When Lucas Anderson caught sight of Valentine Anderson's arrival, a smile lit up his face. However, to his surprise, the convoy suddenly stopped, and Valentine Anderson stepped out of one of the cars, his expression impatient as he questioned, "Why are there people at the gate?"
One of the security team members promptly responded, "Boss, there is a refugee here who claims he has an appointment with you."
"Get rid of him; this isn't a charity center," Valentine Anderson snapped impatiently.
From the moment he exited the car and finished his discussion with the security team, he didn't utter a word or even glance in Lucas Anderson's direction.
As Valentine Anderson was about to get back into his car, Lucas Anderson called out urgently, "Valentine, brother"
Valentine’s reaction was a momentary pause followed by a cold glare. "I am not your brother, don't call me that. My name is Pascal Willow," he said through clenched teeth, his expression dark with anger. With that, he climbed back into his car and drove through the gates of Willow Group's premises, leaving Lucas to watch the convoy disappear into the building.
The head of the security team approached Lucas and issued a stern warning, "If you don't leave now, I'll have to call the police."
Reluctantly, Lucas realized he had no choice but to depart. He decided to check into a nearby hotel, freshen up, have a meal, and then prepare to meet with Valentine Anderson again.
Upon reaching the location where Valentine was launching the new Willow Group product, a sudden commotion arose as police vans arrived on the scene.
"Get down on your knees!" commanded one officer, gun drawn.
Perplexed by the unexpected turn of events, Lucas furrowed his brow as he tried to make sense of the situation. Despite his confusion, he found himself being grabbed by three officers who forcefully handcuffed him.
"Why am I being arrested?" Lucas demanded, his discontent evident as he faced one of the police officers.
"You'll find out at the station," was the grim reply as he was bundled into a police van.
At the station, the officers revealed the shocking accusation. "Mr. Pascal Willow claims you intended to assassinate him," one officer informed him.
Lucas Anderson's expression darkened at the unexpected report from Valentine Anderson.
After taking a deep breath, he inquired, "Can I request a lawyer to assist with my release?"
"There's no need for that. We brought you here to inform you about the restraining order. Approaching Mr. Willow could lead to your arrest," the police officer stated.
As Lucas Anderson prepared to reply, his phone began to ring. Glancing at the screen, he noticed a call from Andrea.
"May I take this call?" Lucas Anderson asked the officer.
"Of course, go ahead," the officer replied.
Lucas Anderson accepted the call, and Andrea's voice resonated from the phone's speaker. "How did it go? Were you able to speak with him?"
Lucas Anderson recounted the events, and Andrea fell silent before suggesting, "I have an idea to coax him into revealing himself. You should return."
After receiving a briefing from the police officer, he left the station and headed for the airport. A flight later, he was back in Vegas.
It was already nightfall when Lucas Anderson arrived home. Housekeeper Win greeted him cheerfully, "Sir, welcome back. A few parents from the neighborhood stopped by to thank you."
Lucas was taken aback by this, and noticing his surprise, Housekeeper Win elaborated, "Bringing their children together has also brought the parents closer. It's led to business partnerships and collaborations."
Lucas let out an "Oh!" as he finally understood the reason behind their visit, responding in a detached manner, still processing the information.
After a short chat with Housekeeper Win, Lucas went up to the bedroom to take a bath. Feeling refreshed and dressed in fresh clothes, Andrea saw him upon her return from the study room.
"Your mom and sister were considering a trip to Cardiff, but I advised against it," Andrea revealed.
Lucas's curiosity piqued, and he looked at her expectantly. Andrea explained, "I know Val too well. He's incredibly jealous and possessive. If we fake our relationship publicly and display our affection openly, he won't be able to resist revealing himself.'"
Silence enveloped Lucas. Though he had been staying at the Singer mansion and sharing a room with Andrea, their relationship was strictly platonic, and the thought of feigning romance made him uneasy.
"You don't have to worry, Lucas. This conversation is being recorded. Once Val exposes himself, I'll play it for him, and he'll understand the ruse," Andrea reassured him.
A wave of relief washed over Lucas. He looked up at Andrea, his resolve strengthening as he said, "If that's what it takes to make him come back to you, I'll do my best."
Andrea lowered her head and said nothing.
That night, Andrea slept peacefully with Lucas by her side. The following morning, they took a photo together, with Andrea planting a light kiss on Lucas's cheek while Pete sat between them, grinning broadly.
They posted the picture on their timelines, proclaiming their love for one another. Andrea also made sure the media disseminated the photo, which quickly saturated the internet and even made it to the newspapers. The story, pushed to the top searches by Andrea, announced Pete's identity as Lucas Anderson's son, showcasing their beautiful family life.
The netizens, charmed by the image of the happy family of three, caused the internet to go into a frenzy.
Meanwhile, in Cardiff City, Valentine Anderson tried to ignore the buzzing news of Andrea and Lucas, but it seemed inescapable.
"Sir, the Basel report—"
"Get lost! Get out!" Valentine bellowed, his rage sending his secretary fleeing in terror.
No sooner had the secretary left, than the door reopened, and Margret Willow entered, just in time to hear Valentine's ferocious command, "I said get out!"