25 BONUS

Chapter 0162

Maximus stood frozen, overwhelmed by the sight of Valerie–Mary. She was no longer the girl he remembered but a confident, elegant woman. The years had shaped her into someone radiant, and seeing her again stirred memories he had buried deep. The last image he had of her was etched in his mind: her tear–streaked face, devastated after Peter’s death. Back then, for the first time, he had toyed with the idea of breaking off his engagement to Alexia.

“Mr. Palmer, are you still with us?” Marcus’s voice cut through his reverie, sharp and tinged with jealousy. He could see Maximus’s gaze lingering too long on Valerie, and it stoked a flicker of possessiveness.

“Oh, yes, forgive me,” Maximus said, snapping out of it. “I’m just… surprised. Mary, I didn’t expect to see you in such… esteemed company.”

“Maximus,” Valerie replied coolly, “he’s not just my company. Marcus is my husband. We’ve been married for fifteen years.

The word husband felt like a blow to Maximus’s chest, sending heat coursing through his body. It wasn’t love; it was anger–anger at how easily she seemed to have moved on. How could she have forgotten Peter so quickly? And worse, how could she have married Marcus, Peter’s best friend? And what of him- Maximus? Did he mean nothing to her? The questions stormed through his mind as he stared at her, lost in a mix of resentment and longing

“Yes… I can see that. So, it’s been quite a long time,” he said, his tone neutral, though his eyes betrayed

his turmoil.

“That’s right, Mr. Palmer,” Marcus interjected smoothly, his expression calm but deliberate. “Does our story seem so unbelievable to you?”

elaborate ruse. He couldn’t fathom that she would so thoroughly abandon her past. Surely, it

Hesperia

“It’s been twenty years. Marcus and I lost touch for a while, but

“Serenity? My niece’s

“Serenity Bartz Hunter. She’s brilliant with business, just like

her father are exceptional at what they do. They manage my

Maximus said, trying

told me your marketing team could assist

the process and connect

Chapter 0162

+25 BONUS

Thank

a polite nod.

affectionate as he said, “She’s being modest, of course. Valerie

exaggerating!” Valerie

not,” Marcus countered. “She graduated with honors, and her work ethic is unmatched. Her designs

the better of him. “You

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255