Romance With The CEO

Chapter75: Visit 1

Lucas reflected, holding the phone to his ear with one hand. He observed his surroundings while waiting for the call to be answered.

"Neil," Lucas called as the phone was picked up. "How is it? Is everything finished?"

"Everything is done. Just waiting for the next plan," replied Neil.

Lucas took a deep breath. "I will meet you this morning. Prepare everything."

"Alright, Sir."

The call ended. Lucas remained silent for a moment, trying to gather his strength and mentally prepare for what was about to happen. Something he could not change once it all began.

Forgive me.

Velia welcomed Lucas into the dining room with a bewildered look. With just one glance, she could draw conclusions.

"Are you leaving again?" she asked.

"Yes," Lucas replied after moistening his throat with two sips of water. "There are a few things I need to take care of. I'll leave after breakfast."

Velia simply nodded. "You've been very busy lately. Can't it be postponed? I'm worried your health will deteriorate again, like before. You need rest too."

"I think last night was more than enough to prove that I'm fine."

Velia's concern turned into a blush on her cheeks. She pursed her lips while Lucas grinned mischievously.

"Maybe," Velia reluctantly admitted, rolling her eyes. "It seems you're right."

"You have to admit that I'm almost always right. At least there was one time I made a mistake."

"Once? When?"

When I didn't trust you.

Lucas' answer echoed only in his mind. He did not actually say it out loud, instead saying something else.

"Last night. Turns out I was wrong when I thought I didn't want to make love to you."

Velia choked. She quickly reached for a glass of water with a flushed face.

"Maybe it's better if we don't talk about it."

Lucas agreed, still staring intently at Velia, making her uncomfortable. Lucas' behavior seemed odd.

It was not just the gaze that was the only peculiarity about Lucas, but also his embrace. He managed to surprise Velia with a tight embrace.

Velia blinked. She could barely breathe as Lucas' hands held her tightly.

"Luc."

The embrace was unusual. Velia could feel Lucas' breath on her ear. She waited, but Lucas did not say anything. Only a faint touch of Lucas' nose, indicating that he was taking in her scent deeply.

"Last night..."

Lucas released the embrace and smiled playfully as Velia looked confused. He tidied Velia's hair, tucking it behind her ear.

"...was extraordinary. I will remember it for the rest of my life."

Velia blinked, feeling a mix of embarrassment and confusion. "I-I just felt-"

Lucas interrupted Velia in the sweetest way possible, trying to capture her lips with a gentle touch. It was so deep that Velia's words were drowned in it.

Peace settled. Velia responded with equal warmth.

"I have to go now."

Velia slowly opened her eyes. She nodded, bidding farewell to Lucas with a strange and indescribable feeling.

It seemed like something was bothering Lucas. Was he having a problem?

The sound of the doorbell disrupted all of Velia's thoughts about Lucas. She looked at the wall clock with a furrowed brow.

"Diana doesn't usually come early today."

Velia hurriedly got up. She opened the door and smiled, expecting to greet Siti.

"Diana, you-"

The greeting that was already on her tongue vanished instantly. The face that appeared behind the door was not Siti's but a middle-aged woman whom Velia never expected to see.

Velia was taken aback. She was truly shocked and could not believe who had come to her that morning when there was no Lucas.

*

Sandra left her residence early in the morning. Without informing Jeff, she drove her car towards The Grandiose Plaza, the luxurious apartment where Ricardo had informed her that Velia lived.

"You damn Ricardo! Where are you now?! How could you disappear in such a critical situation!"

Sandra squeezed the steering wheel after numerous unsuccessful attempts to reach Ricardo. His phone number was inactive. Sandra grew more panicked with each passing moment, and the only thing that crossed her mind was to go see Velia.

"I can't wait any longer. If Ricardo can't take care of that damn Velia, then I'll handle it myself."

As soon as Sandra arrived at The Grandiose Plaza, she immediately headed to the reception desk. She briefly removed her sunglasses just as the receptionist greeted her.

"Good morning, Ma'am. How can I assist you?"

Sandra put on a haughty expression and confidently replied, chin held high, "I want to meet a friend's daughter who lives here, but her phone is unreachable."

"Alright, Ma'am. May I know her name?"

Sandra held her breath. Reluctantly and with a heavy heart, she uttered the name, "Velia Angelica Howell."

The receptionist quickly checked. "She is a resident in unit 4901."

"I want to see her."

"Of course, Ma'am," the polite receptionist nodded. "May I see your ID card, please?"

Sandra opened her wallet hurriedly and pulled out her identification card. While the receptionist checked her identity, Sandra looked around. Several people passed by in the lobby, but unfortunately, none of them looked familiar to Sandra.

"Here's your access card, Ma'am."

The receptionist handed Sandra a card while explaining, "I'll hold onto your ID card as a guarantee for the access card. Please proceed to the 49th floor; there is only one unit on that floor. The access card can be used twice in the elevator. If you encounter any issues, please contact us through the emergency phone available on each floor. It's located near the elevator door. You can retrieve your ID card by exchanging it for the access card after your visit."

As a conclusion, the receptionist asked, maintaining a smile on her face despite Sandra's impatience.

"Is everything clear, Ma'am?"

"Nothing is unclear," Sandra answered, taking the access card. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. I hope you have an enjoyable visit."

Sandra left the lobby with a sly grin. She headed towards the elevator with a cynical thought.

Of course, this will be a delightful visit.

*