Chapter 0638
“Well, living alone forces you to learn. I’m glad you enjoyed it!”
Maximus smiled but soon his expression grew serious. “So, do you want to know how it went in Slovenia?”
“Of course. Tell me everything.”
“On the flight back, I spoke with Matthew to arrange another flight for tomorrow. I need to go to Switzerland.”
“Are you going to see Lucius?”
“Yes… though I’m not exactly thrilled about it.”
“I understand, but you can’t leave him on his own. I’m sure he’s your son, Maximus. Just look at him. He resembles Alexia, sure, but there’s so much of you in him too. It’s confusing, I know, but I’ve never believed that story about him being your father’s child. Honestly, the few times I met Leonardo, he seemed so upright–it’s shocking to think otherwise.”
“That’s what we all thought,” Maximus replied bitterly. “But the amount of filth surrounding him is staggering. It’s a miracle he’s made it to this age without someone bringing him down.”
As he spoke, a realization hit him. This was Peter’s mission to expose Leonardo’s ties to Frank Levett and all the darkness they concealed. Before he could dwell on it further, he chose to change the subject. Pulling Diana close, he embraced her, letting her presence calm the storm in his mind.
“Maximus, do you want to stay with me tonight?”
“Really?” he asked, his eyes searching hers.
She nodded with a soft smile. He chuckled. “Is this going to become a habit?”
“Maybe! Someday I might just kidnap you and never let you leave,” she teased.
That night, Maximus stayed at Diana’s apartment. As the alarm buzzed in the early morning, he gently shifted her head off his shoulder, kissed her softly, and left. Back at his house, he took a quick shower before heading to the airport. It was time to face the truth. Alexia, he was sure, would be waiting for him. She wasn’t the type to simply
vanish.
[University Hospital of Basel, Switzerland]
Maximus stepped into the lobby of the hospital where invoices for palliative care had been traced. He approached the receptionist calmly.
“Good morning, miss. I’m looking for Grace Spencer’s room.”
“Grace Spencer?”
“Yes, she’s a friend of mine. I’ve come a long way to see her.”
“Well… the only authorized visitor for her is her son, Lucius Spencer.”
Maximus gave a polite but forced smile. “Ah, right, I forgot to let Lucius know I’d be coming. You’re absolutely right. I’ll give him a call, but I’m not sure he’ll pick up. I did travel from quite far away…
“Sir, look, there’s Mr. Spencer now. I’m sure he can help you.” The receptionist waved toward Lucius, who was Scrolling through his phone, heading toward the elevator.
Hearing his name, Lucius turned and froze as his eyes met Maximus’s. A chill ran through him. What was Maximus Palmer doing here? How had he found them?
1/2
Chapter 0638
“Maximus, what the hell are you doing here?” Lucius’s voice was sharp and defensive.
‘Hello, Lucius. It’s been a while.”
“I asked you a question, Maximus.”
“Lucius, I don’t know what you’ve gotten yourself into, but I’m sure you can’t handle the expenses of this place on your own.”
“And what do you know about it?” Lucius snapped. “You’ve never trusted me, so why would I expect anything different from the great Maximus Palmer?”
“Lucius,” Maximus said, keeping his voice steady, “I’m here to see your mother. There are things I need to discuss with her.”
“How do you even know she’s he
“Don’t think I’m an idiot. I know she’s here. If I’m standing in this hospital, it’s because I’m certain. Don’t forget who your father is.”
“You’re not my father,” Lucius said coldly.
But the words rang hollow. Deep down, Lucius knew the truth. He had been raised to believe in the images of Leonardo and Frank–the men who had manipulated and tormented his mother. Accepting Maximus as his father now felt impossible. The best course of action, he thought, was to keep their lives as separate as possible.
“What do you want to talk to her about?” Lucius demanded.
“That’s between me and her. I’m not here to harm her–I promise you that. Just let me speak with her, Lucius. After that, I’ll leave you both alone.”
Lucius hesitated before exhaling sharply. “She’s about to wake up. She has therapy soon but has 30 minutes free. Don’t upset her, Maximus. She can’t afford to get worked up or stressed out.”
“I just need to talk to her,” Maximus assured him.
“She’s in room 1013. But let me be clear–if I see anything out of line, I’ll throw you out myself. Got it?”
