CEO Plus-Size Ex-Wife

Chapter 84: Plans Changed

Anne's face was a mask of shock, and upon seeing this, a wave of satisfaction washed over Andrea.

"Please, take a seat," Andrea said, gesturing gracefully to a chair nearby as she herself settled into her own seat.

Anne's gaze dropped to her hands, her fingers twining nervously as she presumably doubted Andrea's claims. Noticing Anne's skepticism, Andrea took the opportunity to flaunt her wedding ring conspicuously, her sense of triumph growing.

"Anne Rodrigo, I'm glad you've come to visit. I've submitted a proposal to your team to consider you as an ambassador for our product line. Since you're here, it would be my pleasure to discuss the opportunity with you and introduce you to the product personally," Andrea stated with a confident air.

However, before Andrea could delve into her pitch, Anne cut her off. "Mrs. Andrea, you don't need to go through the introduction. I'll discuss it with my team, and we will sign the contract."

Andrea's brow creased in confusion. This was not the usual way negotiations played out. "Aren't you worried that our product might damage your reputation?" she asked. The online community was notoriously unforgiving to celebrities who endorsed substandard products, and influencers often sought to capitalize on such missteps to increase their own fame.

Anne shook her head resolutely. "Mrs. Andrea, any company might release a flawed product, but not Singers Group. They have the highest reputation for reliability in the country."

A satisfied smile spread across Andrea's face, only to disappear when Anne posed an unexpected question. "Mrs. Andrea, is your husband Anderson?"

The question made Andrea slightly uneasy, but she replied nonetheless, "Yes, my husband is Valentine Anderson. We've been together since we were children," she said, seizing the chance to share her love story with Anne.

"Nice," Anne responded, but her tone lacked enthusiasm.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Anne departed. Left alone, Andrea didn't immediately engage with other guests. Instead, she sank into deep contemplation, pondering the true purpose behind Anne's visit.

Resolved to uncover more, Andrea decided to speak with her husband once she returned home at the end of the day.

Done with her work for the day, Andrea headed home. Upon her arrival, she found Lucas Anderson immersed in his art, painting within his collection room.

The moment Andrea flicked on the lights, Lucas lifted his head to address her. "Have you seen Pete?" he inquired immediately.

"No, I just got back. I wanted to talk to you," Andrea responded.

Lucas gave her a sidelong glance. Her expression suggested something serious was on her mind. "Is everything alright?" he probed when she hesitated to speak further.

"Anne Rodrigo visited me at work today," Andrea said at last.

Lucas merely uttered an indifferent "Oh!" and resumed his painting, which surprised Andrea considering they were discussing Anne Rodrigo, a woman widely regarded as a dream wife among many men.

Trying to settle her swirling thoughts, Andrea took a deep breath and then asked, "Val, do you know her? She kept asking about you, and she eagerly agreed to become our brand representative."

Lucas stopped painting and turned to offer Andrea a reassuring smile. "If you're not comfortable with her, we can consider other options," he suggested.

Andrea's pout revealed her frustration; she wasn't interested in discussing replacements. She wanted to understand Anne Rodrigo's interest in her husband.

Noticing Andrea's displeasure, Lucas set aside his brush, walked over to her, and wrapped her in a comforting embrace. "Andrea, you're the only one in my heart. There's no space for anyone else," he assured her.

Feeling somewhat relieved by Lucas's words, Andrea eventually left the room to check on Pete.

Once Andrea was out of sight, Lucas retrieved his phone from his pocket. He deftly navigated the device before placing a call. As soon as the call connected, he spoke into the receiver, "Let's meet at the Iron Grass tomorrow, 9 AM."

Lucas ended the call promptly, not waiting for a reply from the person on the other end.

The next morning after driving Pete to school, Lucas drove to the agreed location with the caller.

As Lucas approached the designated meeting spot, he was surprised to find Anne Rodrigo already there, a full thirty minutes ahead of schedule.

"You're early," he remarked, noting her premature arrival.

Anne's gaze held a mixture of love and sorrow; it was clear she had been longing for this moment. Though she yearned to hold him, the frosty barrier he exuded kept her at bay.

With a heavy heart, she inquired gently, "What are you doing in Vegas City? Did dad send you on a mission?"

Lucas, standing tall and distant, replied, "I am Valentine Anderson now. Andrea is my wife. Anne, if you're here for me, you should return."

Done talking, Lucas stood up and began to walk away. Anne's voice cracked with urgency, "Lucas!"

He halted but didn't turn to face her. Through tears, Anne's voice trembled with regret, "I was mistaken. I've been hoping you'd reconsider the question you once asked. I've come to see that fame and wealth are hollow. Ever since you left, I've felt nothing but emptiness."

His response was resolute, carried on the wind as he continued to walk away, "It's too late."

Lucas had just settled into the driver's seat when he noticed the masked figure already ensconced in the passenger seat, an ominous presence.

"The situation has escalated," the masked man stated, his voice a deep rumble. "Your timeline has been expedited. Anne's arrival has complicated matters."

Lucas clicked his tongue in mild irritation. "You're wound up tight. Just get Anne home, and it'll sort itself out," he replied, his demeanor exuding an easy indifference.

The masked man's dissatisfaction was palpable. "What of the code? Have you located it yet?"

"It's not in the mansion. I've turned that place upside down; if it was in his Vegas property, I'd have found it," Lucas Anderson responded confidently.

A thoughtful silence enveloped the masked man before he issued a new directive. "When Anne goes to Sunshine City to visit her father's grave, you're going with her."

Lucas let out a dismissive 'tsk,' his patience waning. "You're acting like it's the apocalypse. Get out—I've got real life to attend to. I'm cooking for my wife and kid tonight, so I'm off to pick up some groceries," he said, leaning back in his seat with a nonchalant air.