Chapter 0100
+25 BONUS
As Peter and Catherine left the boardroom, they headed straight to the airport, where Marcus Bartz’s staff was already waiting for them. Catherine wasn’t feeling her best but put on a brave face. Once they boarded the private jet, they found Marcus seated, going through some emails.
“Marcus, dear! Thank you for waiting for us,” Catherine said in a weary tone.
“There’s no need to thank me! I’m happy to do it. Besicles, I’m heading to Florentia too,” Marcus replied, glancing out the window.
“Excuse me. I’m feeling a little tired. I think I’ll rest until we arrive,” Catherine said, pulling a blanket over herself.
It didn’t take long for Catherine to fall into a deep sleep. With her resting, Peter and Marcus began discussing the events of the meeting.
“Marcus, did you know about any of this?”
Marcus met his gaze directly. “No. But it explains why Grandma has been so concerned about my recovery,” he said, closing his laptop.
“Are you sure you don’t want to come back?” Peter asked.
“Completely. You know my head has a price on it. If I return, that bastard Frank Levett will send his thugs after me.”
“It’s unbelievable that old man is still alive–and that he’s now one of the most respected judges in Valeria.”
“Nothing surprises me anymore. After what they did to my family, I’ve learned to expect the worst.”
“Are you going to visit them?”
“Yes, it’s been too many years.”
“Then we’ll go together to Lunavalle,” Peter said, hesitating slightly.
“What’s taking you there? As far as I know, you don’t have much to do there besides dropping off Grandma.”
“Well, I plan to stay for a while. Mary is in rehab, and I need to be there for her. That’s why I’m unsure about accepting the presidency. I know you trust me, but she needs me now more than ever. I’ve lost her once, and I’m not going to let it happen again.
“Isn’t she Maximus’s wife?”
“Yes, but he never loved her. He married her just to please Grandma. Her life has been filled with suffering, and now that she’s about to be free, I want to build a life with her. I know it won’t be easy, but I’ll do everything I can to make her happy again, like she was when she lived with me.”
“Man, your situation is complicated. What does she think about all this?”
“I haven’t told her anything yet. For now, I’m just a bystander in her life. But as soon as she gets better,
+25 BONUS
Chapter 010n
the time comes, I’ll avenge your deaths. For now, I have no choice but to keep running. But there will come a day when those responsible pay for everything they’ve done. I love you both. Never forget that.”
Peter watched his friend, feeling sorrow as he saw the once–mighty man tenderly caressing the plaque. Peter had met Marcus years ago, during one of his darkest moments–when he had attempted suicide as a teenager. They’d crossed paths in the hospital garden, and Marcus had shared his story. Peter had been so ashamed of his impulsiveness after hearing the weight of Marcus’s pain.
“All done, Peter. I can leave in peace now. I hope to see you soon in New York,” Marcus said.
