The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 85

“Ms. Anderson, are you okay?”

Lucie steadied herself and tried to sound casual. “Oh, I’m fine. We can keep working on the script.”

Her partner, Mick, still looked worried. “Are you sure you’re all right?”

She managed a small smile. “Really, I’m fine. Let’s get back to it. Could you send me all the files?”

“…Okay.” Mick nodded, then lugged over a thick stack of research documents.

This exhibition was a big deal, the first stop for visiting diplomats, and everyone knew how much was riding on it. The artifact presentation script had to be perfect, with zero mistakes. Lucie was in charge of presenting, and Mick, a star archaeology student from a top university, was handling the translations. Together, they were responsible for every word in that script.

“That’s just some of the materials,” Mick said. “I emailed the rest to you. I also put together a rough draft you can edit.”

Lucie gave him a grateful nod. “Thanks, Mick.”

“No problem,” he replied, sticking around to help her dig up more info on the artifacts. It wasn’t really his job, but he did whatever he could to make things easier for her.

Lucie sat back down at her desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and open books, and threw herself into writing the script. Every detail had to be just right.

…

By eight that evening, most of the staff had already headed back to their rooms to rest. Lucie was still at her computer, totally absorbed in her work.

“Ms. Anderson, it’s late. You should call it a night,” Mick said as he packed up to leave.

…

Over the next few days, Lucie kept her phone off. She didn’t want to hear anything about Steven or whatever drama he was caught up in. All she cared about was nailing her performance and showing off her strengths. She hoped Dr. Tate would notice her and maybe take her on as a student.

On September seventh, the team arrived at their hotel in Elmridge. The artifacts had already been delivered safely to the museum. The exhibition hall was ready—bright, elegant, and full of history, every detail highlighting the treasures on display.

September eighth came. Lucie woke up early to get ready. She picked a vintage-style dress made of shimmering silk, paired with heels in the same shade. Her makeup was subtle but flawless, and she pinned her hair up neatly, adding two pearl hairpins. Matching pearl earrings and a necklace finished the look. She looked every bit the part—elegant, classic, and perfectly suited for her role today.

…

Outside the museum, the VIP guests and experts hadn’t arrived yet. Lucie, Mick, Mr. Murphy, and a whole group of staff stood by the entrance, waiting.