The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 308

It took all three keys to open the vault door. Lucie’s own key had always stayed locked up in her safe. She just couldn’t figure out how they’d managed to get another copy.

Jose sat there with the look of a man who’d given up, silent and unmoved.

He was gambling big, that much was clear. Stealing even one antique would set his whole family up for life. A few more, and they’d be rich beyond imagination. That kind of temptation was hard for anyone to resist.

Lucie felt a chill settle in her chest. “Jose, I’m giving you one last chance. Return the antiques and I’ll let this go. No police, no criminal charges.”

He kept his head down, stubborn as ever. He’d already made up his mind. Once you’ve tasted the reward, you don’t spit it out. If sacrificing himself meant his family would live in luxury, he clearly thought it was worth it.

“Jose, I’m asking you for the last time—where did you get the key to swap the artifacts? Where are the real pieces you hid?”

Jose didn’t even look up, pretending not to hear her. His fists were clenched so tight his knuckles had turned white.

“Do you really think ignoring me is going to make this go away?” Lucie slapped the table, making the papers jump. “Your son got five million dollars yesterday in his overseas account. The transfer came from a Myanmar antiques dealer. Don’t tell me you have no idea where that money came from.”

Jose flinched, just barely, but kept quiet, jaw set. He ducked his head even lower, as if hiding could protect him from her questions.

Lucie stood, looming over him. “If you don’t return the artifacts, you’re going to spend the rest of your life behind bars.”

“I don’t know…” Jose finally muttered, his voice rough and low. “I really don’t know anything. I have no idea how those items got swapped. Please, Ms. Anderson, just let me go. I’m too old for this—I can’t take it anymore…”

Lucie sucked in a breath, realizing she’d hit a dead end.

“Alright. If you refuse to return what you stole, I’ll see you in court.”

She left the interrogation room with her heart sinking. Inside, she felt like she was burning alive—there was just no way to calm down.

Ruby’s face was full of worry. “Ms. Anderson, at this point, I think our only choice is to call the police.”

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