Surprise Marriage to a Billionaire
Chapter 155: Derail

Chapter 155: Derail

Sunday arrived, and Alexander found himself still trapped in Lamey, grappling with the aftermath of a tragic accident at the semiconductor factory. The incident had not only claimed lives but also left numerous individuals injured, creating a pressing need for his attention and leadership.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, he prepared to conduct a press conference aimed at addressing the public’s concerns. It was essential for him to convey that the Lancaster Group would fully cooperate with any investigations and take proactive measures to handle the fallout from the tragedy. This was not merely a public relations issue; it was a matter of corporate responsibility and integrity.

Alexander had the best team in place, ready to manage the situation once he made his public appearance and laid the groundwork. Still, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of the responsibility pressing on him.

He understood that his presence was crucial. It required his personal touch and commitment to reassure stakeholders, employees, and the community that the Lancaster Group was taking full responsibility.

He steeled himself for the press conference, ready to face difficult questions and provide transparency in a time of uncertainty. He knew that trust could only be rebuilt through honest communication and decisive action.

Seated in the back of his car, Alexander massaged his temple as they headed toward the venue of the press conference. His mind was split between the crisis at hand and the personal commitment he would inevitably be late for.

He was more concerned about the fact that he wouldn’t make it in time to accompany his wife to the engagement party later. "Do you think I can still make it?" Alexander asked, glancing at his wristwatch.

Tyron checked the schedule and responded, "After the press conference, we still need to meet with the prime minister and some officials. You’ll make it to the party, but you’ll be late."

Clicking his tongue in frustration, Alexander felt uneasy. He didn’t trust Rain’s family to let her attend Dina’s engagement party without some kind of interference—especially since it was at Paul’s family estate.

"Make sure we can leave this country as soon as possible," he instructed Tyron before dialling his security team. He had planted undercover security among the event staff, including waiters, to keep an eye on the party.

Tyron smirked, teasing, "Boss, you’re really going all out. Does Mrs. Lancaster know you’re being this overprotective?"

Alexander’s expression darkened as he muttered, "After what Paul did to Rain, I won’t let my guard down in his presence. Not for a second."

As the call ended, Alexander checked his phone for messages. A small smile crept onto his face as he reread Rain’s text from the previous night. After telling her he missed her—something that had slipped out unexpectedly—he had abruptly ended the call. But Rain’s response had warmed him in ways he didn’t expect: ’I miss you too, my husband.’

Those words replayed in his mind, fueling his impatience to see her again. Alexander began typing a message to Rain, his fingers moving swiftly across the screen.

Alexander: I’ll be late, but I’ll come and see you. Stay close with Aunt Melanie, and please, avoid eating or drinking anything at the party. Eat plenty before you leave the penthouse, and take some chocolates with you—we have more than enough of those...

He smiled as he pressed the send button, thinking about the chocolates. Rain had grabbed an absurd amount during their last grocery trip. He couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory of her insistence on stocking up as if they were preparing for a long winter. That small moment now and remembering her giggles and smiles brought a strange sense of comfort amid the chaos of the day.

"Boss, are you aware that Ma’am Carla Cartier also has an event at the same hotel today?" Tyron informed. He sensed a hint of concern in his voice.

In that instant, the smile on Alexander’s face faltered. His grip tightened on his phone as he processed the news. Carla Cartier—his ex from five years ago—was the last person he wanted to run into, especially now.

Alexander sighed deeply, rubbing his temple. "I wasn’t aware, but it doesn’t matter. We’re sticking to the schedule. I don’t have time for distractions, Tyron. Rain is waiting for me."

Tyron nodded but couldn’t hide the tension on his face. "Understood, Boss. I’ll make sure everything stays on track."

Alexander glanced out the window, his thoughts already drifting back to Rain. He couldn’t let Carla’s presence derail him now. Not when everything seemed to be falling into place with Rain.

They soon arrived at the hotel, and Alexander made his way directly to the hall for the press conference. The event was brief, and he efficiently addressed the questions posed by the reporters, keeping his answers short and firm.

However, one reporter suddenly asked, "Mr. Lancaster, Miss Carla Cartier is also here at the hotel. We heard that you were in a relationship five years ago. Are you here to see her?"

Alexander’s expression darkened at the mention of Carla. "I’m here solely for business," he replied tersely, subtly signalling Tyron to take care of the situation.

Before the reporter could continue, security personnel swiftly moved in to escort her out of the venue.

"Let me remind everyone that any questions not related to the Lancaster Group’s business will not be tolerated. Any further misconduct will result in immediate removal," Tyron announced, maintaining order as the focus shifted back to the incident at hand.

After the press conference, Alexander and Tyron headed outside the hall when a familiar voice called out, "Xander!"

He frowned, caught off guard as Carla threw herself into his arms. "Carla?"

"Yes, it’s me! I heard you were around, so I immediately started looking for you. It’s been a while, and I missed you!" Carla exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

Alexander stiffened, his mind racing as he processed her sudden appearance. "Carla, this isn’t the best time," he said, trying to maintain his composure.

"Why not? Can’t we just catch up for a moment?" she insisted, her tone playful yet earnest.

"Look, I’m really busy right now," he replied, his tone firm. "I need to get going."

Carla’s expression shifted slightly, a hint of disappointment flickering in her eyes. "Oh, come on, just a few minutes?"

"No," he said, resolute. "I can’t. My wife is expecting me..."