Chapter 0252
+25 BONUS
Marcus arrived at Palmer Group’s headquarters, stepping out of his trusted BMW X6. While the Palmers equated luxury with status, Marcus preferred to keep a low profile for him, blending In was a far greater advantage. Inside the company, rumors buzzed. Maximus had ordered that Marcus Bartz be treated with the respect due to a CEO. The confusion was palpable–how could anyone rival Maximus’s position as sole owner and CEO? And now, apparently, someone was about to,
As Marcus stepped out of his car, the company’s valet approached him politely, taking his keys.
“Good morning, Mr. Bartz,” the young man greeted.
“Hello!” Marcus responded warmly, flashing a friendly sme. “Big place, isn’t it?”
“Yes, sir. One of the most important companies in the country,” the valet replied, pride evident in his voice.
“I know. I can tell,” Marcus said with an air of amusement
While Marcus exchanged pleasantries, his bodyguards kept a sharp eye on the valet, analyzing every move. “Relax, guys,” Marcus said with a calm demeanor. “The real danger is inside this building”
Moments later, Marcus smiled as a familiar car pulled up. Frederick Sanders had arrived. His old friend and trusted ally, Frederick had spent years encouraging Marcus to seize control of Palmer Group. Now that Marcus was officially stepping into the company, Frederick wouldn’t miss this day for the world.
“My friend! I’ve been waiting for you. Come on, let’s see what surprises they have for us today,” Marcus said, walking toward him with long, deliberate steps.
At the reception desk, the attendant directed Marcus to the CEO’s boardroom. Marcus arched an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Frederick.
“Well, well. This is starting off interesting,” Marcus said.
“Let’s go. Time to see how things really work here,” Frederick replied, though a hint of unease lingered in his voice.
“You look tense, Frederick. Do you know something I don‘
“No, but aren’t you nervous? You’re walking straight into the lion’s den.”
“Why should I be nervous? If they don’t give me the position I want, I’ll just take the CEO seat instead. Wouldn’t you agree?” Marcus said, his tone casual but cutting.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” Frederick said, half–joking.
“It won’t. Maximus knows what’s good for him,” Marcus replied confidently.
The elevator chimed, signaling their arrival at the designated floor. A secretary greeted them and led them to the boardroom, where the entire Palmer family was waiting. Even Leonardo was present. The elder Palmer’s icy glare met Marcus’s eyes, a look heavy with the weight of past grievances. It had been fifteen years since their paths had crossed, and Leonardo had not forgotten what had transpired in Hesperia.
“Mr. Leonardo, what a pleasure to see you again after all these years,” Marcus said with thinly veiled sarcasm that only Leonardo would catch.
“Marcus…” Leonardo replied curtly.
“Maximus, Mrs. Palmer,” Marcus continued, shaking their hands with a polite but firm grip.
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425 BONUS
Chapter 0252
Marcus then notleed two younger faces in the room. He immediately recognized one, though the young man said nothing.
“Marcus, these are my eldest children, Lucius Palmer and Laura Palmer. Laura doesn’t come here often–she’s still in high school,” Maximus introduced.
“A pleasure to meet you, Lucius, Laura. I hope my arrival won’t cause any inconvenience,” Marcus said, shaking
their hands.
His keen eyes took in every detall of the two. It was clear that Maximus wanted to send a message by having his children present. This was his way of asserting dominance, reminding Marcus whose territory he was stepping into.
Well th
then, let’s begin the meeting,” Maximus said, his tone clipped.
“Not so fast,” Marcus interjected. “Before we get started, I like to introduce my right–hand man–Frederick Sanders. A genius in business, Frederick will be accompanying me daily in this venture.”
The room turned their attention to Frederick, appraising the older man who carried himself with quiet authority. After the introductions, everyone took their seats, and the meeting began.
Alexia kept her eyes fixed on Marcus throughout the meeting. Despite being older than her husband, Marcus was undeniably handsome. She found herself trying to read him to figure out what was going on in his head. The sooner she could get rid of him, the sooner she could focus on Mary. Alexia had no intention of sharing power. Once Marcus was out of the way, she planned to deal with Mary herself, ensuring she joined Peter in the afterlife.
“Alright, Marcus,” Maximus said, finally breaking the tension. “As requested, the finance department is yours. Your office is being prepared as we speak. Looks like we’ll be neighbors–it’s just you and me working on this floor,”
“Thank you, Maximus. I expected nothing less. I’ll do my best to learn the ropes and not disappoint,” Marcus replied, his words dripping with subtle irony.
“There’s another matter,” Maximus said, standing and walking toward Marcus. “It’s about my niece–Peter’s daughter.”
Marcus’s expression remained unreadable, though he exhaled slowly, sensing a shift in the room.
“What do you want, Maximus?” Marcus asked, his voice measured.
“We want to meet her. We’d like her to join Palmer Group. My father and I have agreed to transfer Peter’s share- 11%-to her name. But first, we’ll need a paternity test,” Maximus said, holding Marcus’s gaze.
Marcus’s lips curled into a faint smile. “Gentlemen, this isn’t entirely my decision. Serenity is an adult now, and her mother’s approval will be necessary. If you wish, you can schedule another meeting and invite them both. As for the test… I find it unnecessary, but if they agree, I’ll support whatever they decide.”
Alexia’s face contorted with anger. “Maximus, what do you near you want to give Peter’s share to her?” she snapped.
To Alexia, the idea of anyone besides her children inheriting a portion of the company was absurd. Lucius and Laura remained quiet spectators. Lucius, however, couldn’t shake the unease Marcus’s presence caused him. He knew Marcus’s reputation. This was not a man to be trifled with, yet his father seemed oblivious to the threat. Lucius could sense that Marcus wasn’t playing the long game for nothing. Whatever Marcus’s plan was, it had already begun. For now, it seemed, Lucius’s planned return to London would have to wait.
