Chapter 0140
As Marcus learned of Albert Preston’s death, Catherine retreated to her bedroom, carrying the urn holding the ashes of the man who had been her last love. Meanwhile, Peter lay on the bed, gently stroking Mary’s hair. The soothing motion had helped her relax enough to sleep, so Peter remained still, unwilling to disturb her.
y, sleep overtook them both. Catherine, in her room, placed the urn on her nightstand and lay
down, letting silent tears flow until exhaustion claimed her as well.
The next morning, Mary woke to the vibration of a phone. Peter was still deeply asleep, his phone beside him on the bed. Without thinking, she answered it.
“Peter?”
“Um… hello. No, this is Mary. Peter’s still asleep, but I can wake him if you’d like.”
+“No, no, it’s fine. I’ll call him back later. Thank you.”
As she hung up, the movement stirred Peter awake. Still dressed in his suit from the day before, he had only removed his tie and unbuttoned his shirt collar.
“Mary… amor, why are you awake? Come back to bed,” Peter murmured, opening his arms to her.
Mary handed him his phone. “Sorry… I answered it by mistake. I think they’ll call back later.”
“Don’t worry, my love. If it’s important, they’ll call again. Now, come here and rest a bit longer. What do you think about going home today?”
“Please, let’s go. I feel like I’m suffocating here,” she admitted softly.
“Okay, rest for a bit more, and then we’ll leave. Sound good?”
“Yes…” she whispered, letting out a small sigh of relief.
A couple of hours later, Catherine knocked on their door.
“Peter? Mary? Are you hungry? Let’s have breakfast!” she called.
Catherine had risen early, dressed impeccably, and applied her makeup with care. Though she had cried through the night, she resolved that today would be the last time she let her grief control her. Tomorrow was a new day, and she still had plenty to live for. She was Catherine Palmer–a formidable woman. Whoever was behind what had happened to Albert would face her wrath soon enough.
No one but Catherine knew what Agent Count had told her. Once Peter and Mary were back home, she would begin her search for the one who had betrayed Albert. While it was rumored that his children had turned on him, she knew someone else had orchestrated it all.
“Grandma, can we have breakfast here in the room?” Peter asked.
“Of course, my dear. Are you decent? May I come in?”
+25 BONUS
Chapter 01:40
“Yes, come in.”
Catherine entered the room carrying the urn with Albert’s ashes.
“Mary, I couldn’t give this to you yesterday, but here are your grandfather’s ashes. He wanted to make it easier for you to take them back to Hesperia when the ime comes.”
“Thank you, Grandma,” Mary said, her eyes welling with tears.
“No, my dear, no more tears. Your grandfather passed away happy, knowing you were with a good man and about to become a mother. There was no better way for him to find peace than this.
“Grandma…”
“He wished for his ashes to be placed beside your grandmother’s when you return to Hesperia.”
“Thank you…” Mary said, working to calm herself.
Peter observed Catherine, struck by her poise. She looked as strong and composed as ever, a stark contrast to the grieving woman he had spoken with the day before.
“Grandma, we were thinking of heading home today. After breakfast, we’ll get ready and leave. We’ll drive–it’s safer for Mary to avoid flying. I’ve planned a few stops along the way so she can rest. It’ll take about six to seven hours.”
“Do you want a driver to take you?
“No, Grandma. We’ll go at our own pace, and it’ll be nice for Mary to see more of Valentia.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, don’t worry,” Mary chimed in, eager for the chance to leave.
“Well, this house is gradually emptying out. Maximus left yesterday, and now you two are leaving. It’ll just be your father and me, but he told me he plans to stay for at least another week.”
After breakfast, Peter and Mary packed their things and set off for Galea. The drive would be long, but Peter preferred to take his time, ensuring Mary’s safety and comfort. The road stretched out before them, promising a peaceful journey away from the sorrow that lingered at the mansion.
Chapter 01:41
