The CEO and the Country Wildflower chapter 59

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The CEO and the Country Wildflower
Chapter 59: Cornered Hearts


The abandoned district was eerily silent, the only sounds the distant echo of footsteps and the occasional rustle of debris underfoot. Lucas pressed Emelly against the crumbling wall of a derelict building, his body shielding hers as he strained to listen for their pursuers. His grip on her wrist was firm, but not painful—just enough to keep her still. "You should have left when I told you to," Lucas muttered, his voice low and rough with frustration. Emelly glared up at him, her pulse racing. "And let you play the hero alone? Not a chance." Before he could retort, the sound of voices grew louder. Leo’s men were closing in. Lucas exhaled sharply, his mind racing for an escape route.


The alley was a dead end. Their only way out was through the building behind them—if it was even stable enough to navigate. Emelly tugged his sleeve. "There’s a fire escape on the side. If we can get to the roof, maybe we can cross to the next building." Lucas hesitated, but the approaching footsteps left no room for debate. "Stay close," he ordered, pulling her toward the rusted metal ladder. The climb was treacherous, the old structure groaning under their weight. Halfway up, a shout echoed from below—they’d been spotted. Lucas cursed under his breath, hauling Emelly up faster. By the time they reached the roof, the first of Leo’s men had already started climbing after them. Emelly’s breath came in short gasps as she scanned the gap between buildings. "We have to jump." Lucas’s jaw tightened. The distance wasn’t impossible, but one misstep meant a fatal drop.


He turned to her, his expression unreadable. "You first." She shook her head. "Together." For a heartbeat, they just stared at each other—two stubborn souls refusing to back down. Then, with a shared nod, they ran. The leap was terrifying, the rush of wind drowning out everything else. Emelly stumbled on landing, but Lucas caught her, pulling her into his arms as they both crashed onto the opposite rooftop. Behind them, one of Leo’s men missed the jump entirely, his scream cutting off abruptly. Emelly shuddered, burying her face in Lucas’s chest. His arms tightened around her, his heartbeat thundering against her ear. "We’re not done yet," he murmured, reluctantly pulling away. "We need to keep moving." --- Meanwhile, across the city, Bruno and Serritary lounged in the back of a sleek car, their part in the night’s chaos complete. "That was almost too easy,"


Serritary mused, twirling a lock of her hair around her finger. "Leo’s men were so distracted by us, they didn’t even notice Lucas slipping away." Bruno smirked. "You’re terrifying when you flirt with intent." She shot him a playful glare. "And you’re insufferable when you pretend not to enjoy it." Their banter was light, but the air between them had shifted since their forced marriage began. What had started as a transaction—her family’s financial ruin, his reluctant rescue—had become something far more complicated. Bruno studied her, his usual arrogance softening. "You know, if we survive this mess, we might actually make a decent team." Serritary arched a brow. "Survive? Darling, we’re going to thrive."


Back in the abandoned district, Emelly and Lucas finally found a way down to the streets, slipping into the shadows just as Leo’s remaining men gave up the search. Exhausted, they collapsed in a dimly lit diner, the adrenaline slowly fading. Emelly sipped her coffee, her fingers trembling slightly around the cup. "So what now? Leo knows we have the files." Lucas leaned back, his gaze sharp. "Now we use them. Before he can cover his tracks." She frowned. "You’re not thinking of going back to York Group tonight, are you?" He didn’t answer, which was answer enough. Emelly set her cup down with a clink. "Then I’m coming with you." Lucas’s eyes darkened. "Emelly—" "No," she cut in. "You don’t get to shut me out now. Not after everything." For a long moment, they just stared at each other—two people who had started as enemies, then reluctant allies, and now… something neither could quite define. Finally, Lucas exhaled. "Fine.


But if things go south, you run. No arguments." Emelly smirked. "I’ll consider it." He groaned, rubbing his temples—only to pause when he realized his migraine hadn’t returned. Not once tonight. Not while she was near. The realization hit him like a freight train.