Chapter 0395
+25 BONUS
After his visit to Alexia and finally bidding farewell to the unrequited love of his youth, Maximus made the call to the boarding school where his children were staying.
“Mr. Palmer, I must say I’m surprised by your decision. Has something happened to prompt this?”
“Mrs. Caville, I’ve made my decision. Today, my driver will pick up my children and their belongings. It may seem abrupt, but this is final.”
“I understand. I’ll inform them of the news immediately.”
“Thank you.”
Maximus would have preferred to see his children in person, but he had an appointment with the media director to announce Alexia Levett’s passing. The news couldn’t be delayed any longer. Her ashes were already in her parents‘ possession, but their children hadn’t been informed yet.
“Mr. Palmer, how would you like us to handle this announcement? Would you prefer a particular headline? My deepest condolences, by the way. Everyone knows how much you loved your wife. We share in your grief…”
“Mr. Tony, just follow my instructions. That will suffice,” Maximus replied coldly.
“Of course, sir,” the man answered, slightly flustered.
Within hours, the news of Alexia Levett de Palmer’s death spread like wildfire across Valentia. The media buzzed with headlines of her tragic car accident, describing the untimely end of such a beautiful woman. Many who sought Maximus’s favor or approval published nostalgic tributes, assuming he must be devastated by the loss.
The news quickly crossed Valentian borders, reaching Leonardo and Lucius. Lucius felt a sharp pang in his heart. His mother was dead, and he was certain it wasn’t an accident. A wave of heat surged through him as he clenched his fist and slammed it onto the glass table before him.
“Maximus did this! This wasn’t an accident!”
“I’m sorry for your loss, but in life, you must understand there are always collateral damages,” Leonardo said, unfazed. “Your mother’s death will bring us better opportunities, my son.”
Lucius turned to his father, his brows furrowed in disbelief. The man he looked up to regarded Alexia, his own mother, as nothing more than collateral damage. It was Alexia’s actions that had secured them the capital to potentially take over Palmer Group. She had risked everything for her children’s well–being, yet to Leonardo, she was expendable.
Meanwhile, in Santorini, Marcus was scrolling through his phone while enjoying his morning coffee on the terrace. Valerie was still asleep, so he stepped out to soak in the morning air. As he browsed, a headline caught his
eye:
[Alexia Levett, Wife of Maximus Palmer, Dies in Tragic Accident.}
Marcus was stunned. Without hesitating, he searched his contacts and called Maximus.
“Maximus… I just saw the news. Are you okay?”
“Marcus… I’d prefer to keep this within the family. I had to notify the media, but she passed away a week ago. I’d rather not talk about it further. Besides, you and I aren’t exactly close,” Maximus replied, his voice detached.
Marcus, recalling the unbearable pain of losing his first wife, reacted instinctively with concern. However,
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Chapter 0395
Maximus’s blunt response brought him back to reality–they were far from allies, perhaps even enemies.
“You’re right. But if you need anything, you can count on me,” Marcus offered sincerely.
“I’ll hold you to that,” Maximus said sharply. “And this might be the most sensible thing you’ve ever said. My children are on their way home. They don’t know yet, so I’ll be taking some time away with them. The company will be without a CEO, so I need you to assume the role you should have taken from the start. We’ll discuss it on Monday when you return.”
Before Marcus could respond, Maximus, ended the call, leaving him perplexed. ‘Time away? What does he mean by that?‘ Marcus wondered.
Valerie stirred and, not finding Marcus beside her, called out, “Marcus? Where are you?”
“I’m on the terrace!” he replied.
She joined him, sitting on his lap. “I woke up and didn’t see you… How are you, love?”
“I’m fine. How about you?”
“Feeling refreshed! These days here have done wonders for me.”
“That’s good to hear. That was the whole idea.”
“Marcus, don’t take this the wrong way, but when are we heading back? I miss the kids.”
“Whenever you want. Today, tomorrow, Sunday–you decide.”
“The place is wonderful. Let’s stay and head back early Saturday so we can spend the weekend with Serenity and John.”
“Sounds perfect, love! By the way…”
“Yes?”
Marcus hesitated, debating whether to tell her about Alexia’s death. But he didn’t want to dampen her spirits, so he changed the subject.
“Would you like breakfast here or out?”
“Let’s go for a walk and eat out. What do you think?”
“Whatever makes you happy, my love.”
