My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus) novel Chapter 96

Chapter 0096 

Leonard and Maximus sat in stunned silence as Catherine warmly embraced the imposing figure of Marcus Bartz. The mysterious man who had just entered the room carried himself with quiet authority, but his connection to their family remained a puzzle. 

“Peter, I’ll admit, I doubted when Grandma said you’d be at this meeting,” Marcus said casually. 

“Marcus! It’s a wonderful surprise to see you again, brother,” Peter replied, his tone familiar and warm. “Brother?” Catherine interjected, her curiosity piqued “How exactly do you two know each other?” 

“We met at a hospital,” Marcus began. 

“I think we should move to the conference room,” Peter interrupted quickly. 

“Yes, you’re right,” Catherine agreed, taking charge. “Now that we’re all here, let’s begin. Marcus, my dear, I need only the five of us and Frederick in the room. Would you mind asking your security to wait outside?” 

“Of course,” Marcus turned to his guards. “Please wait here. If I need you, I’ll let you know.” 

With security stationed outside, the group moved into the expansive conference room. Catherine took the head seat at the table, flanked by Leonard and Maximus on one side and Marcus and Peter on the other. Marcus and Peter conversed like old friends, discussing business ventures and investments, with Peter recounting their meeting in New York. It was clear they’d maintained contact for some time. 

Maximus and Leonard exchanged uneasy glances, baffled by the unexpected camaraderie. They couldn’t fathom Marcus’s connection to the Palmers or why he was here. 

“Let’s begin,” Catherine announced, her tone commanding 

“Mom,” Leonard said, breaking the silence. “What’s so important that you had to bring us all here?” 

“First, let me remind you all that Palmer Group is a family business built on years of hard work and respectability. We’ve always avoided scandals to maintain our reputation. 

“Unfortunately, yesterday we became fodder for the tabloids. While I find such violations of privacy infuriating, the offending magazine and TV network have already received lawsuits worth billions. They’ll think twice before crossing the Palmer family again. 

“That said, the subject of the gossip was the announcement of my grandson Maximus’s impending fatherhood. Congratulations, Maximus. I haven’t had the chance to say that amidst all the chaos.” 

Maximus froze under her icy tone, knowing there was no warmth in her congratulations. 

“However,” Catherine continued, “I must be honest I don’t approve of the woman you’ve chosen as your partner. Despite my wishes, I won’t force you to stay with Mary Preston. To ensure the divorce proceeds quickly and smoothly, I will assign one of our family lawyers to handle it. Ideally, you and Mary won’t have to see each other again. 

and that b 

“There’s no need to transfer properties or money to her. me to the most critical matter of this meeting.” 

13 

+25 BORUS 

Maximus shifted uncomfortably. The room fell silent, waiting for her to continue. 

“I won’t strip you of the Palmer name, Maximus. I’m not that heartless. But know this: your future wife will never touch a single cent of this family’s fortune if she wants wealth, it will come solely from what you personally earn, not from our legacy.” 

Catherine’s declaration left the room stunned. Marcus who had listened quietly until now, leaned back In his chair, unsure how lie fit into the unfolding drama. 

“Marcus,” Catherine sald, addressing him directly, “you must be wondering why you’re here and why I summoned you all the way back to Valentia. Let me explain.” 

She stood, her commanding presence filling the room, 

“The Palmer Conglomerate didn’t begin with us. It was founded through a partnership between the Palmers, the Bartzs, and the Prestons. 

“In the 1940s, during the instability of war, our families faced immense hardship. My grandparents, like Marcus’s, suffered famine and poverty. Janus Preston, a Hesperian immigrant in our community, took it upon himself to share what little he had. He always ensured that my family and Marcus’s had food on the table when no one else would help us. 

“Over time, Janus expanded his business and employed both the Palmers and the Bartzs in his shop. Together, with their pooled savings, they turned a modest store into a thriving enterprise. As the business grew, the three families expanded into retail, jewelry, and eventually communications, forming what became the Palmer Conglomerate. 

“But our bond was tested when Lawrence Palmer–Maximus’s grandfather–mismanaged the company and dissolved the partnership. The Bartzs and the Prestons bore the brunt of his failures. Worse still, Frank Levett–Alexia’s father–embezzled millions during this time, nearly bankrupting us. The Prestons sold their shares to save us from collapse, while Lawrence fled with his mistress, Electra Levett, leaving me to pick up the pieces. 

“Marcus, your grandfather, Peter Bartz, entrusted me with his 34% stake in the company. He believed 1 would protect it better than my husband. His condition was clear: I had to return the shares only to a Bartz worthy of their name. 

“That’s why you’re here, Marcus. I’ve watched you rebuild your life after the tragedy that took your family. You’ve honored the Bartz legacy, and I’m proud of what you’ve achieved. If your grandfather could see you now, he’d be just as proud.” 

Catherine paused to let her words sink in before continuing. 

“Now, let’s do the math. Mary will receive 33% of the company as compensation for everything she’s endured. The remaining 34% will return to you, Marcus.