The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 123

For Steven, nothing mattered more than getting his son home safe. Money wasn’t even a consideration. He would have paid twenty billion, or even two hundred billion, without a second thought.

Miranda clasped her hands together, murmuring, “Please, Cody. Please come home safe. The kidnappers can take the money. Just please let him go.”

“We just have to wait for news now,” Steven said, voice tight. “Worrying won’t help anything.”

Miranda shook her head, frustration in her eyes. “It’s unbelievable. With so many bodyguards, how could this happen? They’re absolutely useless.”

“Mom, blaming them now won’t change anything,” Steven said quietly. “Let’s just focus on getting Cody back.”

***

At three in the afternoon, Lucie and her two assistants arrived at the base of Great Ashwood Valley. The rest of the way was all mountain trails, which meant they’d be hiking from here on out.

“Ms. Anderson, let’s take a quick break and get some water,” Jean suggested. “It’s all on foot from here. If we keep a good pace, we should get there before five.”

Lucie climbed out of the car, already drenched in sweat. She took a few gulps of water, trying to catch her breath.

Elio, who’d tagged along empty-handed, looked exhausted and thirsty. “Lucie, I’m dying. Can I get some water?”

She shot him a frosty glare, then told her assistant to hand him a bottle. “Elio, the sun’s still up. If you head back to the marina now, you’ll catch the last ferry.”

He frowned. “What about you? You’re not seriously planning to spend the night out here, are you?”

Lucie didn’t bother answering. She was here to collect rare raw materials for pigments, and she knew it would take at least three days. Camping in the mountains for two nights was part of the plan.

“You’re not here for fun?” he pressed.

She stared at him like he was crazy. “Fun? In this place? Who would want to camp out here for fun?”

“Wait, if you’re not here for fun, then what are you doing?”

“I’m working. I’m here to find pigment materials. What about you?”

Elio grinned, his handsome features lighting up. “I’m here to keep you company.”

She rolled her eyes. “You’re impossible. Just go back.”

Elio gave her a wicked smile. “No way. Three girls alone in the mountains? What if something happens? I’m staying to protect you.”

Lucie just stared at him, speechless.

“Do whatever you want. As long as you can handle it,” she said, shrugging on her heavy backpack and starting up the trail.

Elio hurried over. “Here, let me carry that for you.”

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