My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

That same day, Maximus headed straight to the office where he knew he'd find Judge Moriarty. After learning the results of his search, he couldn't waste any more time without getting answers. On one hand, there was Alexia Levett and her stay in France, but more importantly, there was the matter of his son Lucius and his connection to Anthony Moriarty.

When he arrived, he announced himself to the judge's secretary. She told him the judge wasn't available, but when she saw how insistent he was, she had no choice but to go into Moriarty's office. The judge rolled his eyes-having Maximus Evans outside his door could only mean two things: he was either there to confront him about Leonardo Palmer's death or to ask about his son. And Moriarty was leaning toward the latter.

"Sir, Mr. Evans doesn't seem like he's going to leave. He says it's important to speak with you..." the secretary said, embarrassed that she couldn't get rid of the man waiting outside.

Moriarty let out a frustrated sigh but ultimately accepted the inevitable. Whether he dealt with Maximus today, tomorrow, or another day, the man would remain a headache-just like his son.

"Let him in. Cancel all my appointments until at least 5:00 p.m. Hopefully, two hours will be enough for him," Moriarty said as he got up to pour himself a drink.

A moment later, the spitting image of Lucius walked through the door. Moriarty narrowed his eyes and thought, Lucius Palmer, you really are a goddamn pain in the ass. Then, he smirked and stepped forward to greet his visitor.

"Good afternoon, Maximus Evans. What brings you here at this hour?" Moriarty asked, locking eyes with the man and shaking his hand firmly.

"Good afternoon, Judge Moriarty..." Maximus replied, trying not to seem nervous. "Care for a drink?" Moriarty asked casually.

“Judge Moriarty, drinking during work hours?" Maximus remarked, eyeing him.

Moriarty's smirk disappeared as he replied, "Actually, I just put my work on hold to deal with you. Honestly, you're not worth my time, but I decided to grant you some anyway. You should be grateful I'm seeing you without an appointment."

"I was just saying you probably shouldn't be drinking while you're here..."

"Well, I wouldn't be if you and your family weren't such a damn headache. But every time I have to deal with a Palmer, I end up needing a drink or two-so I'm getting ahead of it."

"Wow. I wasn't expecting that answer. So the Palmers are still on your radar."

"They always will be. Even with your businesses in ruins and your family practically wiped out after your father's death, I can't just erase you from the map."

"You knew my father died?" Maximus asked, surprised.

"Recently. mean, I haven't quite developed the power to be

omnipresent yet, but when I dott

me'll have a lot more answers Moriarty said sarcastically

“Oh, so you're feeling funny today," Maximus shot back in the same tone.

"Mmm, depends on how you see it. But why do I even bother? I already know that you and Marcus Bartz will do whatever the hell you want. I told him to leave the country, and from the looks of it, that's not happening anytime soon-especially now that his daughter, your daughter, and everyone's daughter is about to have a baby."

"You'll be a grandfather again in less than a year. Congratulations, Maximus."

"Judge Moriarty, thanks! But let's cut the small talk. I'm here for something serious and complicated."

"Alright, I'll do my best to help. What's going on?" Moriarty said as he returned to his seat.noveldrama

"I've been trying to locate my son Lucius, but haven't had any luck. My most recent search led me to

you. That's why I'm here," Maximus said firmly, mentally preparing himself for a possible rejection.

"You want to know where your son is... I assume?" Moriarty replied, catching Maximus off guard.

Maximus realized Moriarty had been expecting this visit and that he wasn't leaving without an answer.

"Exactly," Maximus said confidently.

"What if your son doesn't want to see you?" Moriarty asked, testing the waters.

Moriarty knew this day would come sooner or later. It was better now, just before he went to see Maximus's little clone.