WIFE KICKED MILLIONAIRE MEDICAL GOD HUSBAND

Chapter Nine

“Lukas, I need you as my personal escort at the Laurent Group’s tech summit in Amsterdam tonight,” Sofia said, her voice low and her dark eyes locking onto his. “After that ambush, I’m not taking chances. You keep me safe, and those medicinal roots you want? They’re yours, delivered tomorrow.”

Lukas leaned against the boat’s railing, his broad shoulders tense, his eyes scanning the dark waters for any sign of another threat. Sofia’s offer was a lifeline: rare roots that could rebuild his work but playing bodyguard in a den of tech moguls felt like stepping into a trap. “You’re sure about this?” he asked, his voice steady but wary. “Kroon’s men could try again.”

Sofia’s lips curved into a determined smile. “Exactly why I need you. You handled those thugs like they were nothing. I trust you, Lukas.” She leaned closer, her tone softening. “The roots are just the start. The Laurents reward those who stand with us.”

Lukas clenched his jaw, he needed those roots, not just for Pieter but for himself, to reclaim what he’d lost. “Alright,” he said, his voice firm. “I’ll escort you. But if trouble comes, we do this my way.”

“Deal,” Sofia replied, her eyes gleaming with approval. “Let’s get to Amsterdam, the summit awaits.”

The boat pulled up gently to the dock, and they stepped onto the edge of the canal.

The Laurent Group’s tech summit took place in a fancy glass building by the water, shining with wealth and power. Lukas straightened his dark jacket. The green pin Sofia gave him was now on his lapel, showing he was part of their team. 

Meanwhile, Elise Van der Meer stepped out of a sleek black car, her emerald dress clinging to her tall frame, her reddish-brown hair, neatly styled up without a single strand out of place, she was the face of Van der Meer Enterprises, her tech empire a force in its own right. The summit was a chance to refocus, to secure a partnership that could elevate her company to new heights.

Margot, her sharp-tongued assistant, followed close behind, her blonde bob immaculate, her tablet glowing with notes. “The Laurent Group’s merger could redefine us,” Margot said, her voice clipped as they entered the venue. “Erik de Vries is already inside. He’s eager to pitch you as their top partner.”

Elise nodded, her eyes scanning the crowd. “Good. Set it up.” Her tone was calm, but her mind swirled with thoughts of Lukas. 

Erik de Vries approached, his tailored suit as polished as his smile. The tech investor, a rival to Pieter Dubois. “Elise,” he said, his voice smooth, “the Laurents are open to alliances. I can position Van der Meer Enterprises as their best option. This deal could make you untouchable.”

Elise’s lips curved into a practiced smile. “I’m interested, Erik. Make it happen.” Her words were steady, but her gaze wandered, searching the crowd for allies, for threats. Then she saw him—Lukas, standing near a marble pillar, his arm linked with a striking woman in a navy gown. Elise’s heart skipped a beat, feeling a sudden sharp pain—was it regret or jealousy?—that broke her calm.

She walked across the room, her heels making a clicking sound on the shiny floor, with Margot following behind. The crowd parted, their quiet whispers mixing with the music at the summit. Elise stopped in front of Lukas, feeling her breath catch when their eyes met. “Lukas,” she said, her voice calm but a little awkward, remembering their last call, her warning and his refusal.

Lukas’s expression was cold,“Elise,” he said, his tone flat, offering nothing. He gestured to the woman beside him. “This is Sofia Laurent, my client.”

Sofia extended a hand, her smile gracious, her dark eyes assessing Elise with a predator’s precision. “Ms. Van der Meer,” she said. “A pleasure to meet the woman behind Van der Meer Enterprises.” Her handshake was firm, her eyes lingering, as if sizing up a rival.

Elise returned the handshake, her eyes flickering to Lukas. “Ms. Laurent,” she said, her voice cool. “I didn’t expect to see Lukas here.” Seeing him with Sofia, her arm around his and how comfortable she looked with him, made Elise feel a mix of confusing emotions. Was it the summit stakes, or because the man she once loved was now with someone else?