The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 123

For Steven, nothing mattered more than getting his son home safe. Money wasn’t even a consideration. He would have paid twenty billion, or even two hundred billion, without a second thought.

Miranda clasped her hands together, murmuring, “Please, Cody. Please come home safe. The kidnappers can take the money. Just please let him go.”

“We just have to wait for news now,” Steven said, voice tight. “Worrying won’t help anything.”

Miranda shook her head, frustration in her eyes. “It’s unbelievable. With so many bodyguards, how could this happen? They’re absolutely useless.”

“Mom, blaming them now won’t change anything,” Steven said quietly. “Let’s just focus on getting Cody back.”

***

At three in the afternoon, Lucie and her two assistants arrived at the base of Great Ashwood Valley. The rest of the way was all mountain trails, which meant they’d be hiking from here on out.

“Ms. Anderson, let’s take a quick break and get some water,” Jean suggested. “It’s all on foot from here. If we keep a good pace, we should get there before five.”

Lucie climbed out of the car, already drenched in sweat. She took a few gulps of water, trying to catch her breath.

Elio, who’d tagged along empty-handed, looked exhausted and thirsty. “Lucie, I’m dying. Can I get some water?”

She shot him a frosty glare, then told her assistant to hand him a bottle. “Elio, the sun’s still up. If you head back to the marina now, you’ll catch the last ferry.”

He frowned. “What about you? You’re not seriously planning to spend the night out here, are you?”

Lucie didn’t bother answering. She was here to collect rare raw materials for pigments, and she knew it would take at least three days. Camping in the mountains for two nights was part of the plan.

“You’re not here for fun?” he pressed.

She stared at him like he was crazy. “Fun? In this place? Who would want to camp out here for fun?”

“Wait, if you’re not here for fun, then what are you doing?”

“I’m working. I’m here to find pigment materials. What about you?”

Elio grinned, his handsome features lighting up. “I’m here to keep you company.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible. Just go back.”

Elio gave her a wicked smile. “No way. Three girls alone in the mountains? What if something happens? I’m staying to protect you.”

Lucie just stared at him, speechless.

“Do whatever you want. As long as you can handle it,” she said, shrugging on her heavy backpack and starting up the trail.

Elio hurried over. “Here, let me carry that for you.”

“Are we there yet? We’re almost over the peak,” Elio complained.

Lucie stopped to catch her breath. “We have to get to the mountain on the other side. We need to move faster if we want to beat nightfall.”

Elio grinned. “Wow, spending the night in the mountains with Lucie. I’m actually excited.”

“Shut up,” she snapped.

When Lucie started to slow down, Elio put a hand on her back, trying to help her along. “Lucie, you look exhausted. Want me to carry you?”

“Don’t touch me.” She swatted his hand away and glared at him.

He just laughed. “Fine, fine. But if you can’t go on, just say the word and we’ll take a break.”

Lucie was parched. Jean and Ruby were also struggling, their packs even heavier than hers.

“Ms. Anderson, I’m so tired,” Jean said, gasping. “Can we please stop for twenty minutes?”

Lucie nodded. “Alright, let’s rest.”

She could feel how much her stamina had dropped. Before she had her child, she could handle hikes like this for hours without a problem. But now, after just an hour, she was already wiped out—her body still hadn’t fully recovered, and she could really feel it.