Chapter 0227

Valerie left without giving Serenity a chance to join her. Her security team was alerted and followed her at a discreet distance. Those tasked with her protection assumed she had errands to run, so they didn’t notify Marcus.

After driving for a while, she arrived at Pizzeria, a café–bar located in an exclusive restaurant district in Westhaven. The place was in plain sight, bustling with people, which helped Valerie feel less tense. If Maximus tried anything, he’d be exposed. A waiter approached the stunning woman, offered her water, and handed her the menu. Without looking, she ordered an Americano and a slice of strawberry cake–she needed to rid herself of the bitter taste in her mouth.

A short while later, the waiter returned with her order. He glanced at her curiously–this beautiful woman was sitting alone, seemingly waiting for someone who might never show up. Eventually, a handsome, mature man dressed in a sleek black suit arrived to join her. The waiter couldn’t help but think they made a striking pair. Despite Valerie’s simple summer dress, her natural elegance made it look as though the outfit had been tailored just for her.

“Mary…” Maximus began, as though trying to string together more words.

Valerie gave him a cold stare, her irritation evident.

“Hello, Maximus Palmer. Here I am. What do you need to talk about?”

Maximus’s eyes fell on the table, where her Americano and the familiar slice of strawberry cake sat. It tugged at his heart–this beautiful woman still clung to those simple pleasures.

“Mary, I don’t want to fight. I just want to talk…” Maximus said, trying to mediate.

*Maximus, all this time I haven’t needed to speak with you about Serenity. What made you think I’d want to now?” Valerie shot back, meeting his gaze.

Inside, Valerie was as nervous as she’d been at eighteen, but she didn’t

me sit down before you

she had changed. Time had been kind to her,

worth the effort anymore. We both realized you didn’t want to be found. The one who suffered the most from your disappearance: was Grandma Catherine.”

listening to yourself? Do you really think I’m still stupid enough to believe you?”

remembered the day his father had nearly taken Serenity, intending never

Mary,

why

steal my daughter. That made your

froze in shock. He’d had no idea his father

As far as I knew, my father decided to stop looking for you. When Grandma Catherine passed away, he went to Nepal. Since then,

do know is that I endured moments of

.25 BONUS

Chanter 0227

relentless and wanted to take my

was in a terrible state. I

her! Your father found out my husband gave her his name, and he lost his mind. He told me, ‘She’s a Palmer, not a

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