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

privacy infuriating, the offending magazine and TV network

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.”

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

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

and that b

to transfer properties or money to her.

13

+25 BORUS

The room fell silent, waiting for her

wife will never touch a single cent of this family’s fortune if she wants wealth, it will come solely

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

you’re here and why I summoned you all the way back to Valentia. Let me

presence filling the room,

through a partnership between the

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

savings, they turned a modest store into a thriving enterprise. As the

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

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

honored the Bartz legacy, and I’m proud of what

paused to let her words sink