Chapter 266

Closing for even a single day meant losing millions. Now they were being forced to shut down for a full investigation—the losses would be devastating.

Bria stared at Steven, completely stunned. "Steven, is it really that bad? A full shutdown? That's serious."

Steven frowned, not wanting her to get involved. "Don't worry about it. I'm heading back to New Amberton this afternoon. You stay here and finish your rehab."

Bria shook her head. "The company's in crisis. I should come with you."

“Bria, you don't need to stress about business stuff. Focus on your recovery and listen to the doctors."

He was worried she'd go back to her old ways-doing whatever it took to clear problems for him. Things were different now. He couldn't afford to use drastic methods anymore. One wrong move could make things worse.

"Steven, you're not fully recovered either. I can't just let you go back alone. I have to come with you.

"You're only halfway through your therapy. You can't just give up now."

“I'll bring my therapist with us to New Amberton. I can do my rehab there just as well."

Steven sighed, realizing he couldn't win. "Alright, fine."

"Let's have someone pack our things. We'll head back this afternoon."

"Okay."

"Oh, and the new hotel here is about to open. Someone needs to stay and keep an eye on things. Have Shannon stay behind for now. She can come back to New Amberton after the grand opening."

Bria nodded. "Got it. I'll talk to her now."

"Thanks."

***

Meanwhile, Lucie woke up and reached for her phone, only to be hit by a tidal wave of notifications and headlines. She blinked in confusion, still half asleep.

"Oh my god, what even happened?" she muttered. "Elio, someone snapped pictures of us yesterday. We're already trending on the news."

Elio took her phone, glancing at the screen.

Lucie was a bundle of nerves. “I told you to stop messing around, but you wouldn't listen. Now look at this mess."

Elio just grinned. "Hey, 'Mysterious Blond Guy Caught Kissing'-not a bad headline."

Lucie glared at him, beyond frustrated. "How can you joke about this? This is a disaster."

He shrugged. "So what? If it's out there, maybe we should just make it official and be together."

She groaned, rubbing her temples. “Don't even joke. I can't deal with this right now." "I'm not joking. I mean it."

“Please, Elio, I'm already overwhelmed. Can you not make things worse?"

"Why? What's wrong with being together?"

"My grandfather's in the ICU. I just got divorced. I'm barely holding it together," Lucie said, her voice tight with worry.

Before she could say more, Ruby burst in, looking panicked.

"Ms. Anderson, we're in trouble. The media won't stop calling the studio, demanding interviews. They keep asking about your marriage to M Heath There are already a bunch of reporters and bloggers camped outside the antiques market-it's

causing a huge scene."

Lucie's head was pounding. She and Steven had planned to wait until after the holidays to announce their divorce. She was swamped with work and the upcoming antique

the divorce news broke now, it would be a disaster. But if she kept quiet, everyone would think she'd cheated.

After a moment's thought, she made up her mind. Delaying would only make things worse.

"Ruby, call legal right now. I want an official statement released about my divorce from Steven-immediately."

Ruby nodded. "I'm on it."

When Ruby left, Lucie let out a long, exhausted sigh, feeling totally defeated.

Elio tried to lighten the mood. "Why are you so gloomy? This could actually be good news."

Lucie shot him a look. "How is any of this good? Please, stop making things worse."

She got up, restless, and went to find the doctor to check on her grandfather.

Elio followed her out, but the

moment he stepped into the hallway he froze His family's butter was marching toward them, flanked by a squad of bodyguards, barking orders like it was a military op.

"You two, block that exit. You two, cover the right side. The rest of you, guard every entrance. Mr. Pitts is not escaping today."

"Yes, sir!" the bodyguards replied in unison.

The butler spoke into his walkie-talkie, looking deadly serious. "Everyone, move in

now. If we don't get Mr. Pitts back today, we're all done for."

Elio peeked around the corner, swore under his breath, and ducked back inside the room.

Lucie looked at him, confused. "What's going on?"

He was almost frantic. "It's over. They're here to drag me back. Lucie, I need to

hide."

He dashed to the window, peeking out. Ninth floor. No chance.

Out in the hall, the butler's voice echoed. "He is in that room! Move, move, move! Don't let him get away!"