My Love Until the Last Goodbye by Alut

Chapter 0399 Chapter 0399 A week had passed quickly since Alexia's death was announced. Maximus hádn't shown up at Palmer Group's offices. Marcus, along with Matthew, worked hard to keep the company afloat. While it was true the business wasn't what it once had been, Matthew had analyzed the data and was convinced they could restore it to its former glory. It would just take a significant injection of capital and the ability to endure this tough period. Stability was within reach.

After a much-needed vacation, Marcus returned with a clear mind and a firm resolve: he would do whatever it took to save the company that had been the legacy of his parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. He wouldn't let the hard work of three generations be destroyed by outsiders. Although the issue of revenge still lingered in his mind, things had shifted. Alexia was gone, Frank was still under his control, and with no one left to fight, at least as far as he knew, his focus was now elsewhere.

It was Monday, and Maximus had requested a meeting with Marcus. They would meet first thing in the morning at the office. This time, Maximus wouldn't be alone. Alden Pietrovich Palmer was coming with him, bringing the DNA test results stipulated in the family clause. It was tto give his nephew what was rightfully his. Maximus had no desire to hold onto anything that didn't belong to his family. Besides, he had already started diversifying his investments into other businesses outside Palmer Group. Over time, his portfohad grown, and the returns. from these ventures were more than enough to live comfortably for the rest of his life. His children were well- protected by the company, and the additional wealth would allow them to chart their own paths when they were older.

With this in mind, Maximus planned to propose his resignation as CEO during the meeting.

Marcus was in his office when he checked the tand headed to the boardroom. Waiting there were Maximus, Alden, and Matthew. The conversation began with polite formalities-condolences, inquiries about the children, and so on. Nothing out of the ordinary.

"Marcus, I chere today to address a delicate matter," Maximus said, his tone serious. "As you can see, I didn't calone. This is Alden, Peter's son. There's no doubt about it-just look at him-but here is the DNA test that the clause requires. I want to officially transfer the 16.5% of shares that belong to him by birthright. Additionally, he's expressed interest in working here. I'd like to evaluate his skills and assign him to a role that suits his expertise. What do you think?" Marcus listened carefully before replying, “If the DNA test confirms he's Peter's son, I don't see why he shouldn't receive what's rightfully his. But are you certain about this?" "Absolutely. My nephew deserves what is his." "Then let's proceed. I have no reason to object. Let's take care of the necessary arrangements and sign the papers." Matthew pulled out a stack of documents from his briefcase. Marcus and Maximus began signing them before passing them to Alden. After the final signatures were completed, a judge sealed the transfer. From that moment, Alden Pietrovich Palmer was legally recognized as a shareholder of the company. A press conference, to be handled by Matthew, would announce this to the public. It might seem excessive, but a company of this stature followed strict protocols, and this was no exception.

Once the signing was over, Marcus shook Alden's hand and welcomed him to the company. Looking into the young man's eyes, Marcus couldn't deny the resemblance to Peter. It was as if his old friend and brother were somehow present in Alden. Alden hadn't expected such a warm reception, but seeing Marcus's reaction made him certain: if he wanted to know more about his father, Marcus was the right person to ask.

"Marcus, sorry to interrupt," Maximus said, drawing him aside. Matthew took the cue and suggested Alden step out with him.

1/2 +25 BONUS Chapter 0399 "Would you like to see your father's old office?" Matthew asked.

"It still exists?" "Of course it does. Your uncle never let anyone take it over. Let's go to my office and grab the key." Meanwhile, in the CEO's boardroom, Marcus looked at Maximus with curiosity, trying to guess what was coming next.

"Marcus, I wanted a private moment to discuss something important," Maximus began, taking a deep breath and unbuttoning his blazer. "Alexia's death has leftshaken. I know I don't owe you an explanation, but I feel the need to share this.

"She was a cold, calculating woman-but she wasn't always like that. At one point, she gavesomething that madelove her. I loved her. I still do. And even after everything she's done, even in death, I'm not sure I'll ever stop loving her. She was the mother of my three children. No matter how much I try, I can't hate her-and that infuriates me. She hurt so many people, caused so much pain, and I'll carry the guilt of her actions for the rest of my life.

"But not everything was bad. Like I said, she leftthree children. Maurice is eight, Paul is fifteen and even though he's not my biological son, I love him just as much as the others--and Laura, my little girl, who's now a young woman about to turn eighteen. Thas flown by. I don't want to keep missing out on their lives because of this company. That's why I'm resigning." "What? You can't do that!" "Yes, I can. And I will. As CEO, I have the right to step down whenever I choose. If you don't like it, I'll sell you my shares. Or you can leave Matthew in charge-or even Alden, now that you've just made him a shareholder." "You bastard! That was your plan all along, wasn't it?" "Which is?" "Make Alden cin and you resign so that he can take control of the company."

"Marcus, there's nothing hidden, I don't have a plan, I just want to retire, live a quiet life with my children, give the twith my them the tI haven't been able to them give them, that's all. You can rise to the position, so I don't see why this sounds like a plan." "Are you leaving?"

"No, I just want to take a break. I'm not going anywhere. Maybe I'll take my kids away for a few days, but I' keep living where I do now. I can always keep working here, just not as CEO. I don't expect your understanding, but I do expect your acceptance." "I have no choice, you've already decided, and there's nothing I can do about it."

Once that was said, both men stood up, shook hands as a sign of om acceptance and agreement, and Maximus went into what had been his office for years, took spersonal things, and left. Marcus was with Greta outside the office. He saw Maximus walk out and was surprised when he approached.

"Here, this is the key to the main office. You can get rid of everything and make it yours. I won't need it anymore. Goodbye, Greta! Thanks for all your help!"