Chapter 15

.Elias wasted no time. "I want to make a deal with you."

Emilia arched a brow. "And what sort of deal are you proposing?"

With a cold look, Elias replied, "I want to purchase the treatment rights you secured from Asclepius.State your terms. Whatever they are, I'll accept them."

His fingers drummed a steady rhythm against his thigh as he waited for her answer.

Meanwhile, Sloane lingered over her food with quiet amusement, the curve of a smile tugging at her lips.

Everything was falling into place. Elias took the bait as they wished. Should Emilia choose to accept Elias's offer, she would get the chance she needed to slip into the Dixon family and hunt down the other half of the treasure map. "I'm going to need some time to think about it,"Emilia replied, voice even.

That caught Sloane off guard. She looked up,eyes darting between the men across the table.

Why would Emilia need to think over such a golden opportunity? Hadn't she been waiting for a perfect excuse to step into the Dixon family's world without drawing suspicion?

Wilbur quickly chimed in, "Ms. Harris, if you're willing to give up the treatment spot, we'll handle your husband for you-or just say how much money you want."

Nervous energy bubbled inside Wilbur. Someone else could swoop in and take the treatment away from Emilia at any moment.

Sloane added eagerly, "He's right, Emilia. This is your best chance to bury that scumbag once and for all..."

Still, deep down, she knew Emilia didn't need their help to crush Rodger. Emilia's voice stayed steady. "Treatment from Asclepius is beyond value. I can't agree without weighing it carefully."

Wilbur opened his mouth to say more, but Elias silenced him with a raised hand.

"That's perfectly fine. Ms. Harris, reach out whenever you've made up your mind. Anything you want can be arranged." He offered her a business card."Here. Keep my contact details."

"Alright." Emilia took the card. "Thanks for this meal.If there's nothing else,we'll head out now."

"I'll have someone escort you out," Elias suggested.

Emilia waved him off. "There's really no need.If I ever decide to part with the opportunity, Mr. Dixon, you'll be the first person I approach."

"Then I owe you my thanks," Elias said gratefully.

While the two women disappeared from view, Elias stared after them, his eyes narrowing as he mulled over what had happened. Wilbur slapped his thigh in frustration. "Unbelievable!She wouldn't even bite when we dangled the chance to crush her husband?"

He had been sure that Emilia would have jumped at the chance to embarrass that lowlife and get her revenge.

With steady composure, Elias remarked, "She made the right call. Asclepius's treatment is extremely precious. When life hangs by a thread, it can tip the balance.Anyone with sense would be cautious. If she had accepted without hesitation, I'd have doubted her."

Wilbur grew even more agitated. "I can't believe how calm you are! I'm ready to tear my hair out. What if someone else snatches up her treatment spot?"

Without emotion, Elias responded, "Put someone on her tail. She'll need protection."

"Got it." Wilbur wasted no time pulling out his phone and making arrangements. Just outside the restaurant, Sloane leaned close and whispered, "Why didn't you takehis deal?"

"If I said yes too fast, he would have started doubting my intentions," Emilia answered, keeping her voice low.

Sloane's eyes sparkled as she smiled, then slung her arm around Emilia's shoulders and flashed a quick thumbs-up.

"Sharp and fearless as always," Sloane remarked.

Without warning, a black van skidded to a stop, and a group of armed men spilled out, raising their weapons at them.