CEO Plus-Size Ex-Wife

Chapter 103: Whereabout Of Valentine Anderson

Tony's head hung low, the weight of his failures pressing heavily upon him. Lucas Anderson's entry into his life had sown seeds of doubt about the very skills Tony once held in high esteem.

"We've hit a dead end. There's no trace of who took him or where he might be now. But I haven't given up—I'm still combing through my network," Tony admitted, his voice tinged with embarrassment.

Agatha observed the discomfiture etched on Tony's face and, to his surprise, burst into laughter. Tony's frown deepened.

"Tony, you've always boasted about your unmatched ability to track anyone, anywhere. Why can't you find him?" Agatha teased, her smile broadening at the sight of Tony's vexation, which, she had to admit, only served to make him appear more endearing.

Frustration surged within Tony as he responded, "I'm at a loss. Whoever is behind his disappearance—they're calculating and vicious. I can't find a single lead. They've eliminated everyone who had a hand in rescuing Valentine Anderson from the river, including the drivers who assisted him. Everyone connected, even remotely, has been silenced. They're senseless and brutal."

The levity drained from Agatha's demeanor, replaced by a rigid shock. She had never before encountered such a cold and methodical erasure of evidence.

"Tony, don't be too hard on yourself. In time, their motives will surface. We must stay vigilant," Agatha reassured him.

As Tony was about to speak, he caught sight of Andrea and Lucas Anderson, with Pete in tow, approaching them. Words were unnecessary; the tension spoke volumes. Together, they exited the room in silence and drove out of the mansion together.

Inside the car, Andrea and Lucas Anderson were seated in the back with Pete, who clung tightly to Lucas. The atmosphere was silent, heavy with unspoken thoughts.

The car came to a stop outside a flower shop, where they each picked out bouquets before continuing on their solemn journey to the cemetery. By the time they arrived, dusk was beginning to cast its shadow over the landscape.

Andrea stepped out first, exchanging a few quiet words with the gravekeepers, after which they all made their way into the resting grounds.

Before her father's grave, Andrea's expression was a blend of emotions. She had come to learn of the hidden aspects of her father's life, understanding the lengths he went to protect her from his past, and the burden of secrets he bore.

She moved closer to the headstone, laying down her bouquet and a card. Standing tall, she spoke to the memory of her father, "Dad, I now understand why you did everything. Regardless of it all, you are still my father, and I am your daughter."

At that moment, Pete pulled at Lucas's shirt with a pout. "Carry me closer to grandpa's grave, I want to give him my painting," he requested earnestly.

Lucas Anderson responded with a kind smile, lifting Pete in his arms and bringing him near the grave, stooping down so Pete could place his painting on the tombstone.

"Grandpa, I brought my dad to come and see you. He looks just like me, doesn't he? I'm a good grandson, right?" Pete declared, his eyes shimmering with proud yet sorrowful tears.

Unable to witness the scene any longer without her own emotions overflowing, Andrea turned and made her way back to the car, tears streaming down her face.

After a short while, the others followed, rejoining Andrea in the car.

The journey home was silent, the car's arrival at the mansion echoing the quiet. Agatha was the first to approach Andrea, "I'm heading back to North America. If anything happens, don't hesitate to call me."

"Thank you, Agatha," Andrea replied with a nod.

They shared an embrace, then Agatha turned and retreated to the vehicle that had brought them to the mansion, and drove away.

Tate approached Andrea with an awkward scratch of his head and a sheepish smile. "Andrea, I'm sorry for overreacting at the airport yesterday," he said apologetically. "Can you forgive me?"

"I forgive you," Andrea replied with a smile, understanding that Tate's reaction was out of concern for her safety.

Relieved, Tate stepped aside, allowing Tony to speak with Andrea. "Should I stay at the mansion, since he's still around?"

Andrea shook her head. "There's no need."

Despite Lucas Anderson using her to kill Gard Celestine, he had ensured her safety throughout.

"I'll be leaving with Tate. Look after yourself, and I'll return tomorrow morning so we can head back to Vegas City together," Tony said, embracing her before departing with Tate after their farewells to Andrea.

Andrea watched them leave before heading to Pete's room, pausing at the door. Inside, she heard Pete pleading, "Dad, don't leave me."

"I'm sorry, Pete. I'm your uncle, not your father," came Lucas Anderson's voice.

"No, you are my father. I don't want anyone else!" Pete insisted.

Unable to listen further, Andrea was overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her cheeks as she stepped onto the balcony, gazing vacantly at the bustling city below.

Moments later, the sound of Pete's door opening drew her attention back inside. Lucas Anderson was leaving the corridor. Her heart ached at the sight of his retreating figure, and she found herself following after him.

As Lucas was about to exit the living room, Andrea called out, "Lucas."

He paused and turned, a look of surprise on his face.

"How is Pete?" Andrea asked.

"He's asleep now," Lucas replied. "I've spoken to him, but he's not ready to accept that I'm not his father. He'll understand in time."

Andrea fell silent, then after a moment, she asked, "Where will you go?"

Lucas smiled slightly. "Back to country S, to continue my life as a bartender. Life at the bar... it's more interesting than corporate life. There, at least, I can see people who are genuinely happy."

Andrea's heart sank at his words, feeling a pang of pain. "Do you know where Valentine Anderson is?"

Lucas shook his head. "I don't. I wasn't involved in the bomb blast plan. I only learned about it after the blast, and by then, Valentine had already been taken. But don't worry, Andrea. I've sent my men to look for him."