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.” “What? I’ll need to review that first-” I “No,” Marcus interrupted calmly. “To my knowledge don’t need your approval. As the majority shareholder, I can authorize this myself.” +25 BONUS Chapter 0158 “Fine,” Maximus said, letting it go. “Do as you wish. “Impressive. You’ve started addressing me informally already,” Marcus said with a sly smile. “I’ll return the favor, Maximus. Makes things simpler, doesn’t it? After all, I’m only three years older than you “Fine. So, besides rewarding your staff, what else do you want?” “Well,” Marcus said, leaning back with a smirk, “I’ve decided to return to Valentia, and I believe it’s time for 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.” “Are you joking? You’re one of the richest men in Hesperia. Don’t tell me you’re unemployed,” Maximus replied with a sharp edge. “Ah, that’s just my hobby,” Marcus replied casually. I like diversifying my income streams. But this company? It’s my family’s legacy. It’s time I return to it.” “What exactly do you want to do here?” Maximus asked sarcastically. “I doubt you’re qualified for anything.” Matthew stiffened at the jab but remained silent, though Marcus merely chuckled and replied, ” Maximus, surely that’s a joke, right?” “Good, then. What position are you after?” “I’m interested in two departments–finance or sales. Either one suits me,” Marcus said, feigning ignorance about the fact that both were under Alexia Levett’s control. “Well, I’ll need to review your credentials. We don’t just hand out roles here.” “Come now, Maximus,” Marcus said with a sly grin. “If Alexia could manage these departments, surely I can too. I’d be happy to ensure no funds are being funneled out of the company. That was enough to snap Maximus’s patience. Slamming a hand on the table and pointing at Marcus with the other, he shouted, “Enough! Stop with this nonsense. You know it!” got me by the balls, and we both As Maximus erupted, Marcus’s bodyguards outside the boardroom instantly reacted, Red laser dots appeared on Maximus’s chest and head, causing a shiver to run down his spine as he realized what was happening. Marcus remained unbothered, calmly sipping his coffee as Frederick whispered an order into his radio. “Maximus,” Marcus began, his voice calm but firm, “there’s no need to raise your voice. Yes, I have leverage over you, but if 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 life, Maximus. But I do want to be part of my family’s legacy.” He turned to Frederick “Tell the team to stop being rude. No need to aim at Mr. Palmer; we’re just having a professional conversation.” #25 BONUS Chapter 0158. Frederick relayed the command, and the lasers disappeared. Maximus, pale and shaken, sat back down. “My apologies,” Marcus continued. “But surely you understand my precautions. My entire family was murdered, and I barely survived. I don’t take risks anymore.” “I understand,” Maximus replied tightly, though he was still rattled. “But let’s avoid such situations in the future.” “Of course,” Marcus replied smoothly. “Now, let me know by Monday. Also, my wife runs a small jewelry business in Hesperia, and she’s planning to expand to Valentia. I’d like your marketing department to assist her.” Frederick handed Maximusja sleck folder containing the details. “I’ll pass this to the marketing director,” Maximus replied. “Anything else?” “Yes,” Marcus said, standing. “You now know I live in Westhaven. My address, phone, and email are in the folder. No need to investigate me further. I’d also like to invite you and your wife to dinner tonight. It’ll save you the trouble of snooping into my family–something I don’t tolerate lightly. Maximus froze, realizing Marcus knew he’d been investigating him. “Where do you want to meet?” Maximus asked, trying to mask his unease. “It’s already reserved. 8:00 p.m. at the St. Regis Eternia, in the bar area.” As Marcus left the boardroom, he turned back with a grin. “See you tonight. My wife’s waiting–time to buy some furniture. We’re still sleeping on the floor.” Maximus slumped back into his chair, shaken, while Matthew looked at him with concern. “This man…” Matthew began, but Maximus cut him off. “I know.” Ch