Chapter 0791
She then turned to Maximus, handing him a cup of coffee and a sandwich.
“My love, I know you don’t feel like eating. But try. If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to help your brother. And the Palmer women don’t need this kind of stress.”
Maximus looked at her, pride swelling in his chest.
Diana was nothing like Alexia.
She had supported Valerie, his ex–wife, when she needed it most.
And now, with Celeste–someone she had no real obligation to–she was once again taking on the role of protector.
She was exactly the kind of woman he wanted by his side.
“Thank you, my love,” Maximus said, squeezing her hand. Give me a few minutes to eat. Then I need to call Theodore and Matthew.
We need to bring Alden and Ethan back now.”
“Lagree,” Diana nodded. “They need to be here. Now more than ever.”
Maximus stood up, pulled out his phone, and dialed Theodore.
“Theodore, how’s everything going?” Maximus asked.
“Good, Maximus. Looks like Moriarty had everything planned out, and you guys got out of this mess unscathed. Honestly, the media isn’t even talking about you. That Moriarty guy knows exactly what he’s doing. They’ve already issued several arrest warrants for some major white–collar criminals.
Tomorrow, when the news breaks, a lot of people are going to be shocked to see the high–profile names involved.”
Maximus let out a breath. “Yeah, sounds about right. But I’m actually calling for something else.”
Theodore chuckled. “Figured as much. Here I am giving you the full circus rundown, and you’ve got something else on your mind. What do you need?”
“Theodore, how fast can we bring the kids back?”
“If we use the Gulfstream G550, about six or seven hours. Why? What’s going on?”
“We need Alden and Ethan back immediately. Peter’s doctor isn’t giving me much hope. He needs surgery–no matter what. I just spoke to Celeste, and she’s going to try to convince him.
“But she said something that makes complete sense–if his son and grandson ask him, there’s no way he’ll say no.
11
Theodore didn’t hesitate. “Got it. I’ll reach out to our contacts and get the plane ready ASAP. Who’s calling Alden -you or me?”
“I’ll do it,” Maximus said firmly. “I need to tell him myself”
“Alright, Maximus. I’ll make sure the jet is prepped immediately. If you call him right now, they’ll be here by sunrise–maybe even earlier.”
“Yeah… I need them back now.”
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Chapter 0791
Maximus hung up and was about to dial Alden’s number when another call popped up on his screen.
Marcus Bartz.
Maximus hesitated.
But this wasn’t the time for past grudges.
He answered.
What surprised him the most?
Marcus wanted to talk to Peter.
Maximus found it strange, to say the least, but now wasn’t the time for unnecessary fights.
He told Marcus that Peter was in the hospital, that he needed to rest, and that now‘ wasn’t the time for
conversations.
“If Peter wants to talk to you, he will,” Maximus told him. But not right now.”
With that, he ended the call and immediately searched for Alden’s number.
After a few rings, Alden picked up.
“Maximus!” Alden’s voice came through.
“Alden,” Maximus greeted him carefully. “Are you busy?”
Alden frowned at his uncle’s tone. He was lying in bed, his arms wrapped around his sleeping wife.
“No… What’s wrong?”
Maximus took a deep breath. “It’s time to come back. I need you and Ethan to return to Valentia as soon as possible.
Theodore is already arranging everything. A plane will be waiting to pick you up. You’ll be here by sunrise.”
Alden sat up abruptly, his heart pounding. “Uncle… what’s going on? Why do you need us there? Why does my father want us back?”
Maximus hesitated for a moment, then said it.
“Alden… your father is in the hospital.”
Alden’s entire body tensed.
“What happened?” His voice was already shaking. “What’s wrong? Is he okay? What–what happened?”
“For now, he’s stable. But he’s not doing well. He needs brain surgery. That’s why you need to come home- tonight.
The plane will be waiting at the airport. A security team will pick you up and escort you there.”
Alden didn’t even think twice.
“Alright, Uncle. I’ll wake everyone up now. We’ll leave immediately for Valentia.”
