CEO Plus-Size Ex-Wife

Chapter 74: First Night Together

From the rearview mirror, Lucas Anderson observed the man speaking. His face was concealed by a mask featuring a symbol of a half moon at its center.

"Do you think I'll end up falling for her?" Lucas Anderson inquired nonchalantly, his expression betraying no hint of interest.

The masked man remained silent for a moment before speaking in a deep, assured voice, "Anyone else might fall for her, but not you."

Lucas Anderson was unfazed by the masked man's reply; in fact, he chuckled and remarked, "Ha! You're no fun."

A quiet descended in the car as they both sat there without further conversation. After a few minutes, Lucas Anderson finally broke the silence, saying, "I need you to get rid of the mother and child."

The masked man expressed surprise, "You're doing this for her?" he inquired.

Lucas Anderson replied with a smile, "No, I simply disdain those who value money over life. So, kindly assist me in sending them away through fire." His demeanor and expression suggested he was discussing the removal of weeds from a garden.

Without another word, the masked man, aware of Lucas Anderson's fixation, understood that the mother and daughter were not his only victims. The extent of his killings surpassed what could be counted on both hands.

"I will take my leave," the masked man declared before stepping out of the car and departing.

Lucas Anderson waited patiently in the car, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel as Andrea returned from her meeting with the influencers. When she finally emerged, her expression was one of exhaustion and frustration, pressing her thumb against her temple in a clear sign of irritation.

"These influencers are just so greedy," she vented, sliding into the passenger seat.

Lucas glanced at her with curiosity. "Do we really need them? Why not let the truth speak for itself?"

Andrea turned to face him, her surprise at his question giving way to a weary smile. "I'd prefer not to rely on them, but it's not that simple. If we don't engage them, our competitors will, and they'll twist the narrative against us. It's not the influencers I'm worried about—it's the chaos-loving netizens who would rather embrace a lie than acknowledge the truth. They could stir up enough trouble to impact my company."

She understood all too well that in the adult world, moral absolutes like right and wrong were often secondary to interests. Some might seize this chance to pressure her company into lowering prices; she was determined not to give them that satisfaction.

Lucas gave her a thumbs up and a supportive smile. "You're the best boss," he said, starting the car and leaving Andrea momentarily speechless, having expected him to offer his own opinion.

Upon arriving home, they were informed by Housekeeper Win that Pete had already been put to bed, much to Andrea's surprise.

"Why did Pete go to bed so early?" Andrea asked with a frown, her worry evident. She knew her son well; he wouldn't typically sleep without saying goodnight to her.

"Ma'am, I had the doctor check on him, just to be sure, and he confirmed Pete isn't sick. As for why he's asleep so early, I couldn't say," Housekeeper Win admitted, relieved at least that Pete was not ill.

"I think I know why," Lucas finally chimed in, a smile playing on his lips.

Both Andrea and Housekeeper Win turned to him with questioning looks.

"I told him I'd take him to the zoo early tomorrow morning," Lucas revealed.

Relief washed over Andrea, though a pang of sadness struck her too; she herself had never managed to take Pete to the zoo, let alone a playground, due to her busy schedule.

"Thank you, Val," she said to Lucas with heartfelt gratitude.

He just smiled and yawned theatrically, lightening the mood. "I'm starving."

The dinner that evening was a pleasant affair, after which Andrea retreated to her study to communicate with the branches of Singers Group nationally and with international representatives.

Hours later, drained from work, she made her way to the bedroom, expecting to find Lucas awake—after all, this was their first night as a remarried couple. To her surprise, he was sleeping soundly.

After a bath, she lay in bed, clad in her nightgown. As her body tensed in anticipation of him possibly initiating intimacy, something she hadn't experienced in over six years, Lucas suddenly turned toward her with a smile.

"You work so hard, even though you're so wealthy. I really admire that. I wish my mother had been like you," he said softly before closing his eyes and drifting back to sleep.

The corners of Andrea's mouth twitched in a mix of bemusement and reflection. As she pondered his words, sleep eventually overtook her.

The next morning, as sunlight trickled into the room, Andrea's eyes fluttered open to find a paper placed beside her. She picked it up, and a smile formed on her lips as she read the message: "Good morning, Sunshine."

However, her smile faded as she noticed the impeccable calligraphy, far too perfect to belong to Valentine Anderson. Having grown up with him and lived together for five years before their divorce, Andrea was keenly aware of his less-than-stellar handwriting.

Raising her head, she spotted a canvas displaying a portrait of herself. Setting the paper aside, she stood and walked over to the portrait, gazing at it in awe.

The drawing captured her in a state of sleep so lifelike that Andrea found herself captivated by its realism.

"I've never known Valentine Anderson to draw," Andrea muttered with a frown, puzzled by the unexpected artwork.