The CEO's Rejected Wife And Secret Heir novel Chapter 12

Chapter 12: Chapter 12 – Lucas Appears

Aria POV

The restaurant at the Grand was elegant.

I arrived at seven exactly, wearing a deep red dress that hugged my curves and commanded attention.

Lucas was already there, standing when he saw me with a smile that reached his eyes.

"You came." He smiled, genuine pleasure lighting up his expression as he gestured to the chair.

"You had a good proposal." I let him pull out my chair, settling into it with practiced grace. "I’m a businesswoman. I don’t ignore good opportunities."

"Of course." His eyes sparkled with amusement as he took his own seat. "Business only."

The waiter appeared with wine. Lucas ordered something expensive but not showy, his tone easy and confident.

We talked business for the first twenty minutes. His expansion plans. My market connections.

Lucas was smart. Really smart. And unlike most men I met, he actually listened when I spoke.

"Your take on the Asian market is spot-on," he said, leaning back in his chair with genuine respect. "Most people don’t understand the cultural differences."

"I lived there for two years," I said, taking a sip of wine. "Built half my company in Singapore."

"After you left Ravenwood."

I tensed, my shoulders stiffening. "You really do research your partners."

"I told you." Lucas’s expression turned serious, his playful demeanor fading. "I know everything. Including that you have a three-year-old son named Noah."

My blood went cold. "How"

"Public records, Aria." He held up his hands in a placating gesture, palms out. "International business registration. You listed him as dependent when you filed in Singapore." He leaned forward, his voice soft. "I’m not a threat. I’m just thorough."

I studied him, trying to read ulterior motives, searching his face for deception.

There were none that I could see.

"You’re right," I said finally, exhaling slowly. "I have a son. He’s four now, actually. And he’s none of anyone’s business."

"Understood." Lucas nodded, his expression sincere. "For what it’s worth, being a single mother while building an empire? That’s incredible."

Something in my chest loosened slightly, the tension easing just a fraction.

The waiter brought appetizers with practiced silence. We ate in comfortable silence for a moment.

"Can I ask you something?" Lucas said, setting down his fork. "Off the record?"

"That depends on the question," I replied, my guard still partially up.

"Why did you come back to Ravenwood?" He watched me carefully, his gaze thoughtful. "You’d built your empire abroad. You could have stayed away forever. Why return to the place where you were hurt?"

I considered the question, swirling wine in my glass. "Because running away isn’t the same as moving forward. I came back on my terms. As someone they can’t dismiss or destroy."

"Revenge," Lucas said softly, understanding dawning in his eyes.

"Justice," I corrected, meeting his gaze steadily.

He smiled, something like admiration crossing his features. "Fair enough."

We talked more over dinner. About business, yes, but also about life. Lucas’s own rise from nothing. His parents who’d died when he was young. The companies he’d built from scratch.

He was charming without being slimy. And he made me laugh.

When was the last time someone had made me laugh?

"So the investor literally said his dog had better ideas?" I laughed, covering my mouth with genuine mirth.

"Swear to God." Lucas grinned, his eyes crinkling. "And then the dog walked into the room and knocked over his presentation board."

"That’s terrible," I said through my laughter.

"It was perfect." He topped off my wine with a practiced hand. "Sometimes the universe tells you a deal isn’t worth it."

The restaurant was emptying out around us. We’d been talking for two hours.

"I should go," I said, glancing at my watch with reluctance. "Noah’s with the sitter, and I don’t like being out late."

"Of course." Lucas stood when I did, ever the gentleman. "Thank you for tonight. It was" He paused, searching for words. "Honestly, it was the best business dinner I’ve had in years."

"Me too," I admitted, surprising myself with the honesty.

We walked toward the exit together, our footsteps echoing on marble.

The lobby was mostly empty. A few late-night guests checking in.

And Damien, sitting in one of the leather chairs near the entrance, disheveled and waiting.

He stood when he saw us, his expression desperate.

Lucas noticed my sudden tension, his body shifting protectively. "Want me to stay?"

"No." I touched his arm briefly, drawing strength from the contact. "I can handle this."

My phone buzzed in my purse. A text from my sitter: Noah’s asking for you.

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