My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 894

Katherine was nothing like the woman Alden had grown up with.

The tired, worn-out mother he remembered no longer existed.

Now, she was radiant—her once fiery red hair replaced with sleek, golden blonde waves. Her face was smooth, free of any visible signs of aging. Whether it was creams, surgery, or something else, Alden didn't ask.

All he knew was that his mother looked stunning.

"Oh! That reminds me," Katherine said with effortless grace, taking a sip of her drink. "Alden, darling, would you accompany me to the car later? I brought a few small gifts for everyone. Nothing extravagant, just little things made with love."

Celeste listened, her stomach twisting into knots.

She didn’t understand why, but the moment Katherine spoke, she felt completely inadequate.

She knew there was no comparison.

Katherine was a woman from a different world—one she could never match.

"Mom, you shouldn’t have gone to the trouble," Alden said with a smile. "Let me guess… they’re your designs?"

His mother chuckled, a soft, knowing laugh.

"You know me too well. The moment you invited me, I got to work."

"My mother is an expert in precious stones," Alden explained to the room. "These days, she buys and sells high-quality gems, but she also designs custom jewelry from time to time.

"I’m guessing this was one of those times."

"Hush, Alden," Katherine scolded playfully. "It’s supposed to be a surprise. They’re just small gifts—nothing like what you’re probably used to."

As the conversation continued, Alden had already poured Katherine a drink. She had a strong preference for bold, bitter flavors and absolutely despised anything fruity or overly sweet.

Meanwhile, Katherine studied Serenity carefully. She didn’t know the entire story, but she did know that this girl was the daughter of the woman Peter had left her for all those years ago.

There was no denying it—Serenity was beautiful.

But then again, Maximus was an exceptional man.

Even with the years, he had aged remarkably well.

Now, all that was left was to meet the mother—though, if she had to guess, she imagined she must be just as stunning.