Chapter 0132
“Catherine, Mary, please, let the authorities do their job. I’m tired… It’s better for everyone this way,” Albert said, struggling to breathe steadily.
“No, Grandpa! You didn’t do anything wrong! It was all your friend’s fault!” Mary sobbed. uncontrollably.
Standing at a distance, Alexia observed the chaos. Her face betrayed no emotion, but inwardly she reveled in the scene. ‘Serves you right, you little brat. That’s what happens when you get in my way. I’ve spent years trying to secure my place beside Maximus.
The man in the suit identified himself and displayed his credentials. “Michael Rivers, attorney for the central court in Florentia. As I’ve mentioned, we have ample grounds to arrest Mr. Albert Preston. I also have a sworn statement from his children, Alexander and Camilla Preston, admitting under oath that he coerced them into committing the frauds he’s accused of.”
The disclosure wasn’t necessary, but it had been a special request from Judge Levett, and Marcello couldn’t disobey.
Hearing that his children had testified against him, Albert felt his chest tighten. His vision blurred. Without warning, he collapsed. Mary broke free from Peter’s arms and rushed to his side.
“Grandpa! Grandpa! Please, someone get a doctor! He’s not okay!” she screamed.
Peter tried to pull her back, but she clung to Albert’s lifeless body.
“Mary, please, give him space! He needs air. Maximus, call an ambulance!” Peter urged, panic in his
voice.
Maximus quickly dialed for help, but by the time the paramedics arrived, it was too late. They could only confirm that Albert had suffered cardiac arrest. Mary, hearing their words, felt her strength leave her. Everything blurred as she collapsed into Peter’s arms
Catherine and Leonard, who had been calling the family’s lawyers, were struck speechless at the sight of Albert’s lifeless body. They had never imagined things would end this way.
Peter carried Mary inside, one of the paramedics following. He reminded them that she was pregnant and needed immediate attention.
When Mary woke, Peter was beside her. She thought it had all been one of her recurring nightmares. But this time, it wasn’t.
“Peter, I dreamed my grandfather…” she started, looking at him.
“Mary… you need to stay calm,” Peter said, pulling her into an embrace.
Realization hit her, and tears filled her eyes. She let out a heart–wrenching scream. “No! Peter tell me
it’s not true! Please! Tell me this is a nightmare! Help me wake up!”
“I’m so sorry, my love. I truly am,” Peter whispered, holding her tightly, tears streaming down his own
face.
“I need to see him! Where is he? Tell me! Take me to him!” she pleaded.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 0132
Maximus and Leonard, despite their differences, had agreed to handle the paperwork for Albert’s body. while Peter stayed to care for Mary.
Outside Peter’s room, Catherine heard Mary’s cries. Her heart broke, guilt washing over her. “If I had protected Albert better, this wouldn’t have happened, she thought, tears rolling down her cheeks.
Alexia, meanwhile, had feigned being overcome by the shock and locked herself in her room. Once alone, she texted her grandfather.
“Grandpa, it’s done.”
“I know, my dear. I just didn’t expect the old man to die.”
“At least he knew who betrayed him.”
“Yes, my girl. We’ll talk when you return. Delete this conversation.”
Alexia erased the texts and settled into bed, feeling at ease for the first time that day.
Back in the room, Peter noticed Mary was bleeding. Panic surged through him.
“Grandma! Call the doctor! Mary is bleeding!” he shouted.
“Peter, I’m scared… My baby…” Mary whispered, trembling.
“You’ll be okay, my love. Don’t worry. We’re not waiting–let’s go to the hospital right now,” Peter said, scooping her up and rushing out.
He placed her in the passenger seat of his car and sped toward the hospital, Losing their baby was not an option–he wouldn’t let it happen.
