Chapter 0306
At 3:00a.m., Lucius had spoken with Leonardo. Three hours later, the elder Palmer finally arrived in Valeria. His steps were slower now, and while his imposing six–foot–three frame had softened with age, his striking features still carried a quiet dignity. The deep lines on his face betrayed his years, but if one looked closely, traces of Peter’s features were unmistakable.
“Father, let me help you. You shouldn’t be carrying heavy things anymore,” Lucius said kindly, stepping forward
to assist.
“Ah, my boy, your old man’s still strong. The years haven’t beaten me yet. You know what they say–only the good die young!” Leonardo replied with a hearty chuckle.
To an outsider, the interaction might have seemed like a heartwarming scene between grandfather and grandson Anyone unfamiliar with their history might even find it endearing.
“Lucius, while I’m in the country, I’d like to visit your grandmother and then Peter. Let’s have breakfast nearby and head to see them after. Maximus’s meeting isn’t until later in the afternoon,” Leonardo said as they exited the airport.
. “Of course, Father. I’ll take you wherever you want. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you over breakfast,
though… I’m not sure how you’ll take it, but-” Lucius hesitated, choosing his words carefully.
“Go on, son! Let’s get to the car first. It’s a bit chilly, and I’d rather not catch a cold,” Leonardo interrupted, his tone calm as they walked. “By the way, how’s Laura?”
“She’s well! She seems more lively since coming back.”
“That’s good to hear. Your mother’s kept her in the shadows for too long. Sometimes, she reminds me of an evil witch. I think your mother struggles to accept that she’s not young anymore. Honestly, I think she’s jealous of her own daughter.”
“I’ve thought the same thing more than once,” Lucius admitted.
The two climbed into an elegant black Maserati and set off toward their destination. Leonardo had specifically chosen to land nearby so he could visit his mother’s grave before heading to the Palmer offices.
After a light breakfast, they arrived at the cemetery. Leonardo bought a bouquet of white roses–Catherine’s favorite and made his way to a bench near her grave, moving with visible effort.
“Son, could
soft.
could you give me a moment alone? I have a few things to discuss with Catherine,” Leonardo said, his tone
“Of course, Father. I’ll take a walk and come back when you’re ready to leave.”
“Good. Go on, then ”
Once Lucius was out of sight, Leonardo’s expression shifted. The warmth and calm were replaced with an aura of cold menace.
“How long has it been, Mother? I hope you’re writhing in hell,” he hissed, his voice dripping with contempt.” This mess is your fault. You thought you were doing the ‘right thing,‘ didn’t you? Couldn’t you just leave things as they were? Your conscience, Mother–your damned conscience–and that girl! I told you she wasn’t right for Maximus, but your stubbornness dragged us into this disaster.”
His voice hardened further. “How many secrets did you take to the grave? Even mine! Lucius’s a good boy he’s got my father’s strength. He’s a true Palmer. Not Maximus, not Peter. They couldn’t hold a candle to him. I’m proud of my son. You’re the only one who knew, Catherine.
7/2
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0306
Leonardo paused, gripping the roses tightly. “I regret what put you through in the end, but everyone makes mistakes. Mine was getting involved with his mother–that unscrupulous woman. At least she knows to keep her mouth shut as long as I keep the money flowing. And Frank He’s out of the picture. Last I heard, Bartz cut out his tongue. That saved me a lot of trouble–no more supporting that leeching family.”
Taking a breath, he sneered at the headstone. “When I die, ‘m sure I’ll see you in hell. But remember, this whole mess started with you–your secrets, your half–truths.
“I gave my life to this company, Catherine. My youth, my energy, everything! Martina and I built it from the ground up. We sacrificed everything–even our children–to create a legacy for Maximus and Peter. And what did
do? You fell for some grand idea of charity and gave it away to families who never earned it.”
you
Leonardo’s voice cracked briefly with emotion. “Maximus suffered for it. He had to watch as you pushed him aside. And me? You dragged me back when I could’ve lived out my days in peace. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have been pulled into all this chaos.”
He looked away for a moment, his expression softening slightly. “I don’t even know how to face Maximus anymore. He didn’t deserve what we did to him. But it’s done, and there’s no undoing it. Lucius is my son- everything my other sons couldn’t be. I taught him everything he knows. Some things he learned from that fool of a grandfather of his, but let’s not even mention him. His glory days are long gone, and Bartz keeps him alive just enough to suffer. That Bartz… he’s more ruthless than I ever imagined. And you–you adored him.”
Leonardo stood, placing the roses gently on the grave. “Oh, by the way, your precious darling has returned–with my granddaughter. I’m eager to meet her. I thought bringing her back would atone for some of my guilt, but Bartz helped her escape. Now she’s his wife. That clever girl knows she’s untouchable with him by her side. Today, I’ll meet my granddaughter. She’s all I have left of Peter. If she allows it, I’ll guide her, Catherine. She’ll be a vital part of the new company–I promise you that. It’s why I gave her my shares in this dying corporation.”
After his long and venomous monologue, Leonardo stood and called Lucius. The young man arrived promptly, helping his grandfather into the car. There was still one more stop to make.
Chapter 0307
