My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Chapter 0209 Chapter 0209 When they arrived at the bar, they were guided to a table reserved by the client's assistant. Marcus ordered a whiskey neat, while Valerie chose a glass of wine. She kept her drink modest, knowing she needed to stay sharp- this was a rare opportunity to observe Marcus in a professional setting she never imagined she'd be part of. Tonight, Marcus looked particularly striking in his Oxford-ray suit paired with a crisp white shirt and matching tie. His silver cufflinks, tie clip, and signature Rolex added to his polished appearance, while his frameless glasses lent him a modern yet commanding aura. Valerie couldn't help but glance at him, feeling a flutter in her chest and a small, unwelcpang in her stomach. She scolded herself internally. "Stop it, Valerie. We've talked about this you cannot let yourself feel anything for him. You're not looking for love." The drinks arrived, and their conversation began to flow more freely.

"Valerie, what do you have planned for Serenity tomorrow? Marcus asked, his gaze steady.

"Nothing concrete yet. Maybe we'll go to the park after getting groceries," she said, taking a sip of her wine.

"If you don't have plans, I was thinking of inviting you both to joinin Marivale. There's an estate with a spa that's very peaceful this tof year. It has huge green spaces and a kids' zone-Serene would love it." "You're planning on going to a spa?" "It's been a busy few days. I could use the relaxation. But more than that, I thought it'd be a good chance for Serenity to get out and enjoy herself," Marcus said, leaning back slightly.

Valerie hesitated. 'I need to catch up on laundry this weekend,' she thought, but then she remembered how little tshe had spent with Serenity recently. Between her job and her long days, she only saw her daughter briefly in the mornings and kissed her goodnight when she was already fast asleep.

"Letthink about it," she replied.

"Of course," Marcus said with a small smile. “Think it over during dinner and letknow before we leave. I'll reserve an extra room if you're coming." "Okay, I'll confirm in a bit," Valerie agreed.

Not long after, their client, Robert Sanford, arrived. He was a middle-aged man with a jovial demeanor, though his reputation in negotiations was anything but soft. He greeted Marcus with enthusiasm, clapping him on the shoulder.

"Marcus Bartz! My friend! What a pleasure to do business with you!! "Hello, Robert. How have you been?" "Fantastic! But not as good as you look at you! I heard about your surgery. It's a miracle how well you've recovered!" "That was a while ago," Marcus said, brushing off the subject with a polite smile.

"But still, you're a miracle of a man!" Robert turned to Valerie and gave her a slight bow. "Miss Hunt! I'd heard your assistant was beautiful, but the description doesn't do you justice." "Robert, have a seat," Marcus said, gesturing to the chair opposite him, his tone sharp but composed.

Marcus had little patience for excessive compliments toward women, especially when they bordered on inappropriate. His subtle shift in tone and expression was enough to make Robert realize he had overstepped. He quickly pivoted to a more professional topic, ordering a cognac when the waiter arrived.

Chapter 0209 +25 BONUS As expected, Robert was an excellent conversationalist and drinker. The night unfolded with platters of food and rounds of drinks, Robert seemed unaffected by the alcohol, while Marcus stuck to whiskey, occasionally drinking sparkling water to stay grounded. Despite this, his checks ushed from the alcohol.

Valerie, meanwhile, sipped her third glass of wine when she discreetly received a text message from Marcus: [Robert is an exceptional drinker.

I have no choice but to keep up.

You, however, should pace yourself.

A driver will pick you up after dinner to take you home.

Don't forget to confirm about Marivale.] Near the end of the dinner, Marcus received a call from Car the driver assigned to pick up Valerie.

"Sir, there's been an accident on the highway. Traffic is terrible, and I won't make it in time. Thesays it'll takethree hours to get there." "That's too long for her to wait. Head home, Carl. I'll take care of it." "I can still try, sir-" "No, don't worry about it. I'll drive her myself. Thanks, Car I'll see you Monday." When Marcus returned to the table, Robert had ordered another bottle of wine for Valerie and another drink for himself. Valerie's cheeks were faintly pink from the wine, and Marcus immediately addressed her.

"Valerie, I'll take you hafter dinner. There's been an accident on the driver's route, and it'll take too long for him to get here." "That's okay-I can call a taxi through the app,” Valerie said.

"No," Marcus replied firmly. "It's not safe to travel alone at night." ! "Miss Hunt," Robert chimed in, raising his glass, "Mr. Bartz is absolutely right. These days, it's far too risky for someone as beautiful as you to travel alone."

Marcus shot Robert a warning look, then pulled out the contract and m placed it on the table. If Valerie wasn't going to leave unscathed from Robert's charm, Marcus decided to wrap up business quickly. Robert, visibly tipsy but still sharp, signed the document without a second glance. "Well, Mr. Bartz, it's always a pleasure to do business with you. I'll see you in your office Monday to finalize details." "Thank you, Robert. I look forward to it," Marcus said, securing the contract in his briefcase.

Robert gave Valerie a polite bow before departing. Once they were alone, Marcus turned to her.

"Valerie, would you rather wait forhere, or cwithto my room while I put this in the safe?"

Before she could respond, Marcus gently took her hand and led her m away from the table. Her startled NO expression made it clear she wasn't expecting to have a choice in the matter.

"Con, I won't take long. I'll drop you off right after," Marcus said, voice serious yet cam told you to pace yourself. Robert loves his alcohol and assumes everyone can keep up with him." Valerie followed, her heart racing as Marcus led her toward the elevator.