Chapter 86

All the streets around the museum were blocked off, with security guards and police everywhere, keeping things under control. The entrance was packed with reporters, all jostling for the best spot, cameras and microphones ready.

As soon as Lucie stepped out, she instantly stole the show. Cameras zeroed in on her, flashes going off nonstop. It felt like she was the real star of the morning.

"Wow!"

"Isn't that Steven Heath's wife? The New Amberton casino tycoon? She's even more gorgeous in person!"

"She's stunning. That elegance-no wonder she's called New Amberton's number one socialite."

"I seriously don't get it. How could Steven walk away from someone like her? He's out of his mind."

New Amberton and Elmridge were just a strip of sea apart an hour by boat, maybe two by car. So when something big happened in New Amberton, Elmridge couldn't help but watch. The rumors about Steven's affair had been pushed down in the news, but people were still glued to every update.

At exactly ten, a long line of cars pulled up. The museum director and a few local officials hurried out to greet the arrivals.

The foreign diplomats climbed out first, all smiles and polite waves. The domestic experts followed, getting out of their cars one after another.

"Welcome!"

Dr. Tate led the group, shaking hands with Mr. Murphy at the door.

After the handshakes and a few quick photos, everyone made their way inside. There were fourteen guests in the visiting group, and with the staff, over twenty people altogether.

"This way, please. We have 109 artifacts on display today. Ms. Anderson will be our guide."

Lucie stepped up, calm and confident, and started her introduction. "Our first exhibit is a crowned reliquary suit. This incredible piece was unearthed in 1984..."

She was deep into her explanation when something caught her eye at the back of the crowd-a familiar figure who stood out like a sore thumb.

He had wild dirty blonde hair, a sharp black suit, and a mischievous grin on his ridiculously handsome face.

It was Elio.

Lucie's eyes went wide. The crowd was full of gray-haired diplomats and scholarly experts, all looking serious and dignified, and then there was Eloin the middle of them,

and then th

looking like a rock star who'd stumbled into the wrong movie.

Lucie felt a headache coming on. Back when they were studying in France, Elio had always liked attention, but at least he looked. clean out and fresh. Now he looked

totally different. What happened to him? Was he going through something?

As soon as he noticed her staring, Elio winked and clicked his tongue at her, full

of playful swagger.

Lucie froze for a split second, then forced herself to keep going.

"If you'll follow me, we'll head to Exhibition Hall Two," she said, steadying her voice. "This hall is all about the glory of the Norman

Dynasty. Every artifact here comes from that era."