The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 201

Lucie was still a little shaken, her nerves buzzing with unease.

“The police are on it,” Elio said quietly, trying to reassure her. “They should have answers soon.”

He frowned, worry etched across his face. “Lucie, this isn’t safe. Someone’s clearly out to get you.”

He stepped in closer, his presence steady and warm. “Come back to Elmridge with me. I’ll keep you safe.”

Lucie looked up, meeting his eyes, then shook her head firmly. “I’ll be fine. I’ve already hired a whole new team of bodyguards. I’ll be extra careful from now on.”

Elio didn’t look convinced. “That’s not enough. You can’t always see danger coming. Come back with me. I’ll take care of everything.”

She shook her head again, determined. “I can’t. There’s still so much I need to do here in Westbrook. I’m not leaving—at least not anytime soon.”

Elio sighed, clearly frustrated. “Alright, then let me bring in a few bodyguards for you. They’ll stick with you, make sure you’re safe.”

“You’ll find them for me?” she asked, surprised.

He nodded. “Trust me, they’re as good as it gets. Retired special forces—guys who really know their stuff.”

Lucie’s eyes brightened. “That actually sounds great. Thank you, Elio.”

His expression softened, warmth flickering in his gaze. “Don’t mention it. I just want you safe. That’s all that matters.”

She gave him a grateful smile. “Well, as a thank you, I was thinking of selling you one of our Madonna statues from the collection—at a huge discount.”

He perked up. “Really? What’s it like? Can I see it?”

Lucie frowned a little. “It’s still in our vault at New Amberton. I can only show you pictures right now.”

“That’s fine. Show me.”

She set down what she was holding and led him over to her desk. She pulled up a folder on her computer and clicked through a few photos.

“Take a look.”

On the screen, a statue sat on a lotus pedestal, the stone glowing softly in the light. The face was full and serene, eyes lowered in gentle compassion, lips curved in the faintest hint of a smile. Every detail captured the elegance and grace.

“This was carved by a master,” Lucie explained, her voice lighting up with excitement.

He nodded, totally serious. “Yeah, it’s worth it.”

She gave him a look. “Can you please let me finish?”

He laughed. “Okay, I’m all ears.”

Lucie hesitated, thinking it over. “Fine. I’ll sell it to you for half price.”

Elio looked stunned. “Wait, antiques can drop that much in price?”

She rolled her eyes. “Of course not. You could take this statue to any auction house, and if they say it’s worth less than a billion, you can have all our antiques for free. I’m giving you half off because you—”

Before she could finish, Elio cracked up. “So my charm is worth five hundred million? Guess I’ll count that as your wedding gift.”

Lucie’s face darkened instantly. “Elio, can you please be serious for once?”

“I am! You just saved me five hundred million. The least I can do is marry you in return.”