The Hidden Billionaire’s Final Goodbye

7. The Divorce Plan

Amelia sat beside the window, one leg crossed over the other, swirling the wine in her glass. Vanessa sat across from her, watching her with an expression that was equal parts curiosity and concern.

“You’re moving too fast, Amelia.”

Amelia didn’t turn. Her gaze remained fixed on the city lights beyond the glass. “Am I?”

“First, you’re spending an entire weekend with Adrian. Now you’re talking about ending your marriage.” Vanessa leaned forward. “You’re seriously planning to divorce Lucas?”

Amelia took a slow sip of wine. “It’s not too fast, Vanessa. It’s four years overdue.”

“And what about Lucas?” Vanessa asked. “You said yourself that he’s been useful. More importantly, what about your father’s company? If you divorce him now, doesn’t that financial support disappear?”

Amelia finally turned, a confident smile touching her lips. “It won’t matter.”

Vanessa raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”

“Adrian has already promised to step in.”

Vanessa studied her friend’s face. “He’s promised to bail out Anderson Corporation?”

“He has the capital, the connections, and the ambition.” Amelia’s eyes brightened as she spoke his name. “He told me yesterday that once we’re together, he won’t let my family’s legacy suffer.”

“And you believe him?”

“Of course I do.”

Vanessa looked unconvinced. “Amelia, promises are easy to make. Especially when someone wants something from you.”

Amelia’s smile vanished. “What are you implying?”

“Nothing. I’m just saying that Lucas has been supporting your family for years. Adrian might be wealthy, but has he actually done anything for Anderson Corporation yet?”

“He will.”

“When?”

“Soon.”

Vanessa exhaled quietly. “That’s not an answer.”

Amelia set her glass down with a sharp click. “Why are you defending Lucas?”

“I’m not defending him. I’m asking you to think.” Vanessa’s voice softened. “You’ve been married for four years. You can’t just assume Adrian will take over everything Lucas has been doing.”

Amelia’s expression hardened. “Lucas has never done anything extraordinary. He’s a delivery boy playing house. Adrian is a real businessman. He knows how to make money, how to build connections, and how to protect the people he cares about.”

“And Lucas doesn’t?”

Amelia let out a humorless laugh. “Lucas can barely provide a life I’m proud of.”

Vanessa’s gaze sharpened. “Then why has your father kept asking him for money?”

Amelia didn’t answer immediately. For a moment, her confidence faltered, then she lifted her chin. “Because Lucas is my husband. He has a responsibility to my family.”

Vanessa shook her head. “You say that as if he owes you everything.”

“He does.” The words came out without hesitation. “He chose to marry me. He knew what my family was like. If he wants to keep helping us, that’s his decision.”

“And if he stops?”

Amelia laughed softly. “He won’t.” Her certainty was absolute. “Lucas has always been obedient. He’ll do whatever Father asks. He’ll keep paying because he thinks that’s what a good husband should do.”

Vanessa stared at her. “Amelia, do you even hear yourself?”

Amelia looked away. “I’m tired of this conversation.”

“Then answer one last question.” Vanessa paused. “If Lucas really means nothing to you, why are you still relying on him?”

Amelia’s fingers tightened around her glass. “Because he’s convenient.”

The answer hung in the room. Vanessa looked at her as though she had just revealed something far uglier than she intended, but Amelia didn’t seem to notice.

“I don’t love him,” she continued. “I never wanted to spend my entire life with a man like that. Once Adrian helps Father stabilize the company, I’ll have no reason to stay married to Lucas.”

“And what are you going to tell him?”

“The truth.”

“Which truth?”

“That our marriage is over.”

***

Lucas heard his name, and he stopped.

At first, he had only caught fragments—Lucas has always been obedient, He’ll keep paying, I don’t love him-now, every word came through the slightly open door with painful clarity.

Lucas stood with one hand resting against the wall. He didn’t move. He didn’t interrupt. He simply listened as the woman he had loved for four years explained how easily she could discard him once another man took his place.

A bitter feeling settled in his chest.

Lucas quietly stepped away from the door. He had heard enough.

***

Lucas walked toward the bedside table. A framed photograph stood there: their wedding picture. Amelia wore a white gown, her smile bright as she stood beside him. Lucas remembered that day clearly—how nervous he had been when she walked toward him, how he had promised himself that he would protect her and give her a life filled with happiness.

He had believed in that promise. He had believed in her.

Lucas picked up the frame. His thumb brushed over the glass, stopping over Amelia’s smiling face. “Was any of it real?” he whispered.

The question disappeared into the empty room; he knew he would never get an answer. Slowly, he turned the photograph facedown.

Lucas placed the photograph back on the table, then took out his phone.

Lucas stared at the screen. He opened the pending transfer. His finger hovered over the screen for a moment, and then he canceled it.

The confirmation appeared: Transfer canceled.

He closed the financial report. The charity was over. If Adrian Blake wanted to prove himself as Amelia’s chosen man, he could start by supporting the family she had promised him. Lucas would no longer stand in their way, nor would he fund a single second of their future.

His phone vibrated. Daniel’s name appeared on the screen.

Lucas answered. “Sir?”

“Daniel.” His voice was quiet, but the warmth that had once softened it was gone. “I need you to do two things.”

“Of course, sir.”

“Find out everything about Adrian Blake.”

A brief silence followed. “Everything?”

“His business dealings, his financial records, his connections—anything he has hidden from the public.”

“Understood.”

Lucas walked toward the window.

That was about to change.

“And prepare my return to Morgan Global Group.”

Daniel didn’t respond immediately, then, in a voice filled with unmistakable relief, he said, “I’ve been waiting for this order, sir.”

“Then make sure the board is ready,” he said.

“I will, sir.”

Lucas ended the call. He looked once more at the wedding photograph lying facedown on the bedside table, then turned away.

Amelia had already chosen her future. Now, Lucas would choose his own.