Chapter 136

A wave of frustration swept through Elio, making his chest tighten. For a long moment, neither of them said a word.

Then, with a crooked smile, Elio broke the silence. "Come on, did you really think I was actually into you?"

He gave a shaky laugh. "Seriously, you don't know me by now? I'm always joking around. Don't let it get to you. I... I was just messing with you." His voice trailed off, the bitterness hard to hide.

Lucie kept her eyes on the road, not answering. The car was quiet, a heavy kind of quiet.

After a couple of minutes, Elio couldn't help himself. "I mean it, I was just joking. You didn't actually believe that, did you?"

Still nothing from Lucie. It was like she hadn't even heard him. She just wanted her mind to go blank, to not think about anything at all.

"Really, you don't have to worry. I don't see you that way."

"...Okay, I... I...” Elio's thoughts tangled up. He had no idea what else to say.

From the start, she'd always been like this—cool, distant, impossible to read. He, on the other hand, was a classic Leo: bold, impulsive, a little arrogant but with a rebellious streak. He was all fire and energy, but she was like solid earth- unmoved, unbothered, unburnable. He almost had to laugh at himself.

An hour later, Lucie finally spoke. "We're in Elmridge. Where do you want to go?"

Elio checked his watch. Four in the morning. "It's late, Lucie. Let me get you a hotel room so you can rest. You can head back tomorrow."

"I'm fine. I don't like hotels."

"Then let me take you home?"

Lucie frowned. "Don't be ridiculous. Just tell me where you need to go. Once I drop you off, I have to get back."

With a sigh, Elio caved. "The Peninsula International Hotel."

"Alright." Lucie pulled up the address on her phone and drove him over.

Twenty minutes later, they stopped at the hotel entrance.

"We're here. You can get out now."

"It's past four," Elio said, worry written all over his face. "You've been driving all day. I really don't feel good about you going back alone.

"I have a suite here. Please, just go up and get some sleep. I won't bother you, promise."

He actually had several homes in Elmridge, but he preferred hotels. There were no staff, no bodyguards, nobody watching his every move. That's why he always kept a presidential suite ready at the best place in town.

“I'll be fine. It's just a two-hour drive."

"Lucie..."

She was getting annoyed. "Stop fussing. I really need to go."

"And I've got Ruby and Jean with me. You don't have to worry."

Elio glanced at the two girls in the backseat, then finally climbed out.

"Just be careful, okay? Text me when you get to New Amberton."

"Mmhmm," Lucie replied, not really listening.

"I tried to add you on Facebook. Why didn't you accept it? Add me back when you can, alright?"

"I lost my phone. I'll add you when I get a new one."

"Here's my card. Don't lose it this time."

"Yeah, got it." Lucie tossed the card into the center console.

On the way back, Ruby took the wheel while Lucie rested in the back seat.

"Ms. Anderson, we're in New Amberton now. Where to?"

"Take me to Cedarbrook Hall."

"Alright."

By the time they pulled in, it was already seven in the morning.

Lucie stumbled inside, totally exhausted. She took a hot shower and collapsed

straight into bed, sleeping through the whole day.

When she finally woke up, it was ten at night.

Madison poked her head in, looking worried. "Miss, you've been asleep all day. Would you like something to eat?”

Lucie sat up, still feeling wiped out. "Could you make me some cereal?"

"Of course, I'll get started right away."

After moving out of Moonlight Bay Madison had come to stay at

Cedarbrook Half handling the ne

cleaning and daily stuff with two other housekeepers.

While Madison was in the kitchen, Lucie puffed out the pigments she'd collected and started sorting through them. She'd barely gotten halfway when the doorbell rang.

"Lily, can you get the door?"

"Yes, miss."

Lily headed to the front, but before she could open it, she heard the beep of the

keypad. Then, a sharp click-the door swung open.

Steven strode in like a storm, his eyes dark and thunderous.

Lily jumped. "Mr. Heath, what brings you here?"

"Where's Lucie?"

"She's... in her room."

Steven marched straight for the bedroom.

"Miss, Mr. Heath is here!" Lily rushed to warn Lucie.

Lucie heard and stepped out, only to come face-to-face with Steven. He wasn't even wearing a jacket, just a black shirt and slacks, but the cold

intensity around him was

unmistakable. His face looked

carved from ice.

A chill shot down Lucie's spine. She ducked back into her room, trying to slam the

door shut, but he was faster.

With a loud crash, Steven kicked the door open and stormed in.

Lucie flinched, her whole body shaking. "Steven, get out!"

He slammed the door behind him, locking it.

"What do you want? Get out! I don't want to see you."

The air felt dangerous, and Lucie kept backing away.

Steven's stare was icy. He yanked his tie loose and moved in on her.

"Don't come any closer," Lucie warned, realizing what he was about to do. She

turned and bolted for the balcony.

He caught up in a heartbeat, grabbed her by the collar of her nightgown, and tossed her onto the bed.

"Aah-"