Chapter 201

Lucie was still a little shaken, her nerves buzzing with unease.

"The police are on it," Elio said quietly, trying to reassure her. "They should have answers soon."

He frowned, worry etched across his face. "Lucie, this isn't safe. Someone's clearly out to get you."

He stepped in closer, his presence steady and warm. "Come back to Elmridge with me. I'll keep you safe."

Lucie looked up, meeting his eyes, then shook her head firmly. "I'll be fine. I've already hired a whole new team of bodyguards. I'll be extra careful from now on."

Elio didn't look convinced. "That's not enough. You can't always see danger coming. Come back with me. I'll take care of everything."

She shook her head again, determined. "I can't. There's still so much I need to do here in Westbrook. I'm not leaving—at least not anytime soon."

Elio sighed, clearly frustrated. “Alright, then let me bring in a few bodyguards for you. They'll stick with you, make sure you're safe."

"You'll find them for me?" she asked, surprised.

He nodded. "Trust me, they're as good as it gets. Retired special forces-guys who really know their stuff."

Lucie's eyes brightened. "That actually sounds great. Thank you, Elio."

His expression softened, warmth flickering in his gaze. "Don't mention it. I just want you safe. That's all that matters."

She gave him a grateful smile. "Well, as a thank you, I was thinking of selling you one of our Madonna statues from the collection-at a huge discount."

He perked up. "Really? What's it like? Can I see it?"

Lucie frowned a little. "It's still in our vault at New Amberton. I can only show you pictures right now."

"That's fine. Show me."

She set down what she was holding and led him over to her desk. She pulled up a folder on her computer and clicked through a few photos.

"Take a look."

On the screen, a statue sat on a lotus pedestal, the stone glowing softly in the light. The face was full and serene, eyes lowered in gentle compassion, lips curved in the faintest hint of a smile. Every detail captured the elegance and grace.

"This was carved by a master," Lucie explained, her voice lighting up with excitement.

"Check out the robes-the carving is incredible. The lines are smooth and rich, the folds layered so clearly you'd think it was real silk draped over the body."

Elio watched her, completely caught up-not in the statue, but in Lucie herself. She'd never talked this much at once with him before He honestly had no idea what she was saying about art history, but he could tell this was something special.

She clicked to another close-up, pointing out a bracelet on the statue's wrist. "See

the inlaid turquoise? It's a little worn, but that's genuine."

Elio grinned, admiring the way she lit up when she talked about her passion. "Lucie, you really know your stuff."

She smiled, that scholarly elegance shining through. When she got talking about her work, it was like a different side of her came alive-confident, animated, totally captivating.

She flipped through a few more pictures. "This is the best example we have. etwas meant to stay in the family, not for sale. But the price... it's way above what you were

expecting We bought it at auctor

over ten years ago for two hundred and sixty million."

Elio just shrugged, unfazed. "Doesn't matter. Whatever it costs, I'll take it."

Lucie hesitated, a little conflicted. A statue this rare would be worth over a billion now, and it'd only keep going up in value. In the antique world, something this perfect was always a solid investment.

She tried to explain. "The market price is already over a billion. If we put it up for auction, it'd easily fetch more than that."

Elio just grinned. "Great, no problem! Let's do it. Here is my card."

Lucie almost laughed, almost groaned. "That's not what I meant. I just wanted you

to know what it's worth."

He nodded, totally serious. "Yeah, it's worth it."

She gave him a look. "Can you please let me finish?"

He laughed. "Okay, I'm all ears."

Lucie hesitated, thinking it over. "Fine. I'll sell it to you for half price."

Elio looked stunned. "Wait, antiques can drop that much in price?"

She rolled her eyes. “Of course not. You could take this statue to any auction house, and if they say it's worthless than a billion you can have all our antiques for free I'm giving you half off because you-"

Before she could finish, Elio cracked up. "So my charm is worth five hundred million? Guess I'll count that as your wedding gift."

Lucie's face darkened instantly. "Elio, can you please be serious for once?"

"I am! You just saved me five hundred million. The least I can do is marry you in return."