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?”

business built on years of hard work and respectability. We’ve always avoided

privacy infuriating, the offending magazine and TV network have already

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

tone, knowing there was no warmth in her congratulations.

Preston. To ensure the divorce proceeds quickly and smoothly, I will assign one of our family lawyers to handle

and that b

properties or money to her. me

13

+25 BORUS

The room fell silent,

But know this: your future wife will never touch a single cent of this family’s fortune

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

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

her commanding presence filling

didn’t begin with us. It was founded through a

a Hesperian immigrant in our community, took it upon himself to

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

failures. Worse still, Frank Levett–Alexia’s father–embezzled millions during this time, nearly

it better than my husband.

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

paused to let her words sink in