The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 193

Mr. Anderson gave her a gentle pat on the head, his tone warm but serious. “You’re the head of the Anderson family now. I’m counting on you to stand tall, and carry on our family’s legacy.”

Lucie felt a wave of determination wash over her. “Don’t worry, Grandpa. I won’t let you down.”

For generations, the Anderson family had always passed down its name to a single heir. Now it was just Lucie. Plenty of people had tried to convince her grandfather to adopt a boy to keep the family name going, but Mr. Anderson wouldn’t hear of it. He handed everything—the whole family’s fortune and trust—straight to Lucie. Deep down, he believed she was more than capable of keeping the Anderson name strong.

This year’s business convention was a big deal. Antique dealers from all over the country were coming, turning the event into the biggest marketplace for buying, selling, and trading treasures. The antiques business was tough and full of traps; there were so many fakes out there that sometimes even experts got fooled. If a newcomer jumped in blindly, they could lose everything in one bad deal. Some antiques were worth millions, even billions, and buying a counterfeit could ruin a family in an instant.

Her grandfather’s face softened, but his words stayed firm. “I know you’ve got ambition, and you’re already amazing. But in this business, you never stop learning. I’ve been at it my whole life, and there’s still so much I don’t know.”

He looked her in the eye. “From now on, you have to be extra careful. Keep your eyes open. Learn to spot the real treasures.”

“I will, Grandpa,” Lucie promised.

She stayed by his side a little longer, only leaving once he’d dozed off for his afternoon nap.

***

After leaving the hospital, Ruby greeted her with respectful calm. “Ms. Anderson, where to next?”

Lucie thought for a moment. “Let’s head to the antiques market in Westbrook. I want to get my workshop sorted out before the new artifacts arrive in a couple of days. That way, we won’t be scrambling at the last minute.”

“Right away.”

Ruby drove her over to the antiques market, where the Anderson family estate sprawled across acres of land. The market here was even bigger than the one in New Amberton, with more shops and more buzz. Lucie had a workshop in Westbrook, too, but since she spent most of her time in New Amberton, this one was usually left unused.

As soon as she walked in, Lucie wrinkled her nose at the musty smell.

“Let’s get someone to deep clean this place from top to bottom,” she told Ruby. “And hire four more assistants for me, just in case.”

“Understood, Ms. Anderson.”

Lucie set down her bag and started sorting through all the random materials and tools in her office. Anything old or expired was tossed out without a second thought.

She worked straight through until five, when Mr. Lee, the antiques market’s deputy manager, burst into her office, practically glowing with excitement.

Mr. Lee nodded, still beaming. “But there’s a catch. The client only trusts you, Ms. Anderson. They said you’re the only one with the eye and the reputation they can count on.”

Lucie frowned a bit. Normally, she didn’t meet with clients herself—she was the boss, after all. But for a client willing to spend this much, she could make an exception.

“Well, there are a few Norman-era icons out there right now. I can make some time to meet with this client.”

Mr. Lee’s face lit up. “That’s fantastic! The client’s already set up an appointment for tomorrow at two in the afternoon, right here at the market.”

If this deal went through, the commission alone would be at least five percent—enough to make anyone giddy.

“Tomorrow at two? That works for me,” Lucie said. She didn’t have anything else planned. Helping the client find the right piece wouldn’t be tough.

“Perfect! I’ll call the client right away,” Mr. Lee said, practically skipping out of the office. “Thank you, Ms. Anderson! I’ll leave you to it.”

As he left, Lucie could hear him mumbling happily to himself in the hallway. “Luck’s finally turning. If this deal goes through, I won’t have to worry about my mortgage ever again…”

When the office was quiet again, Lucie sat down at her computer and started searching for Norman-era fresco icons. There were a few dealers with pieces in stock, but honestly, none of them looked like they were in great shape.