Chapter 0095
Peter woke early to prepare Mary’s things for her stay at the clinic. It broke his heart to see her like this, but he knew he couldn’t give her the help she needed. That had to come from experts, through therapy and time. Aurora, Mary’s closest friend, had insisted on being part of the process and would accompany her.
“Peter, don’t worry. I can take her and settle her in. Just sign the commitment form from the doctor, and I’ll handle the rest,” Aurora assured him.
Just as Peter was about to leave, he received a message from Catherine. She urged him to come to Valeria as soon as possible. The urgency in her request puzzled him, but when his grandmother had a plan, there was always a reason behind it.
Aurora carefully entered Mary’s room and found her sitting on the edge of the bed. Mary was already dressed in a loose beige blouse, white wide–leg pants, and matching flats. Her hair was neatly braided. Aurora’s heart ached at the sight of her friend’s red, puffy eyes and tear–streaked face, yet Mary greeted her with a faint but warm smile.
“Aurora! Did you have to threaten Peter to bring you here?”
“Of course! You know me. Once I set my mind on something, I don’t stop until I get it,” Aurora replied with a grin.
“Oh, how I wish I were more like you! I’ve admired that about you since the day we met.”
“There’s nothing to admire! Look at you–you’re stunning. The years haven’t touched you. You still have the same youthful glow as the 18–year–old I met back then,” Aurora said, her tone playful and lighthearted.
“Come on, that’s not true.”
“Of course it is! Look at me, already getting wrinkles at 27. There’s something magical about you. Hesperian girls–you just don’t age. And look at you now, dressed like a movie star for a trip to the clinic,” Aurora teased, hoping to lift the mood.
Mary chuckled at her friend’s antics, appreciating her ability to bring humor even in the darkest
moments.
Peter entered the room to find the two women smiling broadly. For a fleeting moment, he wondered if what Mary really needed was a few carefree days with Aurora. Maybe that would bring her back to herself, just like when she lived with him. But then he remembered Dr. Hill’s words: Mary was hanging on by a thread, tethered only by her love for her grandfather. Any moment, any revelation–like the news of Maximus’s baby–could shatter her completely.
Steeling himself, Peter resolved to ensure she received the professional care she needed.
“Well, lovely ladies, I see you’ve finally reunited. Aurora, now you can stop driving me crazy with your questions. You’re welcome to visit Mary as often as you like while she’s at the clinic, and you can stay in Lunavalle as long as you want. The chauffeur will take you whenever you wish.”
“Thank you, Peter. You’re a gem. Now that I’ve got everything I wanted, you can leave,” Aurora quipped, motioning for him to go.
Chapter 0095
Mary looked at Peter, puzzled.
“Where are you going, Peter?”
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“Something came up in Galea. I have to check on one of my businesses or risk losing millions. I can’t afford that not with so many mouths to feed,” he replied with mock seriousness.
“Peter, what mouths?” Aurora scoffed.
“You, for one! Do you think Grandma won’t charge me for hosting you here?”
“Peter, don’t be rude to Auroral” Mary scolded gently,
“Disrespectful! As if I needed you to support me. One day, I’ll find my prince charming–and he’ll keep me busy,” Aurora retorted with a laugh.
Both women laughed, and the sight filled Peter’s heart with relief. It was easier to leave knowing Mary was in good hands and Aurora could be by her side until she arrived at the clinic.
Before leaving, Peter approached Mary, lifting her to her feet for a tight hug and kissing her forehead.
“I’ll be waiting here for you to come back. Everything will be alright. Remember, I love you,” he said earnestly.
Mary froze for a moment, startled by his words. She knew he was trying to comfort her, so she simply responded with a grateful smile.
Peter’s private jet landed in Valeria within hours. Changing into a tailored black suit and shirt during the flight, he was ready for the day ahead. The usually casually dressed Peter now exuded elegance and authority–an intentional move. He had no intention of taking over the family business, but if necessary, he was prepared to defend his family’s name and fortune from Alexia Levett’s grasp.
As he drove to Palmer Group’s headquarters, memories flooded back. He vividly recalled Alexia’s schemes, her role in dividing him and Maximus as teenagers, and the reason she didn’t end up with his brother all those years ago.
The elevator ride to the top floor gave him time to reflect. He remembered catching Alexia in a compromising position with their art teacher. When confronted, she fell down the school stairs during the scuffle, hitting her head. She later spun the story to paint Peter as the aggressor, leading to his expulsion. Their grandmother had to find him a new school, and the brothers‘ relationship never recovered. Peter was sent to Galea, where he remained for years.
As the elevator doors opened, all eyes turned to him. For a moment, it was as if time had stood still–his grandmother, father, and brother looked unchanged.
“What a pleasure to see you all,” Peter said, planting a kiss on Catherine’s cheek.
“My boy! You look so handsome. Wear suits this
-clinic?”
like more often. How’s Mary? Did you take her to the
“Not personally, Grandma. I didn’t have time, but Aurora is handling everything with Leopold’s help.”
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Chapter 2005
“Aurora? Can we trust her?”
“Of course. She’s Mary’s best friend, at least from her time in Galea. Unlike some people here…” Peter trailed off, throwing a pointed glance at Maximus.
“Alright. If you trust her, I trust you,” Catherine said.
“Father,” Peter greeted formally.
“My son, how have you been?” Leonard replied warmly.
“Fine, just working,” Peter replied curtly. “Who else are we waiting for?”
“We’re waiting for Marcus Bartz,” Catherine said, her tone serious.
Maximus rolled his eyes, his patience wearing thin. He was convinced his grandmother was playing a game and that no one else would join them. His skepticism evaporated when the elevator dinged again.
Out stepped an imposing man, tall and regal, though leaning slightly on a cane. He was accompanied by Frederick and two bodyguards who towered over him
“Marcus, my dear!” Catherine exclaimed, her eyes shining with emotion.
She rushed to greet him, arms wide open. His security team hesitated, but Marcus gestured for them to stand down.
“Forgive me, Grandma Catherine. My team is instructed to let no one near me without clearance. I apologize for the rudeness,” Marcus said, his voice both commanding and apologetic.
“Come here, my boy! Give me a hug–it’s been so many years!” Catherine said tearfully, pulling him into a tight embrace.
The room fell silent, each person trying to process the arrival of the man whose name carried the weight of an almost mythical legacy.
Chaptert
