CEO Plus-Size Ex-Wife

Chapter 87: A Memorial Painting

Looking at the Mayor's face, Andrea could barely contain her amusement. Lucas Anderson's ability to provoke people was truly terrifying.

"Mayor Taylor, my husband and I are the same. he is giving you face for drinking the wine," Andrea retorted icily, repulsed by the lecherous gaze in the Mayor's eyes.

"Mrs. Singers, if that's the case, then this meeting is adjourned. There's nothing more to discuss," Mayor Taylor dismissed them impatiently.

With Lucas Anderson by her side, Andrea knew that the Mayor's plan to intimidate her into submission was destined to fail.

Andrea hesitated, her fists clenched, but then she was surprised to hear Lucas Anderson speak up for the first time since they had entered the private room. "Mayor Taylor, we will take our leave. Rest assured, the project will proceed as planned tomorrow, regardless of your approval."

Lucas Anderson could sense Andrea's disapproving expression and nodded reassuringly, already aware of her thoughts.

Mayor Taylor's laughter dripped with anger upon hearing Lucas Anderson's words. Contemptuously, he sneered, "Do you believe that navigating office bureaucracies is within the realm of capability for businessmen like yourself? Without my endorsement, your project will not progress."

Without a word, Lucas Anderson simply shrugged and took Andrea's hand as they departed the private room together.

Mayor Taylor's fury reached a crescendo as he bellowed and shattered the glasses on the table to the floor, exclaiming, "Even a soft rice guy dares to disrespect me; he must be tired of living!"

It was a first for Mayor Taylor to feel the sting of being looked down upon since assuming office; his eyes blazed with intensity.

"Valentine Anderson, you will rue the day you dared to challenge me with those eyes," Mayor Taylor hissed through gritted teeth.

Lucas Anderson was oblivious to the fact that Mayor Taylor had targeted him, but he didn't particularly care.

Behind the wheel, Lucas was driving Andrea away from the clubhouse. Tension radiated from Andrea; she hadn't anticipated the negotiation failing. Dealing with the Mayor wouldn't have been a problem if it didn't involve public properties under the Mayor's purview.

"Val, what's your plan?" Andrea inquired, her curiosity piqued. She wanted to understand the motivation behind Lucas's daring choice.

A smile played on Lucas Anderson's lips as he gazed at her. "My dear wife, you worry too much. You'll be back on the project tomorrow."

Andrea rolled her eyes, realizing that Lucas had no intention of sharing his scheme with her. Glancing out of the car, she noticed they weren't heading home.

Turning back to him with a quizzical expression, she asked, "Where are we going?"

"My dear wife, we haven't had a proper date since we got married. I thought I'd make it up to you today," Lucas Anderson replied, his smile warm and genuine.

Startled for a moment, Andrea's expression quickly softened into a smile, enhancing her natural beauty and casting a dreamy glow in her eyes.

"Too beautiful," Lucas Anderson muttered under his breath, forcing himself to look away and focus on driving before he became too distracted.

After a forty-minute journey, they reached the beach. Lucas parked the car, got out, and walked around to open the door for Andrea.

Looking around in confusion, Andrea wondered why they had come to the beach at this hour. Noticing her puzzled look, Lucas explained, "Gramma always told me that if you want a marriage to last forever, you should walk barefoot on the beach together, let the sea wash over your footprints. It's like nature's blessing on our union."

"Who is Gramma?" Andrea inquired, having never heard Valentine Anderson refer to anyone by that name.

"He's gone now. Let's hurry before it gets dark," Lucas said, gently tugging her hand to encourage her.

They walked along the shoreline, barefoot, feeling the sand beneath their feet and the occasional splash of cold seawater that made Andrea shiver and giggle.

"Catch me if you can," Lucas suddenly shouted, releasing Andrea's hand and sprinting away. She chased after him, laughter filling the air as they played and splashed in the water.

Later, resting against Lucas, Andrea watched the waves with him. "I wish life could always be like this—just the two of us, our own world, with no interruptions," Lucas sighed wistfully, his eyes softening.

"What about Pete?" Andrea joked with a smile.

Lucas chuckled and, with a burst of energy, ran back to the car. Andrea's confusion was palpable as she watched him return with his painting canvas and supplies.

"Stand there—I'm going to paint you with the sea and the city in the background. I want to capture this moment forever," Lucas announced, setting up his equipment.

Without a word, Andrea positioned herself as requested, her gaze lingering on Lucas as he painted with intense focus. She found herself mesmerized by his artistic charm, whispering, "Why are you so irresistible? I can't bear the thought of someone taking you away from me."

After a while, Lucas called out, "I'm finished. Come take a look."

Snapping out of her reverie, Andrea walked over to see the painting. "This is breathtaking. With your talent, why don't you sell your artwork?" she asked, unable to comprehend why he kept his masterpieces hidden when they deserved to be showcased in national museums.

Lucas shook his head and replied softly, "Fame and wealth is meaningless, what I want is your love, Andrea, if I have your love I don't mind watching you dance while the world burn"