Chapter 0250
[The present)
Monday had finally arrived. Marcus was set to assume his le as Director of Finance at Palmer Group, Alexia had spent the entire weekend trying to dissuade Maximus from following through with what she called a “stupid idea.” However, Maximus knew he couldn’t refuse Marcus placement. Explaining the company’s dire circumstances to his wife, however, was like talking to a wall
Maximus was fully aware that Marcus’s position in the company would inevitably bring him face–to–face with Mary, whether at a business dinner, a company anniversary or some other event. Adding to the complexity. Marcus had specifically requested that the Palmer Group’s marketing and advertising firm support Mary’s jewelry brand launch in Valentia.
Maximus had barely had a moment to strategize his approach to Mary. Between his recent trip to Madrid, meeting Serenity, Lucius’s unexpected visit, and his two youngest children spending the weekend elsewhere, his time had been consumed. Still, it was certain he’d be directly involved in Mary’s campaign, even though he never personally oversaw client projects. But when it came to his ex–wife, he wouldn’t miss the opportunity.
Moreover, there was another matter that required their interaction: Serenity. Despite Mary’s clear disdain for him, Maximus was determined to ensure Serenity received the share of the company she was entitled to through her late father. However, before he could transfer the inheritance, they needed to conduct a paternity test. It was a mere formality, but it had been Leonardo’s stipulation, and there was no way around it.
Maximus left the house early that morning, dressed entirely in black. His presence was commanding, and he braced himself for the inevitable tension of working near Marcus, He refused to be intimidated. To Maximus, Marcus was nothing more than a man riding on his family’s name, someone whose success in Hesperia stemmed from the privileges afforded to foreign businessmen there. But in Valentia, Maximus believed, it would be different. Yet again, he underestimated Marcus. In Valentia, the name Bartz carried weight, and Marcus wasn’t Just any Bartz.
Marcus, on the other hand, woke up sensing that Valerie wasn’t beside him. He got out of bed to look for her, following the irresistible aroma of coffee and eggs wafting through the house. When he reached the kitchen, his heart softened at the sight of his wife cooking.
“Valerie, my love! What are you doing up so early?” Marcus asked, feigning surprise.
“Sweetheart, today’s your first day there. I didn’t want you going on an empty stomach. Honestly, I think I’m more nervous than you are,” Valerie said, handing him a cup of coffee.
Marcus walked over, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her cheek
“Don’t worry, my love. It’s only temporary. That company will be in pieces before they even realize what’s happening,” Marcus said calmly.
“I hope so. I don’t need anything from them, but I’m not letting Alexia keep what doesn’t belong to her,” Valerie said, her tone serious.
“Turn around,” Marcus said, gently gripping her waist and spinning her to face him. “I promised you something, and I’ll keep that promise. Those Palmers and Levetts won get away with their crimes. They’ve had their time.”
you know anything about Frank Levett?” Valerie asked, her curiosity piqued.
“That old man’s still alive, nearing 80. But don’t worry,” Marcus said with an uncharacteristic, chilling smile.
For Marcus, the time to deal with Frank had come. The man lived in a run–down retirement home, and Marcus
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Chapter 0250
+25 BONUS
had intentionally kept him alive for the past decade, Frank jonged for death, but Marcus had denied him that peace. The old man was meant to live to the same age Marcus’s grandfather had reached, but not before witnessing the fall of the Levelt name–brought down by none other than his own granddaughter, Alexia,
“How do you know that?” Valerie asked skeptically.
“Frederick looked into it,” Marcus replied nonchalantly.
Marcus had never told Valerie that he’d always known Frank’s whereabouts. From the moment Peter died, Marcus had kept tabs on him, ensuring the man never escaped his shadow. Though Frank had lived free, he had never been at peace, haunted by Marcus’s looming presence. Now even as an elderly man, Frank couldn’t escape his
fear.
“Be careful, Marcus. That family can’t be trusted. Always stay alert,” Valerie said, her face etched with worry.
“My Valerie, I know how to take care of myself. Don’t worry Now, tell me what’s for breakfast?” Marcus said, steering the conversation to lighter territory.
“I know you can, but it doesn’t hurt to remind you.”
“Here’s an idea–why don’t you come see me at lunchtime That way, you’ll feel more at ease,” Marcus suggested with a smile.
“It’s your first day! How could I interrupt you?” Valerie replied, surprised.
“We’ll just eat together–no interruptions. It’s not like I’ll have much work on my first day. Will you come?”
“Fine. Let me know what time,” Valerie said, giving in
“How about 3:00 p.m.? I promise we’ll have lunch, and I’ll send you back home,” Marcus said, gazing fondly at her. “By the way, did I tell you how sexy you look in that nightgown?”
“Marcus Bartz! You’re about to walk into the lion’s den, and all you can think about is how I look?” Valerie said, feigning exasperation.
“My love, I just speak the truth. And what I see, I like,” Marcus teased, brushing a hand across her cheek and down to her neck.
Valerie felt a shiver run through her body.
“Marcus,” she said, blushing.
After a delicious breakfast, Marcus dressed for the day. He chose a black three–piece suit paired with a sky–blue shirt. He opted not to wear a tie, keeping his look less formal, with only a pocket square in his jacket. He wanted. to appear relaxed, giving the impression that he wasn’t there to shake things up. Let Maximus think he was just there to play along–Marcus preferred to strike when least expected.
Chapter 0251
