My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Chapter 0158

Maximus had been notified of Marcus Bartz’s arrival. The last time they had seen each other, they had nearly come to blows, stopped only by Matthew’s intervention. Today, Marcus’s appearance was calculated–dressed entirely in black, exuding an air of power and menace. But hearing of his arrival made Maximus’s tie feel suffocating.

After downing a quick glass of whiskey, Maximus made his way to the boardroom. He was bracing himself to face a man who had been gone for over two decades but had suddenly returned, buying a massive, luxurious home. Clearly, Marcus was here to stay.

“Mr. Bartz, please take a seat. Mr. Palmer should be here shortly,” Matthew said, gesturing to a chair near the CEO’s seat.

“I’m already here,” came Maximus’s deep voice from the doorway.

Marcus turned, and his piercing gaze fell on the remnants of the man Maximus had once been. Time had not been kind. Though still somewhat attractive, Maximus’s face bore the marks of age–deep lines under his eyes, streaks of gray in his thick beard and long hair, and dark, tired circles beneath his eyes.

The vibrant, confident man Marcus had once envied was long gone. Inside, Marcus smirked. He’d always worried about Valerie seeing Maximus again her first love–but now, he realized there was nothing to fear. The man in front of him was a shadow of his former self, further marred by his reputation as a “cradle robber.”

“Mr. Palmer! What a pleasure to see you again,” Marcus said cheerfully, stepping forward to shake his

hand.

Maximus was taken aback. The Marcus he remembered was a cranky, cane–wielding old man. Now, this confident figure looked rejuvenated, standing tall and imposing with an enigmatic, almost charming smile that felt laced with danger.

“Mr. Bartz,” Maximus said cautiously. “I see you’re stunned. I’ll give you a moment to recognize me. Twenty years is a long time.”

“Hello, Mr. Bartz. You’re right. Please, take a seat. Lets get straight to the point–I’m sure neither of us wants to waste time.”

“Exactly. That’s what I like about you, Maximus. Straight to the point,” Marcus replied as he took hist seat, his tone deceptively friendly.

“And so? What brings you here?”

“Well, this isn’t a courtesy visit, that’s for sure. First, I’ve reviewed all the reports your team has sent me. I’m very impressed and would like to authorize a bonus for everyone handling my accounts.”

need to

I

approval. As the

+25 BONUS

Chapter 0158

letting it go. “Do

return the favor, Maximus. Makes things simpler, doesn’t it?

you

rewarding your staff, what else

me to take a role within the company. It’s been too long, and I’ve spent enough time being lazy. I have a family to support, after all.” His grin widened, “Not as big as yours, but someone’s got to bring home the bread.”

joking? You’re one of the richest men in Hesperia. Don’t tell me you’re unemployed,”

income streams.

to do here?” Maximus asked sarcastically.

at the jab but remained silent, though Marcus merely chuckled and replied, ” Maximus, surely that’s

position

suits me,” Marcus said, feigning ignorance about

I’ll need to review your credentials. We don’t just hand out

could manage these departments, surely I can too. I’d

patience. Slamming a hand on the table and pointing at Marcus with the other,

know it!”

by the balls,

reacted, Red laser dots appeared on Maximus’s chest and head, causing a shiver to run

unbothered, calmly sipping his coffee as Frederick whispered an order into

I wanted to, I could take your position and your head. Your poor decisions would make it easy. But I don’t want that. I want a manageable job, a steady schedule, weekends free to spend with my family. I don’t want your

“Tell the team to stop being rude. No need to aim at Mr. Palmer; we’re just

#25 BONUS