Chapter Gud Wife 305
Chapter 0305
Lucius had recently spoken with Leonardo, requesting permission to put his studies on hold. He was determined to join Palmer Group and start learning the intricacies of the business. With the looming presence of Marcus Bartz, Lucius felt a growing urgency-not only for the future of his siblings but also because he had his own hidden plans.
Plans tied to someone who had long been shaping the company's trajectory. If Lucius positioned himself as the next CEO candidate, it would undoubtedly be a severe blow to Maximus. Not that Lucius cared. The memorandum from Maximus that had just landed in his inbox piqued his curiosity. 'Why would Father summon the shareholders?' he wondered. Everyone knew Marcus Bartz was the only outsider in the mix. Lucius wasn't fully familiar with the company's history or at least, he hadn't been briefed on what might be considered an irrelevant detail. Clutching his phone, he decided to call Leonardo.
"Father, have you seen Maximus's email?" Lucius asked, his voice tinged with intrigue.
"Yes! I'm just as surprised. I've arranged for a private jet to pick me up so I can arrive in time and get
some rest. I should be there in about two hours. Can you pick me up?" Leonardo replied calmly.
"Of course, Father! I'm really curious about what Maximus is planning," Lucius said, attempting to probe further. "Oh, by the way, there's something important I need to tell you
H
"What is it, son? Did Maximus refuse to let you join the company?" Leonardo asked, sounding concerned.
"No, Father! Nothing like that. I think it's best we discuss it in person since you'll be here soon," Lucius said in a low voice.
"Alright. If I get in during the early hours, we'll have plenty of time to talk. Lucius, I've heard that that woman Mary has shown up-with her daughter. What the hell does she want?" Leonardo's tone shifted from calm to irritated.
"I have no idea what you're talking about. Isn't Mary the widow of my late uncle?" Lucius asked, intrigued.
"Precisely, Lucius. That shameless woman had no mercy and took my granddaughter away from us. I've learned through some contacts that she's reappeared-now as the wife of Marcus Bartz," Leonardo said, his frustration evident. "My son, you're my best hope for rescuing the company. You have qualities Maximus has never possessed. Years ago, I thought he had inherited the business acumen of my father, but time has proven. otherwise. He's nothing but a puppet for your mother."
"Father, don't get worked up. You know I'm here to support you. I assure you this company will never fall into Bartz's hands," Lucius said, trying to calm him down.
It was peculiar, even to Maximus, how much Leonardo had invested in grooming his first grandson. For years, Leonardo had taught Lucius the intricacies of business and market strategies.
Maximus, however, had hoped his son would enjoy a normal childhood, much like he had with Peter. Yet Lucius seemed drawn to his grandfather's orbit, and eventually, Maximus gave up trying to intervene. Alexia, as always, observed quietly, refraining from judgment.
Things stayed this way until Frank Levett reentered the picture, drawing Lucius's attention with his aggressive and enticing approach to business. Unfortunately, that relationship was short-lived, as Frank's financial scandal forced him to flee the country, leaving Lucius adrift.
"Father, what time should I pick you up? What I need to tell you... well, you might already know, but I'm not sure yet," Lucius said, steering the conversation to safer ground.
"The flight will take about two hours, but I'm waiting for the driver now. How about meeting me at the airport in
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three hours? I don't want you staying up too late, son," Ledardo said, his tone softening again.
"Very well, Father. I'll pick you up in three hours. We'll talk on the way home."
"No, no, son! I've already reserved a room at the St. Regis Hotel. You know how your mother feels about
my presence-I don't want to upset her," Leonardo said firmly
"I understand, Father. Don't worry-I'll take you there. See you in a few hours."