Chapter 0236
[Present day]
After Marcus opened his heart and confessed to Valerie that knowing she had met with Maximus made him jealous, he felt both embarrassed and relieved. It was one of the outcomes he had anticipated when her ex- husband learned of his existence, but he hadn’t been sure how to handle it. Thankfully, his reaction with Valerie had been calm and measured. Still, Marcus knew that if Maximus ever pursued his wife with a different intention, he had a plan ready.
He thought about this as he gazed at the woman in his arms the once–insecure girl who had transformed into a confident, radiant woman. She was now his everything, the center of his life. And there was no way he would allow that man to take her away from him.
Carefully, Marcus shifted Valerie’s petite frame, laying her gently in the center of their bed. Once she was settled, he quietly left the room and made his way to his study.
This study was an exact replica of the one he had back in Hesperia, Marcus had an unusual obsession with ensuring his studies were identical no matter where he was the colors, furniture, layout, and decorations all matched perfectly. It saved him time and helped him feel oriented.
He took a seat in his chair and opened his safe, retrieving a briefcase Frederick had given him earlier in the week when they arrived in Valentia. The past few days had been a blur of house preparations, as Valerie had insisted on focusing on making their new home comfortable. Marcus hadn’t yet found the time to review the briefcase’s contents. Twice, he had tried to open it, but interruptions had stopped him both times.
Now, with his “girls” asleep and most of the city resting as well, he had the privacy and quiet he needed. Unlocking the briefcase, he found folders filled with papers–reports, clippings, photographs, gossip magazine articles, and a USB drive. Marcus instantly recognized that the USB contained a comprehensive dossier on the Palmer family and their close associates.
Before diving into the printed materials, Marcus decided to check the USB. He inserted it into his laptop, and the drive opened to reveal twelve numbered folders. Each folder contained written reports, photos, and a few videos. He clicked on the first folder.
[Folder 1:
Subject: Albert Preston
Location: Lunavalle
Notes: Currently residing in an undeclared property owned by the Palmer family, specifically under Catherine Palmer’s name. He is in a romantic relationship with Catherine.]
Marcus frowned in surprise. He had never known that Catherine had been involved with Albert. That might explain why Catherine had distanced herself from Mary, leaving her vulnerable to the abuses inflicted by her grandson.
Intrigued, Marcus clicked on a video file within the folder. The footage showed Albert and Catherine chatting amiably, sharing occasional displays of affection. The two smiled at each other often, and while the video itself didn’t reveal much beyond their closeness, it raised questions.
For one, someone had been close enough to film this without either of them noticing. It meant someone had always known about Albert’s presence in Valentia
“Catherine,” Marcus murmured to himself. “How many secrets did you take to the grave? Who was watching you? And why didn’t I catch them?”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0236
He was about to open the second folder when he heard a knock at the door. Valerie still hadn’t let go of her habit of asking for permission before entering his study.
“May I come in?” she asked softly.
“Valerie, come in, my love!” Marcus replied warmly. “How many times do I have to tell to enter? This is your house. Everything here is yours.”
you, you don’t need to ask
Valerie stepped inside, her heart fluttering at his words, Pride swelled in her chest. There was no doubt that her husband always knew just the right things to say.
