The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 158

“Just hang in there for another half hour. The speed bumps will be ready soon.”

Lucie felt a surge of emotion in her chest. “Elio…”

“Yeah? What’s wrong?”

She tried to speak but only managed a choked sob.

“It’s okay,” Elio said, his voice light and almost teasing. “Back in Germany, I used to drive 300 kilometers an hour all the time. Just don’t even think about the brakes. Drive like you normally would, and you’ll be fine.”

But in truth, Elio was way more nervous than Lucie. He was drenched in cold sweat, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it was stuck in his throat. He couldn’t help but worry. One wrong move could end in disaster.

Once he finished comforting Lucie, his tone turned sharp and commanding as he spoke into his earpiece. “How’s it going?”

“Mr. Pitts, they’re putting down the speed bumps now. It’ll take about forty more minutes.”

“Forty minutes? You guys are slower than snails! I don’t care how you do it—get it done in twenty. Move! Faster!”

His assistant’s voice was nervous. “Yes sir, I’ll push them harder.”

Elio switched back to Lucie, instantly gentle again. “Lucie, head towards Blake Mountain.”

“By the time you get there, the speed bumps should be ready.”

“Okay…”

Lucie glanced at the road signs, then followed Elio’s directions, turning onto a deserted new highway. It hadn’t opened yet, so the whole road was wide open ahead of her. No cars, no obstacles. Just two police cars escorting her up front, Elio right behind, and two ambulances and a helicopter following close.

She kept driving for almost another half hour. Up ahead, she caught sight of a group of traffic police lined up on both sides of the road, while dozens of workers hustled to lay down sand.

“Lucie, keep both hands on the wheel. As long as the car doesn’t tip, you’ll be okay.”

“Okay.”

Lucie took a deep breath, gripped the steering wheel tight, and aimed straight for the sand.

There was a loud thud as the tires hit the sand pile. The momentum kept pushing the car forward, but the tires started to skid and the car spun out of control.

“Ah!” Lucie’s voice shook with fear as she fought to keep the wheel steady.

At the same time, Elio’s heart was in his mouth. “Lucie! Lucie!”

The second she was out of the car, her strength gave out and she collapsed to the ground. Elio dropped down with her, holding her tight, his voice trembling with relief. “It’s over now. You’re safe. Thank God. You did amazing.”

Lucie broke down, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed in his arms.

Just then, another car screeched to a stop nearby. Steven jumped out, his face pale with shock, and ran straight toward her.

“Lucie!”

“Don’t get any closer,” a police officer warned.

“She’s my wife!” Steven shoved past the officer and knelt by her side. “Lucie, are you okay?”

Lucie stared at him, her eyes empty and cold. She gave a bitter, shaky laugh. “Steven, you really are cruel. Too bad for you—I’m still alive.”

Her words hit Steven like a punch. His eyes reddened. “Lucie, it’s not what you think, I swear—”

He didn’t get to finish. Elio landed a hard punch right on Steven’s nose, sending him stumbling backward.

Elio’s face was furious. “Steven, listen to me. If you ever lay a hand on Lucie again, I’ll do whatever it takes to wipe the Heath family out of New Amberton. That’s a promise.”