CEO Plus-Size Ex-Wife

Chapter 138: You Are Not My Father

Mrs. Anderson was well aware of her son's sensitive nature. Ever since Valentine was a child, he had exhibited a strong emotional temperament, often leaning towards jealousy. So, she could empathize with the turmoil he was experiencing.

Having just returned from what she believed was a mission to rescue Pete, Mrs. Anderson sought to soothe her son. "You've just got back. Have you eaten or taken a shower? I'll ask the housekeeper to prepare something you like," she offered, hoping to calm him.

Valentine's brow furrowed in confusion at her words. He had been under the impression that they were the ones saved by someone else. "Mom, are you saying Andrea wasn't involved in Pete's return?" he asked, seeking clarity.

Surprised by the question but quick to deduce that perhaps assistance from another had been instrumental in Pete's return, Mrs. Anderson chose not to delve into the details. "The important thing is that Pete is back; that's all that matters," she deflected, not wanting to stir her son's emotions further.

For Valentine, whose expression had turned stormy, the details were significant. The uncertainty gnawed at him.

"Housekeeper Win, please bring the meal I mentioned earlier," Mrs. Anderson called out, redirecting the focus to dinner.

She ushered Valentine to the dining table before he could dwell any longer on Pete's rescue. While he ate in silence, his countenance betrayed his inner turmoil. After the meal, Mrs. Anderson and Benita left the Singers Mansion, leaving a heavy air behind them.

Realizing he couldn't recall his last shower, Valentine retreated to his room for a much-needed cleanse and change of clothes.

Upon exiting, he encountered Andrea stepping out of Pete's room, her gaze fixed on him with evident disapproval.

"Val, we need to talk," she stated gravely, then proceeded into their bedroom.

With a sense of reluctance, Valentine followed.

Andrea's words were firm yet caring as she addressed him. "You know Pete. You can't force him to see you as his father. You'll have to win him over with love and patience. You're not a child anymore, Val. You need to overcome your jealousy and impetuousness if you truly want Pete to accept you as his dad."

Valentine, though disheartened, was not blind to the wisdom in her advice. "I'll do my best," he conceded somberly. "I'm going to go out and buy him some toys and gifts."

Without waiting for Andrea's response, he left the bedroom. His mind was filled with settling scores with Lucas Anderson.

Valentine Anderson slid into the driver's seat of his car and dialed Mark, his personal assistant, who had been out of touch with him for over a year. When the call connected, Valentine greeted, "Hey Mark."

On the other end, Mark's voice betrayed his confusion, "Who am I speaking to?" It had been so long since he had heard his former boss's voice that it no longer resonated in his memory.

"It's me, Mark. Valentine Anderson," he reintroduced himself with a twinge of disappointment, needing Mark's assistance despite the lapse in recognition.

A gasp of surprise sounded through the speaker, followed by Mark's anxious reply, "Boss, you're back? Where are you? Give me your location; I'll come to you right now!"

"No, that won't be necessary," Valentine cut in. "I need you to find Lucas Anderson, my twin brother. Send me his whereabouts."

"Sure, right away..." Mark's voice, charged with excitement, was abruptly cut off as Valentine ended the call.

Mark, adept at his trade, quickly delivered Lucas's location to Valentine via text message, to which Valentine tersely replied, "Thanks," and stowed his phone away.

With a grip cold as ice, Valentine's hands clutched the steering wheel, his eyes ablaze with fury. His foot slammed the accelerator, and the car shot forward, speeding through the streets.

Soon he arrived at a café nestled in an alley known as Dark Alley, shrouded in the perpetual shadows cast by towering skyscrapers. Even in summer, sunlight failed to pierce its depths.

Valentine stepped out and entered the café, spotting Lucas Anderson seated calmly in a secluded corner.

"You shouldn't have come here, brother," Lucas said without a hint of surprise.

Valentine approached and sat opposite him, his voice laced with bitterness, "Feeling guilty? Is that why you didn't want to see me?"

Lucas rhythmically tapped the table, then met his brother's gaze with a smirk. "I don't regret my decisions, actions, or even my thoughts."

Valentine's face contorted with anger, his teeth gritted as he spat, "You're destined to be a bastard, to be alone, and die alone. Mom rejected you, your foster parents rejected you. Nobody wants you, not even Andrea or Pete, despite your charades as me..."

He paused, studying Lucas's impassive face, and continued, "Andrea and Pete have welcomed me back. They're happy you're gone."

Lucas's response was a calm, melodious chuckle. "Brother, if your intention was to provoke me, then you've wasted your journey. Leave."

Unable to contain his rage, Valentine swung a punch at Lucas, aiming for his face. Lucas, who could have evaded, chose not to, and stumbled back. As Valentine stood, ready to strike again, the squeak of the entrance door drew his attention.

A masked man stood at the doorway, gun aimed at Valentine. Lucas, regaining his footing, instructed, "Don't shoot him."

Realizing the gravity of the situation and that he could very well be shot, Valentine, though reluctant, shot one final glare at Lucas and left the café.

Valentine Anderson drove to the toy store and purchased a robot for Pete before returning to the Singers mansion.

Upon arriving, he found Andrea in the living room engaged in a conversation with Housekeeper Win.

Noticing Valentine's bloodstained fingers as he shut the door, Andrea inquired with worry, "What happened to your fingers?"