Chapter 194

She searched everywhere but still couldn't find anything good enough to be worth two hundred million.

"This one... I guess it's okay," she muttered, eyeing the photo on her screen. "But the colors just aren't right."

If nothing worked, she'd have to dig out that mural icon from the family vault.

The Andersons' private collection was legendary-packed with rare antiques, most never for sale. Once in a while, they'd let a piece go, but just as often, they were buying new treasures to add to their stash.

The next morning, Lucie got up early, got ready, and drove to the hospital to visit her grandfather. She squeezed in lunch with Mick, and by one-thirty, she was heading for the antiques market.

Mr. Lee was already there, practically vibrating with anticipation.

"Ms. Anderson, you're finally here!"

"Is the client here yet?"

"I just called-they're on their way."

"Alright." Lucie headed into her office, getting everything ready for the client to look over.

At two sharp, Mr. Lee bustled in, leading the client behind him.

"Ms. Anderson, your client's here."

"Great." Lucie stood up and went out to greet them.

She barely made it into the sitting area before she spotted a flash of blinding blond hair—someone in a gray cashmere coat and dark sunglasses, oozing that too-cool-to-care vibe. He looked like he'd just walked off a stage.

Lucie nearly choked. "Elio? What are you doing here?"

Elio paused theatrically, peering at her over the rim of his sunglasses for a few seconds, then flashed a mock-surprised grin. "Wow, fancy running into you here."

He clicked his tongue in amusement. "Talk about a coincidence-didn't expect to bump into you, of all people."

Lucie just stared, her expression deadpan as she tried to process this.

Mr. Lee glanced between them, puzzled. "Wait, you two know each other?"

Elio grinned, full of mischief. "Know her? That's putting it mildly."

He strode over, smoothly taking off his sunglasses. "Lucie, this is wild. I honestly never thought I'd see you here."

Lucie pressed her fingers to her temple, half laughing, half exasperated. "Elio, you're unbelievable. What are you even doing in Westbrook?"

He held up his hands, all innocence. "Total accident, I swear. I didn't plan this."

Lucie almost laughed out loud. If this was a coincidence, then pigs could fly.

He looked at her, dead serious. "Why are you smiling? I'm here for antiques- honest."

She tried to stifle her grin, shaking her head. "Seriously?"

"Yeah. My grandma's birthday is coming up. I want to find her something special. She's super religious, so I figured a mural icon would be perfect."

He looked so earnest that Lucie almost believed him. "Really?"

Elio's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Of course! What else would I be here for? And since it's you, you have to give me a discount. No scamming me, okay?"

Lucie thought for a second. If he was actually shopping for an icon, she'd find him the best one and give him the lowest price possible.

"Don't worry. I'm happy to help."

"Awesome, let's see what you've got!"

"Sure." Lucie pulled up some

high-res photos on her laptop. The blue glow lit up her face as she pointed out a gilded seated Buddha "This One's from a monastery ruin. Some of the gold's flaked off but the face is so serene, and look at the detailing on the base. It's one of the best-preserved icons out there."

Elio leaned in propping his chin on his hand. He smelled like cedar and expensive cologne. Suddenly, he grabbed the mouse and scrolled

straight to the bottomenet

"Hold

on what about this one There's no info."

In the shadowy photo, a half-broken icon lay in the corner, its right arm missing,

but the glaze still caught the light in a strange, beautiful way.

Lucie's heart skipped a beat. That was the damaged piece she'd just grabbed from the family collection that morning she'd planned to keep it hidden until it could be restored. Trust Elio to spot it immediately.

"That one... It's just a 14th-century replica. Too damaged. Not really suitable..." "Oh, got it. Never mind then."

Lucie showed him two more icons. "These are good options-great condition,

nice details, and way under your budget." She honestly wanted to save him some money.

"Nope, not impressive enough."

"And this one?"

"Not majestic. It just doesn't have that sacred vibe. Pass."

She kept showing him more, but he shot them all down.

Lucie sighed. "Sorry, that's all I've got for now."

Elio just grinned. "No rush, Lucie. We've got time to find the right one. But right

now, I'm starving—can you take me to get something to eat?"

"You didn't eat before you came?"

"Nope. I can't stand airplane food. Soon as I landed, I came straight here."