NovelEnglish25 BONUS Chapter 0162 Maximus stood frozen, overwhelmed by the sight of Valerie-Mary. She was no longer the girl he remembered but a confident, elegant woman. The years had shaped her into someone radiant, and seeing her again stirred memories he had buried deep. The last image he had of her was etched in his mind: her tear-streaked face, devastated after Peter's death. Back then, for the first time, he had toyed with the idea of breaking off his engagement to Alexia.
"Mr. Palmer, are you still with us?" Marcus's voice cut through his reverie, sharp and tinged with jealousy. He could see Maximus's gaze lingering too long on Valerie, and it stoked a flicker of possessiveness.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"Oh, yes, forgive me," Maximus said, snapping out of it. "I'm just... surprised. Mary, I didn't expect to see you in such... esteemed company." "Maximus," Valerie replied coolly, "he's not just my company. Marcus is my husband. We've been married for fifteen years.
The word husband felt like a blow to Maximus's chest, sending heat coursing through his body. It wasn't love; it was anger-anger at how easily she seemed to have moved on. How could she have forgotten Peter so quickly? And worse, how could she have married Marcus, Peter's best friend? And what of him- Maximus? Did he mean nothing to her? The questions stormed through his mind as he stared at her, lost in a mix of resentment and longing "Yes... I can see that. So, it's been quite a long time," he said, his tone neutral, though his eyes betrayed his turmoil.
"That's right, Mr. Palmer," Marcus interjected smoothly, his expression calm but deliberate. “Does our story seem so unbelievable to you?" Maximus hesitated, unsure if this was skind of elaborate ruse. He couldn't fathom that she would so thoroughly abandon her past. Surely, it couldn't have been that easy to forget Valentia, Peter... or him.
"So, you've been in Hesperia all this time?" "Yes," Valerie confirmed. "It's been twenty years. Marcus and I lost touch for a while, but when we reconnected, I already had my daughter, Serenity. And, well, here we are." Maximus's head jerked up. "Serenity? My niece's nis Serenity?" "Yes," Marcus said, pride lighting his voice. "Serenity Bartz Hunter. She's brilliant with business, just like her mother." "She's a sweet girl,” Valerie added, smiling warmly. "My daughter and her father are exceptional at what they do. They manage my small jewelry business together." "Ah, yes. Marcus mentioned you're planning to expand into Valentia," Maximus said, trying to mask his emotions as the conversation shifted.
"That's correct,” Valerie said. "Marcus toldyour marketing team could assist with launching here." "Of course," Maximus replied quickly. "I'll have Matthew expedite the process and connect you with our marketing director." Chapter 0162 +25 BONUS Thank you, Maximus," Valerie said with a polite nod. "I truly appreciate it." Marcus reached for her hand, his tone affectionate as he said, "She's being modest, of course. Valerie is an incredible designer." "Oh, stop exaggerating!" Valerie said, blushing "I'm not," Marcus countered. “She graduated with honors, and her work ethic is unmatched. Her designs have transformed her jewelry line into a success story." Maximus's curiosity got the better of him. "You studied design?"
"Yes," Marcus replied before Valerie could answer. "My Valerie completed study m her SATS and went onto fashion design, specializing in high-end jewelry. I deal in precious metals and minerals, so it was a natural progression for her to start her own venture Maximus's jaw tightened as guilt began to gnaw at him. "I never imagined you'd beca designer," he said quietly.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Well, I was young and inexperienced back then," Valerie admitted. "But I always dreamed of becoming a designer. Marcus supportedevery step of the way. While I studied, he cared for Serenity." Valerie laughed softly, her eyes lighting up with the memory. "I'll never forget how his marble office beca nursery. Toys, baby food, a playpen, even a changing table-it was all there. It was chaos at first, but we made it work." Marcus chuckled along with her, but his eyes were fixed on Maximus, gauging his every reaction.
Maximus felt as though the walls were closing in on him. He remembered how he had treated Mere m Mary when they were married. He hadn't given given her the freedom to pursue her dreams or even a chance to grow. Instead, he had isolated her, consumed by his own selfishness.
He had taken her youth and happiness for granted, never once thinking of her aspirations.
Now, he was confronted with the stark contrast between the life she had with him and the life she hadh built with Marcus taxlife full of opportunity, growth, and love. And what stung the most was knowing that Marcus had embraced not only Valerie but also Serenity, a child who wasn't his, and had treated her as his own.
Maximus's heart ached, and old wounds he thought had healed began to throb anew.
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