My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

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?”

that Palmer Group is a family business built on years of hard work and respectability. We’ve always avoided scandals to maintain our reputation.

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

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

icy tone, knowing there was

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

and that b

money to her.

13

+25 BORUS

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

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

Marcus who had listened quietly until now, leaned back In his chair, unsure how lie fit

addressing him directly, “you must be wondering why you’re here and why I

her commanding presence

us. It was founded through a partnership between

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

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

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,

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:

You’ve honored the Bartz legacy, and I’m proud of

let her words sink