The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 273

“Okay, you pick the place,” Lucie said.

“I’ll text you the address once I’ve got it.”

“Great. Just make sure it’s somewhere quiet, not too crowded,” Lucie added.

“Relax, I’ve got this.”

She hung up, slipped off her glasses, and closed her laptop. Honestly, it had been forever since she’d seen her girlfriends, and after she left New Amberton in a few days, she wouldn’t be back for a long time.

Her phone buzzed again. Elio. She groaned, feeling her headache get worse. “What is it now?”

“Who just called you?” he asked, sounding almost annoyed.

“A friend,” Lucie said, trying not to roll her eyes.

“Guy or girl?”

“Girl.”

“Oh. Okay, cool. Wait, was it June? Tell me it wasn’t June. Lucie, I’m serious, that girl is nuts. Promise me you’ll stay away from her. If she calls again, just ignore her.”

Lucie’s mood dropped. “Yeah, I got it.”

Elio seemed a little relieved. “Anyway, I’m starving. Are you really going to just leave me here to fend for myself?”

Lucie paused for a second. “Well, I sort of just made plans for late-night food with some of my girlfriends. Unless you want to—”

Before she could finish, Elio perked up. “Count me in! I’ll come.”

Lucie was speechless for a moment. “Okay, sure.”

“So, do I come to you?”

“No need. I’ll pick you up. Get dressed, I’ll call when I’m downstairs.”

“Sounds good!” Elio said, way too excited.

“See you in a bit.”

Lucie hung up, rubbing her temples. Whatever. They were all friends anyway. No big deal.

She got changed, asked the driver to get the car ready, and told three bodyguards to come along. As she finished up, Mira texted her the location:

[Lunar Tide Lounge]

Lucie tapped the address. It was a fancy lounge on an island just off the coast—a New Amberton favorite. The place was always full of tourists and couples, with a stylish vibe and live music every night. Perfect for a chill night out.

***

“When she gets here, please don’t start in on her,” Mira warned.

“We would never!” Angela said, grinning.

Just then, the waiter opened the door. “Table six, right?”

Mira shot up. “Lucie! Over here!”

Angela waved. “Finally! We’ve been waiting forever.”

“Sorry, sorry,” Lucie said, slipping inside. “I had to pick up a friend on the way.” She turned to introduce Elio, but before she could get a word out, he draped his arm over her shoulders.

“Hi, ladies,” he said smoothly. “I’m Elio Pitts. Lucie’s boyfriend.”

All three friends stared at him, mouths open. Elio, with his messy dark blond hair, black shirt, and that casual jacket, looked like he’d just strolled out of a movie scene.

“Elio… Pitts?” Mira gasped, almost knocking over her wine. “Boyfriend? Lucie, when did you and Mr. Pitts start dating? Girl, you are next level.”

Angela’s eyes were huge. A minute ago, she’d been feeling a little smug about Lucie’s divorce. Now she was floored. Lucie had already landed Elmridge’s richest, most eligible bachelor? Elio Pitts was the guy every girl in town dreamed about.

Lucie felt her headache coming back. She shrugged Elio’s arm off. “Cut it out. He’s just kidding. We’re just friends.”

Elio looked dead serious. “I’m not kidding. Ladies, when Lucie and I get married, you three are definitely standing up as bridesmaids.”