My Love Until the Last Goodbye (Mary and Maximus)

"Still..." Maximus muttered.

"Come on. Didn't you make mistakes at their age?" Magnus added, throwing salt into the old wounds.

"Dad...!" Maximus said, grimacing.

"Just have faith," Magnus said calmly. "Brown's a good kid. He probably just let fear get the better of him. He's been trying hard to make things right—you can see

it."

"You know," Magnus added with a chuckle, "old George even offered him all his businesses just to stay with his crazy granddaughter."

"What happened?" Maximus asked, clearly surprised.

"What do you think? Didn't you say when you found him, the kid barely had enough to survive?"

Maximus nodded, remembering.

"The young Brown earned my respect for that," Magnus continued. "It says a lot when, for someone his age, his daughter and your daughter were more important to him than any fortune. And believe me, that's not easy to walk away from." Maximus sighed heavily. "Oh, Dad... what am I going to do with you?"

"Listen to your old man, that's what," Magnus said, taking a puff of his cigar. "By the way, in a few days, Matthew and I are flying to Las Vegas. You'll be in charge while we're gone. We need some vacation, a little fun."

"Fun?" Maximus asked suspiciously.

"Yeah... gambling, drinking, sex, and other things..."

"Magnus! Must you be so descriptive?" Maximus scolded.

"We're in private, aren't we?"

"Yes, but... where's the dignified man I met in Germany?"

Magnus just grinned mischievously. "Son, once you get comfortable with people, you can drop the mask."

Maximus sighed again. "What am I going to do with you?"

"Love me and respect me," Magnus teased, shrugging.

"I guess I will..."

"Told you." Magnus's eyes shifted slightly, and he nodded toward the path. "Look who's coming."

Maximus followed his gaze and stiffened when he saw Laura and Adrian approaching.

Laura felt a cold sweat at seeing her father and grandfather sitting there.

"Dad? I thought you were away..." Laura said, a little breathless.

"I was. But I came back and dropped by to see your grandpa. I found myself babysitting my granddaughter," Maximus said with narrowed eyes.

"Mr. Evans..." Adrian said nervously, looking thoroughly intimidated.

"Brown," Maximus said gruffly, "what are you waiting for? Come and take care of your daughter. I'm not going to always be around to babysit for you." Itwasn't exactly permission, but it was as close as Maximus would get to approving without losing his pride.

"M gnus," Maximus said, "let's head to the office. I need your opinion some contracts."

"Alright, son, let's go," Magnus said, getting up.

It was clear Magnus understood Maximus's language perfectly. Despite Maximus's grumpy face whenever Adrian was near Laura, Magnus knew his son understood it was time to let Laura make her own choices. sŵnovel

Laura and Adrian watched as Magnus and Maximus walked off, disappearing into the building.

Laura then approached the stroller and smiled down at her beautiful daughter.

"Adrian," she said warmly, "this is Adele. She's sleeping, so try not to make too much noise... If she wakes up, it'll be a battle to settle her down again."

Adrian stepped closer, looking down at the sleeping baby. Blonde hair, pale skin— his heart squeezed at the sight.noveldrama

As if sensing his presence, Adele slowly opened her big green eyes.

Adrian smiled softly. And miraculously, the baby smiled back. Without hesitation, Adrian gently lifted her into his arms, cradling her carefully, and inhaled her sweet baby scent.

"Hello, my little one," he whispered, his voice cracking slightly. "I'm your Dad... Did you know you're the most beautiful baby in the world?"

Laura watched in amazement. Adele was smiling at him-instantly. It was like the

blood bond between them recognized each other without needing words.

"My girl... look at you. You're so big and so beautiful," Adrian murmured, rocking her gently. "Daddy is going to work hard for you and your mom. I'll do my best to give you the life you deserve... You'll always have a daddy who loves you, my beautiful princess."

Laura stood by, smiling softly, her heart full.

Watching Adrian holding Adele for the first time—seeing that connection spark

between them—it warmed something deep inside her.

And deep down, she knew she had made the right decision.