Chapter 303

Elio's face went even paler, all the color draining away.

He held on to Lucie's hand like he couldn't bear to let go.

"Lucie, is work really that important? More important than me?”

"And I just... I don't like the idea of you being alone in New Amberton. I worry about you..."

Lucie's heart squeezed, but she managed a soft smile. "You really don't have to worry. I'll be careful. I can take care of myself."

This time, she wasn't taking any chances. On top of her usual security, she'd paid a ridiculous amount for an elite team—just to be extra sure nothing would happen.

Elio's tone sharpened, his chest rising and falling. “Can you really protect yourself? You said that last time. Remember how that turned out?"

Lucie's face grew serious. "It's different now. Besides, something happened at my company. I have to get back and deal with it as soon as possible.”

"What happened?"

"It's nothing for you to worry about. I'll handle it."

The room went quiet.

Mrs. Pitts caught on that Lucie was in a tough spot and jumped in to help. "Sweetheart, if you've got things to take care of, go do what you need to do. We'll look after Elio here."

Elio protested right away. “Grandma!"

Mrs. Pitts shot him a stern look. "Don't be difficult. She has her own life and career. She can't just drop everything for you."

She turned to Lucie, her smile gentle. "If you run into any trouble or need help, just let us know, alright?”

Lucie nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Pitts."

She didn't say anything else. She stood up to leave.

Elio wanted to keep her there so badly, but he knew her well enough to realize it wouldn't work. All he could do was watch her go.

Still, he couldn't stop worrying. He'd make sure someone kept an eye on her, just in

case.

A little while later, Lucie stepped out of the hospital room.

Joanna followed, her voice as chilly and proud as ever. "Ms. Anderson, you don't need to take what my son said to heart..."

Before she could finish, Lucie cut her off, calm and direct. "Mrs. Pitts, don't worry. Your son and I aren't what you think."

"And I have no plans to accept

He's hurt right now, and I don't

to upset him Once he's bo explain everything. Delongs

Ill

"You can relax. Our family may not be some big name, but we're not looking to climb

the social ladder."

Before Joanna could reply, Lucie turned and walked away.

“You—” Joanna was so angry she could barely speak, practically fuming.

Everyone else she met was always flattering her, bending over backwards.

Lucie was

upferent. She didn't suck She was steady to her core cared.

up, and she definitely wasn't

wonder Elio was so hung up on her

“Hmph. Whatever tricks you're trying, you won't get past me," Joanna muttered under her breath. "My son deserves someone perfect only a true princess would be good enough for him."

By six that evening, Lucie made it back to New Amberton, her mind spinning with worry.

The moment she got home, she locked herself in her room and tried to think.

She needed to keep the thieves calm, buy some time, and find the stolen antiques before anyone panicked and tried to skip town.

She'd already hired a new team of pros for security and investigation-quietly, behind the scenes.

Her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen-Steven, again.

She hit decline, blocked the new number.

A second later, another message popped up from a different number.

[Lucie, Cody's fever won't go away. The doctor says it's serious. Can you come spend some time with him?]

[And you... are you feeling any better? I just wanted to check on you, that's all.]