The Hidden Billionaire’s Final Goodbye

3. The Man Amelia Desires

Adrian Blake.

A young businessman whose name had become increasingly prominent in the city's corporate circles, Adrian had built an impressive business empire at only thirty-two. His company held investments in real estate, technology, and several international ventures. He was wealthy, influential, and well-connected—everything Richard wished his son-in-law could be, and everything Lucas wasn't.

"Amelia, make sure you're ready before Adrian arrives," Margaret reminded her daughter.

Amelia stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the neckline of her elegant dress. "Mother, I've already told you. I'm ready."

Margaret smiled. "Good. A man like Adrian doesn't visit just anyone's house."

Richard entered the room, looking pleased. "Exactly. Adrian has connections with several major investors. If we can establish a good relationship with him, Anderson Corporation could expand significantly." He paused, his expression hardening. "Unlike some people in this house, Adrian understands how business works."

Amelia knew precisely whom her father meant, but she didn't respond.

A few moments later, the sound of a car pulling into the driveway announced Adrian's arrival. Richard immediately hurried toward the entrance. "Adrian! Welcome!"

A tall man stepped out of a sleek black Mercedes-Benz. He wore a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, a white shirt, and an expensive watch. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his confident smile made him appear effortlessly charming.

"Mr. Anderson," Adrian extended his hand. "Thank you for inviting me."

"Please, call me Richard." Richard shook his hand enthusiastically.

Then Amelia appeared behind him. Adrian's eyes immediately settled on her. "Amelia."

She smiled. "Adrian."

For a moment, the two simply looked at each other. Then Adrian stepped forward and handed her a small velvet box. "I brought you something."

Amelia's eyebrows lifted. "You didn't have to."

"I wanted to."

She opened the box. Inside was a diamond bracelet, the stones sparkling brilliantly beneath the chandelier. Amelia stared at it. "Oh, Adrian..."

"Do you like it?"

"It's beautiful."

Adrian smiled. "I thought it would suit you."

Richard laughed. "That's the kind of gift a woman like Amelia deserves!"

Margaret nodded approvingly. "Absolutely. Such a thoughtful young man."

Amelia slipped the bracelet onto her wrist. It fit perfectly, and for the first time that evening, she looked genuinely delighted.

***

Lucas arrived from the kitchen carrying a tray of drinks. He had changed into a simple black shirt, but the faint marks of his delivery work remained on his hands. He stopped near the living room.

Adrian was sitting beside Amelia on the sofa, laughing. Richard stood nearby, enthusiastically discussing business opportunities with his guest.

Lucas approached the group. "Would anyone like something to drink?"

Richard glanced at him. "Lucas. Finally." He gestured toward Adrian. "Bring him something suitable. Not that cheap juice you usually drink."

Lucas nodded. "Of course."

He placed the tray on the table. Adrian glanced at him. "You're Lucas, aren't you?"

"Yes."

Adrian smiled faintly. "I've heard a lot about you."

Lucas met his gaze. "Have you?"

"Of course." Adrian leaned back against the sofa. "Amelia tells me you're working as a delivery man."

The room fell momentarily quiet.

Lucas nodded. "That's right."

Adrian tilted his head. "Interesting." He picked up his glass. "I suppose someone has to do that kind of work."

Richard chuckled. "Unfortunately, that someone happens to be my son-in-law."

Adrian laughed. "Well, there's nothing wrong with honest work." He paused. "But surely a man married to Amelia Anderson should aspire to something more."

Lucas remained silent.

Adrian looked toward Amelia. "Don't you agree?"

Amelia's fingers tightened around her bracelet. "Adrian..."

"What?" Adrian asked innocently. "I'm just saying that Amelia deserves a husband who can provide for her."

Richard nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly!"

Adrian turned back toward Lucas. "Tell me, Lucas. Do you ever feel embarrassed?"

Lucas looked at him. "Embarrassed about what?"

"About being unable to give your wife the life she deserves."

The question hung in the air. Lucas could have answered. He could have told Adrian that the mansion they were sitting in was still standing because of his money, that Anderson Corporation's survival depended on his financial support, and that Amelia's luxurious lifestyle had been funded by the very man Adrian was mocking.

But Lucas said nothing.

Adrian interpreted his silence as weakness. He smiled. "Perhaps you should consider finding a better job."

Richard laughed. "That's what I've been telling him for years!"

Margaret shook her head. "Some people simply don't have ambition."

Lucas picked up the empty glasses. "I'll bring more drinks."

He turned toward the kitchen. Behind him, Adrian's voice followed: "Honestly, Amelia, I don't know how you tolerate this."

Lucas stopped for half a second, then continued walking.

***

The evening progressed. Adrian quickly became the center of attention. Richard discussed investment opportunities with him, Margaret praised his manners, and Amelia seemed increasingly comfortable in his presence. They talked about restaurants, international travel, and business events. Adrian knew exactly what to say—he made Amelia laugh, remembered her favorite wine, and even knew which designer she preferred.

Lucas stood near the dining table, quietly observing them. He had spent four years learning every little detail about Amelia: her favorite coffee, the flowers she liked, the foods she avoided, the books she read when she couldn't sleep. Yet somehow, Adrian seemed to understand her better. Or perhaps Amelia simply wanted him to.

"Lucas!" Richard's voice interrupted his thoughts. "More wine!"

Lucas immediately approached the table. "Yes, Father."

He filled Richard's glass, then Adrian's. Adrian watched him carefully. "Actually, Lucas, I have a question."

Lucas looked up. "Yes?"

Adrian smiled. "Have you ever considered leaving Amelia?"

The room fell silent. Amelia's eyes widened. "Adrian!"

"What?" he asked. "I'm curious." Adrian turned toward Lucas. "You're clearly not the kind of man she needs. Wouldn't it be better for everyone if you stepped aside?"

Richard didn't object. Margaret looked uncomfortable, but she remained silent.

Lucas placed the wine bottle on the table. He looked directly at Adrian. "That's a private matter between my wife and me."

Adrian's smile widened. "Your wife?" He glanced at Amelia. "Is that what she is?"

Amelia's face turned pale. "Adrian, please."

Lucas waited. He wanted to hear what Amelia would say. Would she tell Adrian to stop? Would she defend their marriage? Would she remind him that she was still Lucas's wife?

But Amelia lowered her eyes. "Let's not discuss this tonight."

Adrian shrugged. "Of course." Then he smiled at Lucas. "My apologies."

***

The dinner finally came to an end. Adrian stood near the entrance, preparing to leave, and Richard accompanied him to the door. "Thank you for coming, Adrian. We should arrange another meeting soon."

"Certainly." Adrian shook his hand, then turned toward Amelia. "Good night."

Amelia smiled. "Good night."

Adrian stepped closer. His voice dropped to a whisper: *"How long are you going to keep pretending that man is your husband?"*

Amelia froze. Her smile disappeared. For a moment, she looked directly into Adrian's eyes. She could have told him that Lucas was her husband, that despite everything, she had chosen him, and that their marriage was real.

But the words never came. Amelia remained silent.

Adrian studied her expression, then smiled faintly—as if her silence had already given him the answer he wanted. He stepped away and walked toward his car.

Across the hallway, Lucas had witnessed everything. He hadn't heard Adrian's words, but he had seen his wife's expression.

Amelia wasn't merely ashamed of him.

She might no longer want to be his wife.