Chapter 0329

Chapter 0329

Marcus had dropped Serenity off at home and immediately called Frederick, desperate for any news about Valerie. His guilt was consuming him–he knew he’d failed her. He should have stayed by her side, should have defended her rather than letting his anger and jealousy take over. He understood why she’d left that wretched place; she’d only faced rejection and hostility there. But his actions, bom of frustration and wounded pride, had only made everything worse.

Frederick’s update came quickly–he had pinpointed Valerie’s location. Marcus hadn’t expected to find the place closed, but with a few bribes, the security guards allowed him in. He intended to speak to her calmly, to explain how his jealousy had blinded him. Yes, he was angry about her secrecy regarding Serenity’s true parentage, but ultimately, Serenity was their daughter, and that was what mattered most. They were adults–they could work through this.

Marcus had mentally prepared himself for the possibility of finding Valerie distraught, even furious. He was ready to apologize and work through their issues, convinced there was still a path to reconciliation. If she’d kept this secret for so long, there must have been a good reason, especially given the danger the Palmers posed even now.

But when he saw her at a distance, his resolve crumbled.

There she was–his Valerie–embracing Maximus. Marcus froze, heat rushing through his body as anger surged like a storm. His jaw tightened, his shoulders tensed, and his fists clenched at his sides. The sight of them, both in tears, left no room for interpretation in Marcus’s mind.

“Why are they crying?‘ he thought furiously. ‘Why the hell are they crying? Do they miss each other?‘

Before he knew it, Marcus was behind them. He unclenched his fists just long enough to grab Valerie, pulling her away from Maximus with force. Without thinking, he dragged her to his SUV and shoved her inside. Locking the doors, he turned back toward Maximus, ready to unleash his fury.

But he stopped himself.

to hurt Maximus–oh, he wanted to–but because striking him would reveal too much. Marcus had always kept his darker side hidden, even from Valerie. She had never seen the monster he’d unleashed on the people who had hurt his family. He couldn’t let her

left no doubt that Marcus was serious. Turning on his heel, he returned to

silently across from him, her face turned

Marcus began, his tone flat. “I was really worried about you.”

him, anger flashing through her tear–filled

was all over you,” she snapped. “Did you even think about me

about?” Marcus asked,

Valerie said, her voice trembling. “That woman uses every excuse to get close to you, and today, you let her. You pushed me

serious right now? You’re playing the victim?”

“You forgot

Chapter 0120

#25 BONUS

well, but you don’t understand what I went through to make those decisions. Peter wanted it this way, and I thought it was right at the time. Why couldn’t we

lied to me for seventeen

exhausted. Let’s calm down and

to anyway. I

going home,” Marcus replied curtly. “Not like this. We’re not going anywhere until

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