CEO Plus-Size Ex-Wife

Chapter 102: How Is Search For Valentine Anderson Going?

Pete blinked his eyes in confusion, his face a mask of disbelief. He refused to accept that Lucas Anderson, who bore an uncanny resemblance to him, wasn't his father. He'd compared their reflections in the mirror countless times, noting that the only differences were their age and height—nothing else.

"You're lying!" Pete shouted at Andrea, his eyes brimming with tears.

Andrea stiffened, taken aback by Pete's vehement reaction. "He's my father! You're a mean mommy!" Pete accused before turning on his heel and dashing back into the house.

Overwhelmed, Andrea's tears flowed freely as she covered her mouth to stifle her sobs.

Agatha quickly wrapped her arms around Andrea, offering comfort. "Don't be sad, Andrea. He's just a child. With time, he'll understand," she said, patting Andrea's back reassuringly.

Tony and Tate stood behind the two women, exchanging helpless glances. They didn't know how to console Andrea; her life had been fraught with too much tragedy.

As they approached the mansion, Housekeeper Win emerged, concern etched on her face. "Ma'am Andrea, Pete has locked himself in his room, and we can't find the spare keys. Should we break down the door?" she asked, noticing Andrea's tear-streaked face.

Andrea's heart plummeted. She rushed into the mansion and made a beeline for Pete's door, knocking gently. "Pete, please open the door. Mommy's worried about you."

"Go away! I don't want a mean mommy. I want daddy!" came Pete's muffled, sobbing response from behind the door.

Despite her pleas, Pete remained adamant, refusing to unlock the door. Tony approached Andrea, who was still knocking and pleading. He hesitated before speaking. "Andrea, if we don't leave soon, we'll miss our chance to visit your father's grave today."

Andrea realized he was right; daylight was fading fast, and the national cemetery would soon be closed to the public.

"Sir, it's good you're back..." Andrea's thoughts were interrupted by Housekeeper Win's voice from the living room.

She furrowed her brow, remembering that 'sir' was how Housekeeper Win referred to Lucas Anderson. Her eyes narrowed, wondering what he was doing in the mansion.

Tony's expression darkened. He was about to confront Lucas in the living room when Andrea interrupted, "There's no need for that. Let him come."

Tony sighed, his fists unclenching reluctantly. Moments later, Lucas Anderson appeared in the doorway of Pete's room.

His gaze met Andrea's, and despite the healing cuts on his face—a result of Tony and Tate's earlier aggression—his recovery seemed unnaturally fast.

Andrea's feelings were complex. She hadn't stopped Tate and Tony from beating Lucas, nor had she helped him out of the island. A sense of guilt washed over her, and she stepped aside.

A smirk played on Lucas's lips, irritating Tony, who felt a renewed urge to punch him.

Lucas approached the door to Pete's room and said, "You should go and have something to eat. I'll talk to Pete."

"Thanks," Andrea replied instinctively, a wave of relief washing over her.

Realizing she had responded without thinking, she paused, a confused look crossing her face.

"Pete, open the door," she heard Lucas say, followed by a knock.

Curious, Andrea watched to see if Pete would respond. It wasn't long before the door creaked open and Pete's small form leaped into Lucas Anderson's arms.

A self-deprecating chuckle escaped Andrea's lips. She had been a constant presence in Pete's life for six years, yet in just a few weeks, Lucas Anderson had seemingly overshadowed her years of dedication.

With a bitter taste in her mouth, she muttered under her breath, "Ingrate."

Andrea's jealousy was palpable as she stormed down the stairs in a huff, her annoyance evident in every step. Agatha, catching sight of her friend's furious demeanor, felt a mix of concern and confusion. "Andrea, did that jerk say something to upset you?" Agatha asked, her voice laced with a tinge of anger.

The "jerk" in question was none other than Lucas Anderson.

Andrea clenched her jaw, the anger simmering within her. She wanted to vent, to express her frustration about Pete favoring his uncle's company over her own, but she restrained herself. Instead, she huffed dismissively and made her way to the dining table to eat, leaving Agatha quite perplexed.

"Her mood is as unpredictable as the weather in Africa today," Agatha thought to herself, still trying to make sense of Andrea's behavior.

Moments later, Lucas Anderson came down the stairs, with Pete clinging to him like a lifeline. Despite Lucas's coaxing, Pete wouldn't let go; he had been attached to Lucas since the moment he laid eyes on him.

Agatha watched, her eyebrows arching in surprise, as Lucas took a seat at the dining table with Pete still in his arms, and began to feed the boy. It was a sight that made her question how anyone could doubt Lucas's relationship with Pete, given the bond they seemed to share.

Her attention shifted as Tony descended the staircase, observing the same scene unfold. A helpless smile played on his lips at the sight.

"Tony, do you think Pete will ever accept his real father?" Agatha inquired, skepticism coloring her tone. Pete's attachment to Lucas Anderson was so strong, she wondered if there was room for his biological father in his life.

Tony shook his head, a mixture of frustration and resentment in his voice. "I don't know, Agatha. He seems to really adore that guy," he replied, his words betraying his disdain for Lucas Anderson.

Tony's pride was wounded; he'd been outmaneuvered by Lucas, and it galled him that he'd been used as a pawn in the man's game.

It was only natural he harbored a grudge.

As they stood there, Agatha's thoughts turned to another matter. "How is the search for Valentine Anderson going?" she inquired, changing the subject.