Although Tony was displeased with Andrea's decision, there was nothing he could change; he silently resented Valentine Anderson for being so shallow and short-sighted.
Together, they boarded a private jet and made their way back to Vegas City, parting ways at the airport.
Upon Andrea's arrival at home in the early morning, she stepped out of the car to a heartwarming scene. Pete and a handful of neighborhood children were gleefully playing in the playground that Lucas Anderson had recently constructed.
Andrea couldn't help but smile at the sight of Pete's joy. For the six years he had been with her, her busy schedule meant Pete had rarely played outside, leading him to grow up without friends.
Housekeeper Win noticed Andrea and greeted her with a warm smile, approaching with news that brightened Andrea's mood even further. "Sir did something remarkable. He managed to persuade the neighborhood children to come over and play with young master Pete," she explained.
Andrea was taken aback; they lived in an exclusive neighborhood inhabited by the most influential figures in Vegas. Despite her own status, she doubted she could have convinced these elites to allow their children to mingle with Pete. She wondered how Lucas Anderson had achieved such a feat.
After a moment of contemplation, Andrea nodded in agreement, saying, "He is truly remarkable."
Her attention returned to the children, but soon she asked Housekeeper Win, "Where is he now?"
"Sir brought home some horses and has been setting up a stable for them. He's probably there now, tending to them," Housekeeper Win replied.
Andrea, surprised by this new revelation, requested to be taken to the stable. They walked the few hundred meters from the main mansion, and as they approached, the sounds of the horses grew louder.
Reaching the stable, Andrea was greeted by the sight of Lucas Anderson caring for three horses, providing them with water as they grazed. With his sleeves rolled up, sweat glistening on his brow, boots on his feet, and a hat on his head, he looked every bit the cowboy.
Andrea chuckled at the sight, and one of the horses, sensing a visitor, stamped its hoof.
Lucas Anderson looked up, surprised to see Andrea already back from Cardiff. "You've returned from Cardiff already?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
He had planned to get the horses settled and hire a caretaker for them as a parting gift before leaving the mansion, not expecting Andrea to return so soon.
The mention of Cardiff cast a shadow over Andrea's mood. Her expression turned somber as she conveyed the painful news. "Yes, Val denied his identity, refusing to acknowledge us any longer," she said, her sadness palpable.
Lucas Anderson's own expression faltered as he absorbed her words. Taking a deep breath, he resolved, "I'll go to Cardiff and talk to him. If anyone can make him come back, it's me."
Andrea shook her head, insisting, "There's no need, Lucas. I don't want to see him anymore."
Despite her words, Lucas sensed her inner turmoil and offered a distraction. "Andrea, why don't we take the horses out? I haven't had the chance to ride them since they arrived last night," he suggested with a hopeful smile.
The idea of horseback riding startled Andrea, who confessed, "I've never ridden a horse."
Lucas reassured her, "Don't worry, you can ride with me."
After a moment's hesitation, Andrea agreed. Housekeeper Win had discreetly excused herself, hoping to give the couple some privacy to strengthen their bond.
Lucas helped Andrea onto the horse before mounting behind her, taking the reins in his hands. As he gently nudged the horse into motion, Andrea's initial nervousness gave way to comfort, supported by Lucas's presence and the scent of his cologne.
"Should we go faster?" Lucas asked, a playful tone in his voice.
"Yes," Andrea responded instinctively, then quickly reconsidered, "No!"
But it was too late; Lucas had already encouraged the horse into a faster pace.
Andrea's exhilarated screams mixed with laughter as they galloped around the property, the thrill of the ride overtaking her fears.
They returned the horse to the stable at dusk, their return to the house marked by cheerful conversation.
Pete's eyes sparkled with unmistakable joy upon seeing his mother. "Mommy!" he exclaimed, his little legs carrying him swiftly across the room to embrace her.
Andrea, his mother, laughed heartily and stooped down to match his height, planting tender kisses on his cheeks. "Do you miss mommy?" she asked playfully.
"Yes, I miss you, mommy, I miss you so much," Pete replied with heartfelt enthusiasm, prompting Andrea to laugh even more.
"Mrs. Andrea, dinner is served," announced Win, the family's housekeeper, signaling the family of three to gather at the dining table for a pleasant meal.
As bedtime approached, Lucas Anderson, instead of retiring to the bedroom, he stealthily made his way to the airport, passport in hand.
"I am the cause of your separation, and I will also be the catalyst for your reunion," Lucas muttered to himself with resolve as he entered the airport. Just then, an announcement called for passengers flying to Cardiff to board the plane.
Lucas switched off his phone, having previously informed Andrea of his plans with a text message. Upon his arrival in Cardiff the following morning at 8am, he forwent any rest or refreshment and took a taxi straight to the Willow Group's headquarters.
Unbeknownst to Lucas, his movements had not gone unnoticed by Valentine Anderson and Margret Willow.
Upon reaching the gates of the Willow Group, Lucas was halted by the security team. "Where is your pass?" they demanded.
"I'd like to schedule a meeting with your chairman. Could you please let me in?" Lucas requested politely.
The security guards, instructed to make Lucas's visit difficult, sneered at him. "A refugee wants to meet our chairman? Perhaps you should look in the mirror and assess your situation," they taunted.
Lucas's brow furrowed in confusion at their rudeness, but before he could formulate a response, the sleek convoy of Valentine Anderson's car arrived at the scene.