The CEO and the Country Wildflower chapter 18

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The CEO and the Country Wildflower


Chapter 18: A Dangerous Game of Trust


The rain lashed against the windows of Lucas York’s penthouse, mirroring the storm raging inside him. His fingers clenched around his phone, knuckles white, as David relayed the latest update—no sign of Emelly. The city’s surveillance cameras had lost her near the old docks, a known hub for Brown Group’s illegal dealings. Lucas’s migraine pulsed behind his temples, a relentless reminder of her absence. He should have known she’d see through his plan. Linda had delivered the file too perfectly, her smug smile a dead giveaway.


But Emelly wasn’t just clever—she was reckless. And now she was out there, alone, with Leo Brown’s men hunting her. Lucas slammed his fist against the desk. “Expand the search. Check every warehouse, every abandoned building. She wouldn’t go far without a plan.” David hesitated. “Sir, if she’s trying to draw Leo out—” “Then she’s walking into a trap!” Lucas snapped. He grabbed his coat, ignoring the protests of his security team. If Emelly wanted to play bait, she wouldn’t do it without him.


--- Meanwhile, Emelly Clus crouched behind a stack of crates in a dimly lit warehouse, her breath shallow. The file had been a test—Lucas’s way of seeing if she’d blindly follow orders. But she wasn’t some pawn to be moved around. If Leo wanted her, she’d make him come to her—on her terms. A shadow shifted near the entrance.


She tensed, fingers tightening around the metal pipe she’d grabbed as a makeshift weapon. “Looking for someone?” a smooth voice echoed through the space. Leo Brown stepped into the flickering light, his smirk razor-sharp. “I have to admit, Miss Clus, I didn’t expect you to hand yourself over so easily.” Emelly straightened, refusing to let her fear show. “I’m not handing myself over. I’m here to negotiate.” Leo laughed. “With what leverage?” She tilted her chin up. “The fact that Lucas York will burn this city to the ground to find me. And you don’t want that kind of attention on your operations.” For a moment, Leo’s amusement faltered. Then he sighed. “Charming. But naive.” He signaled to his men. “Take her.” Emelly swung the pipe, catching the first guard in the knee. She dodged the second, but strong arms locked around her from behind. Then—gunfire. The warehouse doors burst open, and Lucas stormed in, flanked by his security team. His gaze locked onto Emelly, relief and fury warring in his expression. Leo’s grip on her tightened. “Ah, the knight in a tailored suit. How predictable.” Lucas didn’t flinch. “Let her go. This is between you and me.”


Leo’s laugh was cold. “Oh, it’s very much about her now.” He pressed a knife to Emelly’s throat. “Drop your weapons, or I carve my initials into her.” Emelly met Lucas’s eyes—and winked. Before Leo could react, she stomped on his foot and elbowed him in the ribs. He cursed, his grip loosening just enough for her to twist free. Lucas lunged, tackling Leo to the ground as chaos erupted around them. Emelly scrambled back, heart pounding, as the two men grappled. Then—a gunshot. Silence. Lucas stood, breathing hard, Leo unconscious at his feet. His men secured the scene as he strode to Emelly, cupping her face. “Are you hurt?” She swallowed. “No. But you—” He cut her off with a searing kiss, his hands trembling against her skin. When he pulled back, his voice was raw.


“Never. Do that. Again.” Emelly smirked, despite the adrenaline still coursing through her. “Make me.” Lucas exhaled sharply, pressing his forehead to hers. His migraine was gone—just like that. Then his phone buzzed. David’s voice crackled through. “Sir, we have a problem. The police just found another body—one of Leo’s men. And he was carrying evidence linking back to York Group.” Lucas’s jaw tightened. “Set up a meeting with the board. Now.” Emelly frowned. “What’s happening?” He met her gaze, his expression grim. “Leo’s playing his endgame. And we’re running out of time.”