My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 700

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Chapter 0700 

Once they had shaken off the paparazzi, Anthony and Marcus arrived at a residence belonging to the Moriarty family. Vincent Moriarty was already waiting for them. The older man embraced Marcus warmly as soon as he saw 

him. 

“I can’t tell you how happy it makes me to know there’s still a Bartz left!” 

“Actually, there are six of us now–my wife and our four children.” 

“I know, I know! But from the generation I knew, you’re the last one…” Vincent said, his eyes brimming with 

tears. 

“You know me?” 

“Of course! I worked with your grandfather Peter for a time. He was a good man–helped us immensely during hard times. My grandparents always spoke fondly of your family. The Bartzs and the Moriartys have been friends for many, many years. 

“The problem was the Palmers. They came along, and their ambition consumed everything.” 

“What do you mean, ‘the Palmers came along‘? Weren’t they originally from Valeria, Florentia, and the surrounding areas?” 

“Marcus, it seems you only know half the story. The Palmers, originally wanderers didn’t originally belong anywhere. Your grandparents took them in. In fact, it was your grandparents who founded the Bartz & Associates group, along with the Preston family, good–hearted people who helped everyone. 

“But in the end, the Palmers‘ ambition took over, and now they’re a powerful, renowned family.” 

“Well, well,” Vincent sighed, “there’s no point in dwelling on the past. Someone else wants to meet you. His name is Magnus Evans. You probably don’t know him either, but he’s the real father of Maximus Palmer, and-” 

Vincent stopped abruptly as Magnus touched his arm, signaling him to stop. Vincent had already said too much; their focus needed to be on the future, not the past. 

“Marcus, can we talk?” Anthony Moriarty interjected, gesturing toward a study. 

“What’s going on?” 

“Come inside and close the door.” 

Marcus did as Anthony asked, sitting down across from him. It was the first time in years that Marcus found himself in such a situation, unsure of what was to come. 

“Marcus,” Anthony began, “I know full well that you’re responsible for what happened to all those men who died. I also know that Frank Levett’s demise was orchestrated by you and Peter Palmer. I’m not an idiot. 

“I have eyes and ears everywhere. I’m risking a lot to clear your name because my family owes yours a great debt. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be consequences. My father has tasked me with restoring the reputation of the Bartz family, and I’ll do it–it’ll take time, but I’ll get it done. However, I need something from you in return. 

“You, your wife, and your four children–all six of you–must leave Valentia and not return. The less time you spend here, the better. My family has worked hard to reach the position we’re in, and I won’t let you drag us into something we have no stake in.” 

“You’re asking me to leave the country?” 

“Exactly. I know your wife isn’t well, but you have the means and resources to get her the best care in Hesperia. 

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Chapter 0700 

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You’ve lived a good life there before–go back. Let me do my job and close this chapter properly. I’m not saying you’re unwelcome in Valentia, but if I ever have to choose between the Bartzs and the Moriartys, I won’t choose you.” 

[Present Day]