As their wedding approached in just three days, preparations were in full swing. Despite delegating most tasks to their personal assistants, there were certain important guests that Valentine and Andrea had to invite themselves.
"How are you feeling?" Valentine asked Andrea as they stood outside Val. Corp, where Andrea was to become the CEO as part of their marriage agreement.
"I'm not sure," Andrea replied, her mind preoccupied with worries about the safety of her loved ones since hearing the organisation entry into Vegas.
Valentine wordlessly took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly.
"Let's not keep them waiting," Valentine said to Andrea, leading her inside.
With an amiable smile, Andrea acknowledged him, and together they made their way into the company, immediately becoming the center of attention. The spectacle was unavoidable, given their President's media frenzy in Vegas City just the day before.
Valentine Anderson didn't seem bothered by the speculative glances directed their way. Together with Andrea, he ascended to the top floor in the elevator.
Upon reaching the boardroom, Andrea felt a hint of nostalgia; despite the familiarity of the surroundings, she hadn't set foot in Val. Corp. for the last five years and the layout had slipped from her memory.
As they entered the boardroom, the members rose to greet them.
Valentine stood firm, surveying the faces before him, and announced without delay, "Good morning. I'd like to introduce you to the new owner of our company, whom we've been awaiting for the past four years – Andrea Singers."
The room's attention instantly pivoted to Andrea. Amongst the scrutinizing eyes, a hostile gaze came from a white-bearded man, who protested, "President Valentine Anderson, this is utterly preposterous and certainly unacceptable. How can you expect someone completely unfamiliar with our operations to take the helm?"
"You seem unaware of Ms. Singers' identity, Mr. Hick," Valentine retorted with a frown.
Mr. Hick, noticing the looks of disbelief around him, felt like a fool and his irritation grew. "Regardless of her being Andrea Singers, that changes nothing. She knows nothing of Val. Corp., and I cannot condone this."
Valentine's lips formed a sly smile; he took no offense to the challenge. In fact, he seemed pleased. "Anyone who opposes a partnership with Singers Group is free to leave."
Mr. Hick's face registered shock; he had not anticipated the woman he belittled to be the renowned CEO, Andrea Singers. His lips quivered and his palms began to sweat with nervousness.
After all, who would forfeit an opportunity to profit? Aligning with Singers Group promised advantages.
Seeing no one depart, Valentine declared with authority, "If there are no objections, let's proceed with formalities. Effective today, Singers Group will assume ownership of Val. Corp."
The board members exhaled, filled with regret. The privilege of being Vegas City's top company had afforded them much respect, and now that status was ending abruptly.
Indeed, love can cloud one's judgement.
Since Mr. Hick didn't make any trouble and have sat like a grandson quietly, the matter was settled swiftly, and the news was sent to the media.
After resolving the company issues, Valentine Anderson swept Andrea off to see the renowned designer in Vegas City.
"Create the most stunning and elegant wedding gown ever for my wife," Valentine Anderson instructed with a radiant smile that conveyed his immense pride in Andrea. This drew an exasperated eye roll from the famed designer, Kelly.
"Hey, I'm still single here," Kelly muttered, clearly annoyed.
"Then go find yourself a partner," Valentine shot back, unfazed by Kelly's mood.
Andrea Singers, watching the banter between the two men, couldn't help but chuckle. When Kelly's gaze finally settled on Andrea, he was visibly struck by her beauty, even more impressive in person than the rumors had suggested.
"Lucky bastard, how did you manage to find such a gorgeous wife?" Kelly nudged Valentine, lamenting his own misfortune.
If he had someone like Andrea, Kelly thought, he wouldn't wait even the three days Valentine had boasted about.
"Alright, off you go. Your wedding gown will be ready soon," Kelly dismissed them with a wave of his hand, the sight of the happy couple only intensifying his sense of solitude.
Valentine was eager to leave as well. He took Andrea by the hand, and the pair made their way to their car. Just then, Valentine's phone began to ring. He answered with a scowl of impatience.
"Mr. Anderson, there's trouble at the riverbank factory. Some officials have arrived out of the blue, demanding an inspection. They're accusing us of hiding contraband," an anxious voice reported from the other end.
"Buy us some time; I'll be right there," Valentine instructed, his brows knitted together.
Sensing Valentine's distress, Andrea inquired, "What's wrong, Val?"
"It's the factory on the riverbank—they're conducting a surprise inspection. I suspect foul play. I need to check it out," Valentine explained.
"Do you want me to come with you?" Andrea offered.
Valentine shook his head. "No need. I'll stop by your office once I've sorted things out."
He didn't want to drag Andrea into what could be a perilous situation.
"Okay," Andrea consented.
Valentine hopped into his car and sped off towards the factory. Upon his arrival, the visibly agitated factory manager rushed to greet him.
"They're inside," the manager informed him.
Valentine had barely taken a few steps when a sudden explosion erupted, the shockwave rippling through the air as flames engulfed the factory.
The entire factory was engulfed in flames before firefighters and emergency trucks could arrive, making the situation beyond repair.
Shortly afterward, the press team arrived to report on the bomb blast, while police officers secured the crime scene.
Andrea entered her office with a smile, only to be interrupted by the persistent ringing of her phone. Frowning at the unfamiliar number, she initially ignored the call, attributing it to the recent influx of strange calls she had been receiving.
As the caller persisted, Andrea reluctantly answered, only to hear an anxious voice on the other end asking, "Andrea, is Valentine with you?"