The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 122

“Alright.”

Ruby and Jean headed to a bike shop not far down the street and came back with three bikes. Most of the island was a protected nature reserve, so no cars were allowed. That left visitors with two choices: walk or rent a bike.

Lucie fastened her luggage onto the rear rack and got ready to go. Just as she was about to set off, Elio showed up on a bike of his own, sticking to her like a shadow she couldn’t shake.

She groaned. “Why are you following us?”

Elio gave her his best innocent face. “I’m not following you.”

“Then go ahead and ride in front of us.”

He shrugged. “Why should I? These are my legs. Since when do I take orders from you? You’re not my girlfriend, Lucie. You can’t boss me around.”

Lucie felt her patience snap. “You are impossible.”

She hopped onto her bike and pedaled off, determined to ignore him. It was already noon and if they didn’t get moving, it would be late afternoon by the time they arrived. They couldn’t waste any more time—once the sun set, they wouldn’t get anything done.

After about ten minutes, she realized Elio was still behind her, keeping a steady distance of about fifty meters. If she sped up, so did he. If she slowed down, he matched her pace.

Finally, Lucie slammed on her brakes and turned to glare at him. “Elio, why are you still following us?”

He rolled his eyes, acting all offended. “I’m not following you. I’m just headed in the same direction. Are you the only one allowed on this road?”

Lucie felt like screaming, but there was nothing she could do.

“Then you go ahead.”

Instead, Elio pulled up right beside her and grinned, mischief written all over his face. “You know, you look kind of cute when you’re mad. Can you roll your eyes again, just for me?”

“Elio, are you looking for trouble?”

He laughed. “You know me too well. Not only am I asking for it, I probably deserve a punch too. Go on, hit me.”

Lucie couldn’t help but let out a huff of disbelief. “You’re so childish.”

Elio just kept smiling, completely unbothered. “Guilty as charged. Honestly, I was bored out of my mind until you showed up. You make things interesting.”

Lucie could only roll her eyes harder. He’d been exactly like this back in school—always teasing her, pulling stupid pranks, starting arguments just to get a reaction. If he managed to get under her skin, he looked so pleased with himself. Then he’d go out of his way to make her laugh again.

Four years later, and he still hadn’t changed a bit.

“Ms. Anderson, it’s getting late. We should keep moving,” Jean said gently.

Lucie took a deep breath. “Yeah, let’s go.” She forced herself to focus and started pedaling again. No matter what she did, Elio stuck around, so she decided to just ignore him and keep going.

***

Meanwhile, Steven and Miranda were a mess of nerves.

“Don’t try anything funny, Heath. Fine—two days. But if we don’t get the money, you can prepare for your son’s funeral.”

Steven’s jaw clenched, his voice low and deadly serious. “You’ll get your money. I won’t call the cops. But I’m warning you. If you hurt my son, I will spend the rest of my life tracking you and your entire family down. I mean it.”

The kidnapper just laughed, an ugly sound. “Relax, Mr. Heath. We only want the money. Pay up, and your son goes home safe.”

“Good. Call me in two days.”

“Done.”

The call ended. Steven felt ice in his veins. He immediately told his butler to call every bank manager they knew and arrange for the cash.

Miranda was pale as a sheet. “What’s happened to Cody?” she whispered.

Steven’s voice was grim. “He’s been kidnapped.”

Miranda gasped. “We have to call the police—”

“No. It’s just money. We’ll give them what they want.” He turned to his staff. “Call all the banks. We need twenty million in cash, fast.”

“Yes, Mr. Heath.”

The whole house sprang into action, assistants and butlers making frantic calls. Twenty million in cash was enough to fill a truck.