Romance With The CEO

Chapter42: Slowly 1

Velia furrowed her brow as Lucas passed through the kitchen door. It was his neat appearance that caught her attention. The reason intrigued her enough to momentarily pause her activities.

There was a freshly baked whole wheat bread waiting for Velia's touch. A sunny-side-up egg lingered in the air, seemingly reluctant to leave the skillet.

Lucas smiled faintly upon meeting Velia's gaze. He walked past the table and kitchen island, approaching Velia in front of the stove.

Lucas's embrace greeted Velia's waist, accompanied by a fleeting kiss he planted happily on her forehead.

Velia blinked. Lucas stepped back to give Velia a chance to prepare breakfast.

"You look sharp," Velia commented as she placed Lucas's breakfast plate. "Do you have plans?"

Lucas picked up the plate with a tempting portion of filled bread. He nodded.

"On a Saturday morning?"

Lucas, who initially wanted to dive right into his breakfast, paused his movements. His hand lowered and landed on the table. A hint of amusement arose, causing Velia to furrow her brow even more.

"Why? Did I just ask something funny?"

Lucas shook his head. "Not funny at all. Quite the opposite. It's normal. You're exactly like a worried woman."

There was a different emphasis in Lucas's last sentence, implying a meaning that made Velia's face stiffen.

"N-No, not at all," Velia stammered. "I just thought maybe you should rest. Sometimes you work late."

The red blush and annoyance on Velia's cheeks made Lucas's eyes gleam. There was a certain delight radiating from them.

Lucas nodded meaningfully. "So, the point is, you want to invite me to rest?"

Once again, there was a distinct emphasis in Lucas's sentence, further implying a successful meaning that left Velia frozen.

"Ah, I-I mean-"

Velia's words were interrupted by Lucas's chuckle. He gave up on trying to defend himself.

"I have a brief appointment with an acquaintance," Lucas said as he began to enjoy his breakfast. "I can assure you it's a man."

"I-I, well, that's not my concern. You don't need to explain, Luc."

Two large bites of the bread disappeared into Lucas's digestive system. For someone who enjoyed breakfast, he clearly displayed an attitude beyond the ordinary.

Lucas took another bite. He chewed in rhythm, and perhaps it wasn't just the filled bread that tasted good. It was also the red blush on Velia's face that meant everything to him.

"You won't leave, right?"

Velia shook her head. "No, I'll stay here. Besides, now you won't ask me to go anywhere without you."

The filled bread vanished without a trace. Lucas finished his breakfast with a glass of water.

"I'm just afraid that if you leave, you won't come back."

"Luc-"

"It seems I have to go now," Lucas interrupted as he got up. "Contact Carter if you need anything, but that doesn't include taking you out."

Velia nodded. "Take care."

"I'll be home soon."

Lucas planted a farewell kiss on Velia's forehead. Afterward, he left, leaving Velia alone.

*

If it were not for the words "important" and "urgent," Ricardo would not expect Boy to come that afternoon. The risk involved was significant. Who could guarantee it? The surveillance cameras could easily capture his face when meeting Boy.

That could be used as evidence. Regardless of Boy's assurance that his work would always be clean-as it had always been-Ricardo did not want to take the risk.

Unfortunately, this time Ricardo had to give in. Boy's determination made him agree to the offered meeting.

"So, what do you think..."

Apparently, Boy's "important" and "urgent" were indeed accurate. It was related to a failed surveillance operation.

"... ss Velia really involved with a high-ranking official?"

Boy placed the coffee cup back on the coaster. His shoulders briefly tensed.

"It's a tough one," Boy nodded. "Yes. I'll have more information by Monday, but if she's indeed treated very specially, then I'm afraid it will be a bit challenging, sir."

Ricardo skeptically grimaced. "Do you think the man who keeps Velia will report to the police if his mistress is kidnapped and eliminated?"

Boy fell silent. He had no idea.

"No need to think that far. Mistresses everywhere have low status. Besides, what's in it for him to make a fuss about Velia's disappearance? It could threaten his own life."

As a man who often dabbled in the world of nightlife and sex workers, Ricardo could understand that line of thinking. He snorted dismissively.

"Dead? Just find another woman!"

"My job requires me to think ahead. Besides, wasn't it you who wanted this job to be clean and tidy? If you allow it, I'd be happy to get my hands dirty, but of course, I don't want to take disproportionate risks."

Ricardo let out a rough scoff. No need for a detailed explanation, he understood what Boy meant.

A black wallet emerged from Ricardo's pocket. He took out some money. Slamming half of it on the table, he handed the money to Boy.

A grin appeared on Boy's face. He took the money and put it in the inner pocket of his jacket.

"I assure you that by the end of this month, I will have Velia's address and sort everything out."

Ricardo glanced at his watch. Checking the date, Boy still had about two more weeks.

"I want it as soon as possible."

Boy finished his coffee with a sip. "As quickly as I can."

Ricardo scowled but did not have a chance to say anything more. Boy quickly got up, adjusting his hat. Keeping his head low and hidden, he really did not want anyone to see his face. He walked away, leaving Ricardo cursing.

Damn it! Luckily, I still need you, Boy!

*