CEO Plus-Size Ex-Wife

Chapter 95: Every Second Is Precious

The days leading up to their departure were calm and unremarkable. On the morning they were set to leave for Sunshine City, a light snowfall had blanketed the area, but the diligent mansion staff had quickly attended to the snowy accumulation, ensuring the snow was removed efficiently. The roads, now cleared, presented no obstacle for their journey.

Pete was the first to burst out of the house, donning a thick white fur hat and white gloves, his body snug in a heavy jacket.

Lucas Anderson and Andrea emerged next, closely followed by Housekeeper Win.

Andrea paused and turned to address the housekeeper. "Win, it might be best if you stayed here. We won't be in Sunshine City for long, and we plan to catch the first flight back to Vegas City tomorrow."

Housekeeper Win seemed to struggle with the decision, a nervous edge to her voice as she replied, "Mrs. Andrea, I'd like to come along, if I may. I want to clean Mr. Singer's photographs and pay my respects at his grave."

Understanding flashed through Andrea's eyes. Win had been more than a housekeeper to her father; she had been the heart of the home for many years.

After a moment’s contemplation, Andrea relented. "Alright, you can join us."

"Mommy, I'm going to leave this painting for grandpa," Pete chirped with youthful excitement.

Andrea couldn't help but roll her eyes. Pete had a history of leaving toys at his grandfather's grave, but now he had escalated to leaving a painting.

"As expected of a son of a painter," Andrea muttered softly, more to herself than anyone else. However, Lucas Anderson, who stood beside her, caught her words and a gentle smile graced his lips.

"Honey, let's go shopping," Andrea suggested, her demeanor brightening as she glanced at Lucas. With a radiant smile, she looped her arm through his, and they strolled toward the waiting cars with the ease and affection of a devoted couple.

Once they were all settled in their cars, the engines came to life, and the convoy smoothly departed from the Singer estate.

***

Over the past few days, Tony had been tirelessly searching for someone to convince Andrea that the man she was living with was not her husband, Valentine Anderson, but his twin brother, Lucas Anderson.

Since Benita is unconscious, Tony devoted his time to investigating the midwives and the hospital where Mrs. Anderson had given birth to her twin sons. After obtaining the hospital records, he managed to get all the midwives who had assisted in the delivery to agree to accompany him to the Singers mansion and testify that Mrs. Anderson had indeed given birth to twins.

Tony found himself standing in front of a modest house, owned by a well-to-do family. While it didn't compare to the grandeur of the Singers or the Andersons mansions, it was still a respectable abode. The residents of this house were the couple who had adopted Lucas Anderson.

With his hands tucked in his jacket pockets, Tony walked confidently towards the entrance. Moments later, he was standing in the courtyard of the house.

An elderly man, Mr. Gilbert, was tending to the garden, while a woman sat in a wheelchair on the porch.

Straightening up, Mr. Gilbert squinted at Tony approaching and asked, "Who are you?"

Mr. Gilbert had noticed unusual activity around his house over the past few days and was consequently wary of strangers.

"I'm here on business, Mr. Gilbert," Tony greeted him with a smile, "a business proposition worth two million dollars."

Predictably, Mr. Gilbert's eyes sparkled with interest, and he eagerly welcomed Tony inside.

"Gilbert, who is this gentleman?" the wheelchair-bound woman inquired, eyeing Tony curiously.

"This is Tony," Gilbert replied, his face breaking into a grin. "He's here to discuss a two-million-dollar business deal with us."

The woman, Shasha, smiled broadly, tears glistening in her eyes. "Gilbert, we can finally pay off all our debts!"

Mr. Gilbert quickly stifled any further revelations about their financial situation with a cough.

Tony was momentarily taken aback by the couple's candor.

Once inside, Mr. Gilbert offered Tony a glass of water. Tony placed a photograph of Lucas Anderson on the table and said bluntly, "I need you to come with me and confirm his identity."

Gilbert's smile vanished, replaced by a stern expression. "I don't know who that is. Please, leave!" he said, gesturing for Tony to exit.

Tony, who had done his homework, knew the Gilberts hadn't always treated Lucas well and that Lucas had left their care at the age of ten. The details of Lucas's departure, however, remained sketchy.

Undeterred, Tony placed a cheque for one million dollars on the table. "This is yours if you agree to come with me. Another million will follow after the task is done. You just need to acknowledge that you adopted Lucas Anderson."

Gilbert stared at the cheque, swallowed hard, and then made a decision. "Let me speak with my son."

After a brief discussion with his wife, Gilbert agreed to accompany Tony, leaving the cheque with her.

En route to the airport, Tony received a call. "They're about to head to Sunshine City," the voice on the other end informed him.

"Delay them. I'll be in Vegas City shortly," Tony replied before accelerating towards the airport.

Ending the call, Tony drove with urgency. Beside him, Gilbert turned a shade paler.

"Please, slow down," he implored.

Tony spared him a glance and replied, "Every second precious," as he continued to race against time.