Chapter 271

Two hours later, their plane touched down at New Amberton Airport.

"We made it," Lucie said as she grabbed her bag.

Elio grinned. "Finally." The two of them walked off the plane, followed by Ruby, Jean,

their driver Anthony, and a small army of six bodyguards.

“So, Lucie, where to now?" Elio asked, falling into step beside her.

"I need to swing by my family's place," she replied, glancing at her phone.

"I'll come with you."

Lucie shot him a look. “That's probably not the best idea. I'll book you a hotel instead. It'll be easier for everyone."

Elio pouted, clearly not thrilled. "So you're just going to kick me out like that?" "Oh, come on. Don't start. Having you stay at my house wouldn't look right."

"Why not? I stayed with you in Westbrook."

"That was completely different," Lucie insisted. "If people hear about this, they'll think we're living together."

Elio shrugged. "And? What's so bad about that?"

Lucie rubbed her forehead, feeling a headache coming on. "Elio, I've told you a million times. We're not a good match. Don't waste your time on me."

He just laughed. "How do you know unless we try?"

"Seriously, stop. I have a ton of things to handle."

Elio held up his hands. "Alright, alright. So, when are you taking me to see the statue?"

"Tomorrow afternoon," she said, trying not to smile.

He grinned. "Deal."

Outside the airport, Lucie told Anthony to drop Elio off at the Harbor Island Hotel. "Your room's already booked," she said as he got out.

Elio glanced up at the building. It was a five-star, but not the flashiest in town. All the top hotels belonged to Heath International, and Lucie definitely wasn't about to put him up in one of those.

He sighed. “Lucie, I really don't want to stay in a hotel."

She hesitated. "If you don't want to stay here, maybe you should just head back to Elmridge. Honestly, I'm worried about you being in New Amberton."

Elio scoffed. "Worried about what? That Steven's going to pick a fight with me?"

Lucie let out a long breath. "Just keep your head down, okay? Don't get involved in anything."

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I got it."

"Alright. I'm going home. Call me if anything happens."

"Will do. Be careful, Lucie."

She nodded, then got back into the car.

Half an hour later, Lucie's car pulled up to the Anderson estate. The heavy gates swung open, and the butler, Trenton, came out with a few staff to greet her.

"Welcome home, Miss Lucie."

She stepped out. "Trenton, do you have the year-end inventory ready?"

"Yes, everything's been prepared. You can look over it whenever you like."

"Great. Bring it up to my study. Also, I need the spare key to the gallery and let security know I'll be there tomorrow to check the stock."

"Of course," Trenton replied.

The house felt emptier than ever

with her grandfather gone. She went inside, changed into something more comfortable, and headed straight to her study. Trenton soon appeared with the list and the key.

"Here you are, Miss."

"Just leave them there, thanks."

Trenton paused. "Miss Lucie, is your grandfather's health any better?"

Lucie's heart ached. "Not really. He's still struggling."

Trenton looked worried. "Maybe Westbrook's too cold for him. If it gets worse,

should we bring him back?"

Lucie shook her head. "It's alright. Leave it for now."

He nodded and quietly left the room.

After he was gone, Lucie sat down, frowning. She'd already started searching for the best medical care facilities overseas. The plan was to move her grandfather abroad as soon as his condition improved. At the same time, she was shifting the family's assets out of New Amberton, just in case.

“Enough thinking," she muttered. "Time to get to work."

She put on her glasses and started going through the inventory and accounts. The year's antique sales were all there, and she needed to keep an eye on the market and the competition.

ur of sorting, she'd made

After an hour

a list of thirty-seven pieces for the next exhibition and auction. She sent everything to her auction

house time to get the ball rolling, from advertising and appraisals to contacting other collectors. December through February was going to be absolutely packed.

Before she knew it, it was eight o'clock at night. Her phone started to buzz.

Elio's name lit up the screen.

"Hey," she answered.

“Lucie, are you done yet?" Elio sounded extra pitiful, like a kid left out in the rain.

"Not really. Still working."

“It's so late and you're still at it? I'm starving, and I'm bored out of my mind."

Lucie rolled her eyes. "If you're hungry, just get something to eat."

"I can't eat by myself. I want you to come with me."

She shook her head, smiling a little despite herself. "It's too late. I'm not going out

again tonight."

"Then I'll come to you."

"Can you please just try going to bed early for once?"