Chapter 192

"Alright."

"Don't stay up too late, you two."

"Will do. Goodnight, Ms. Anderson."

Lucie didn't bother with more small talk. She slipped back to her bedroom, craving nothing but sleep.

She was so wiped out she could barely keep her eyes open. Every muscle in her body ached. She'd wanted a hot bath, but she was just too tired.

She collapsed onto the bed and was out cold in seconds.

***

She didn't wake up until noon the next day.

When she finally opened her eyes, a groan slipped out. "Ugh, why am I so sore..."

Rolling over only made it worse. Her limbs felt like they'd been through a workout. Steven had really overdone it the last few times, leaving her completely spent. It would probably take three or four days just for her muscles to recover.

Her phone started buzzing nonstop.

Half-asleep, Lucie reached over and checked the screen. It was Elio. He'd called a few times already, but she'd slept through them all.

"Hey-"

As soon as she answered, Elio's voice floated through, teasing and familiar. "Well, look who finally picked up. Forgot all about me, huh? I was starting to think you were ghosting me again."

Lucie forced herself upright, pushing away the last bit of sleep. "...Did you need something?"

"Ouch, can't I just call to say hi?"

She didn't know how to respond. Lucie was pretty reserved, never quick with words. Flirting and playful banter were not her thing. And honestly, she couldn't stand smooth talkers.

After a pause, Elio seemed to realize she'd gone quiet and tried again. "So, what are you up to?"

"Just woke up."

"Really? That's not like you at all. Why so late?"

Lucie was already getting irritated. If he didn't have a real reason to call, she didn't have the patience to just chat.

"I'm heading to New Amberton later. Want to grab lunch?" he offered.

Lucie frowned. "Elio, I'm not in New Amberton anymore. I probably won't be back for a while."

Elio sounded surprised. "Wait, why? Where are you?"

"I brought my grandpa to Westbrook. I'll probably be staying here from now on."

There was a beat of silence. "You're in Westbrook?"

"Yeah."

"So you're not coming back?"

"Not anytime soon."

"I see."

"Yeah."

"Alright then."

Lucie glanced at the time. "If there's nothing else, I'm going to go."

"Seriously? You can't even chat with me for a few minutes?"

"If you have something to say, just say it. If not, I need to get going."

Elio gave a dry laugh. "Fine, fine. You always have an excuse. Whatever. Talk to you later."

"Bye."

After that dull conversation, Lucie hung up. She really was grateful to Elio; he'd saved her life not long ago. She wanted to find a way to thank him, but if he was hoping for more she just wasn't interested. She didn't want to waste his time or give him the wrong idea. Besides, she wasn't looking to jump into anything new.

“Ugh, I'm so exhausted. I need a few days just to recover," she muttered, glancing at her calendar.

It was already late October. In December, the Westbrook Antique Guild convention would start, running into late February. Dealers from all over the country would be descending on the Anderson estate. Her family was the biggest name in antiques, and her grandfather was president of the Guild. Every year, he managed the event himself, keeping everything running smoothly.

Now that he was sick, the job fell to her. She needed to pull herself together and

be ready.

***

After a while, Lucie got up, washed her face, and got dressed. She planned to

visit her grandfather at the hospital after lunch.

As she came out of her room, the housekeeper was already waiting. "Miss, lunch

is ready."

"Thanks."

Lucie sat down to eat, her mind

spinning with everything she needed to do. While she ate, she told Ruby to start finding a new, top-notch

security team The last group bodyguards had been a joker she wasn't going to settle for that again.

"I'm going to the hospital this afternoon," she said. "Get ready to come with me."

"Of course."

After lunch, Lucie pulled on a cashmere coat, put on her mask and hat, and headed for the hospital with Ruby.

Half an hour later, they arrived. Mr. Anderson was in the middle of physical therapy, with nurses helping him.

"Grandpa, are you feeling any better today?"

"Much better," one of the nurses said. "He even took a few steps."

Lucie's face lit up. "That's amazing, Grandpa! Keep it up."

Her grandfather was breathing heavily but managed a smile. "Don't worry, I'll get

better."

His expression turned serious. "Lucie, this year you'll have to organize the Guild convention. It's your first time handling it on your own, so make sure everything's perfect. Don't let anyone look down on you."

Lucie nodded, her tone steady. "I promise, Grandpa. I won't let you down."