Chapter 0161
[Back to the present]
+25 BONUS
Marcus arrived at the plaza where Valerie was waiting for him, sitting on a bench and enjoying a delicious ice cream. Despite the years they had spent together, his wife never ceased to amaze him. She could go from being a poised, sophisticated woman to a playful, childlike version of herself in an instant -one of the many traits that had made Marcus fall head over heels in love with her. Though it had taken nearly two years for them to be together, they were now an unshakable couple.
Approaching quietly, Marcus snuck up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Valerie let out a small yelp, nearly dropping her ice cream.,
“Hello, love. Did you find anything?”
“Yes, actually,” she replied, smiling. “I was just waiting for you to see it while I enjoyed this ice cream.” “Well, let’s not waste any more time, then.”
As they walked, Marcus casually mentioned, “By the way, I’ve already submitted the necessary paperwork for your jewelry business. The marketing department will handle everything. I think more than a few people are going to be surprised when they meet you.”
Valerie paused mid–bite, stunned. “I’ve been waiting for years for this moment! My daughter and I suffered for two years, even though she had every right to a better life.”
Marcus had already told Valerie about his family’s deep ties to the Palmer empire, dating back to when the Bartzs had founded the company. But Catherine had kept this from her, and Peter had never lived long enough to tell her.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Marcus added, a sly smile spreading across his face. “We’re having dinner with them tonight.”
Valerie froze, a piece of ice cream still in her mouth. “What? Marcus, don’t you think that’s a bit… sudden?”
“No. It’s important they know you’re here–and that you’re not alone. Besides, Maximus’s already been digging into our lives. I don’t want him snooping any further.”
“I understand… but… I don’t have anything to wear! Everything’s still packed, and-”
“Don’t worry. We’ll find you something perfect,” Marcus said with a wink
The couple spent the afternoon shopping for furniture and décor for their home, carefully selecting each piece. But Marcus’s real mission was finding the perfect dress for Valerie. After browsing several stores, they settled on a stunning black gown that hugged her figure perfectly. The dress had a high slit on the left leg, revealing her toned, sun–kissed legs.
As she finished getting ready, Marcus couldn’t help but admire her transformation. His wife, who just hours ago had been enjoying an ice cream like a carefree girl, now looked like an enchanting, sophisticated woman. He approached her, wrapping an arm around her waist and pulling her close.
“You look incredible,” he whispered into her ear. “I doubt that dress will last long once we’re home.”
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Chapter 0161
+25 BONUS
Valerie blushed, her cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson. “Marcus, calm down! We have a dinner to attend.”
“Fair enough,” Marcus said, chuckling. “But when we’re back…”
She flashed him a mischievous smile. “You just want to take advantage of the fact that the kids aren’t here, don’t you?
“Of course! If not now, when?”
“Such a scoundrel. Let’s go before we’re late,” Valerie said playfully, taking his hand.
By the time they arrived at the hotel, Valerie looked breathtaking. Marcus was entranced by her beauty: her soft, glowing skin, her perfectly proportioned curves, and her youthful face. Despite having two children, she had maintained an enviable figure.
The couple walked into the bar area of the St. Regis and took their seats at the reserved table. Marcus ordered two glasses of wine while they waited for Maximus to arrive. Valerie, with her back to the entrance, preferred not to see Maximus approach–let alone Alexia, if she were to come.
Minutes passed, and the couple became engrossed in conversation, laughing as they reminisced about past adventures. Suddenly, Marcus’s tone shifted.
“He’s here. Maximus just arrived… alone.”
Valerie’s smile vanished. A wave of anxiety churned in her stomach, making her wine taste bitter.” Marcus… could you order me a whiskey?
“Of course,”
Marcus said, signaling the waiter.
“Maximus, good evening! You’re alone tonight?” Marcus greeted him warmly as he stood to shake his
hand.
“Hello, Marcus,” Maximus replied, his voice steady but guarded. “My wife will join us later. She’s tied up with a business meeting.”
“Maximus, let me introduce you to my wife,” Marcus said as he took Valerie’s hand, helping her to her
feet.
When Maximus turned to meet Marcus’s wife, he froze in place. Standing before him was Valerie Bartz Hunter–better known to him as Mary Preston.
“Mary?” Maximus stammered, his voice trembling.
“Hello, Maximus. It’s been a long time,” Valerie said, extending her hand with a polite smile.
Maximus’s legs felt weak, and a storm of emotions erupted in his chest. Years of searching for her, longing to see her again and now, here she was, standing in front of him. All he wanted was to pull her into his arms, but Marcus’s voice interrupted his thoughts.
“It’s been years since I’ve heard that name,” Marcus said, his tone firm but calm. “My wife had to change her name and her life. Someone tried to harm her long ago, and to protect her, we chose a new identity.”
Chapter 0162
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