius. To her, he was her brother, the one who had always protected her from the stern man standing before her. Before all of this, Lucius had promised to take her with him when she started university. Now, she had no idea what the future held. 

“Laura? Did you eat dinner?” Maximus asked, breaking the tense silence. 

“No, Dad, I didn’t. I was waiting for you in the garden, and wasn’t sure if you’d even let me stay here.” 

“My girl! Come on, let’s head to the kitchen. Matthew told me the pantry’s fully stocked. Let’s see what we can whip up–I have something to tell you.‘ 

Laura was stunned. Of all the scenarios she had imagined, this was not one of them. Here they were, in the old mansion where he had never allowed them to set foot, preparing to make dinner together. She opened the pantry and found a wide variety of ingredients. The quickest option was pasta and a salad, so she started gathering what she needed when Maximus interrupted her. 

“No, daughter, tonight you’re my guest, so I’ll do the cooling this time.” 

“Dad… I can make something…” 

“No! You sit down. I’ll take care of dinner tonight.” 

Laura didn’t recognize this side of her father. For a moment, she wanted to insist, but watching him confidently prep the ingredients for pasta made her feel special. In all her life, she had never seen him so much as step into a kitchen, let alone cook. Yet now be displayed surprising skill 

“Laura, today I met someone very important…” 

Laura froze. Her mind immediately jumped to the idea of a woman. It all made sense–the divorce, the new house, his change in demeanor. 

“His name is Alden…” 

She blinked in surprise. A man? That wasn’t what she had expected. 

“Dad, who is he?” 

“He’s your cousin. It turns out your uncle Peter did have a son. He’s older than you–almost 34.” 

Laura stared at her father in disbelief. She could barely process what he was saying. 

“Where is he now?” she asked curiously. 

*You’ll meet him soon, I hope. He’s the spitting image of your uncle Peter. Honestly, it’s like he’s been reincarnated in this young man.” 

‘Really?” 

“Yes, my girl. I hope to introduce you to him soon. He’s very interested in meeting you and your siblings.”