She Was Never Just the Wife novel Chapter 71

19:46 Mon, May 11 d

Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Unlike the cozy vibe back at the Lucero Residence, the executive suite perched atop a taller skyscraper in downtown Nairuby, Kenyelle was all calm efficiency.

Elliott sat behind a massive, solid wood desk, wearing a well-tailored, dark gray casual shirt with the collar unbuttoned and sleeves rolled up.

He looked less formal than he usually was back home, more at ease here in a foreign land, but his d still carried his usual calm and sharpness.

He was reading an encrypted briefing on his tablet, occasionally swiping the screen with his finger.

p eyes

“Mr. Perry.” Lucas, his special assistant, knocked, then walked in holding a folder, walking in lightly. “There are a few things I need to report.”

“Go ahead,” Elliott replied, his voice steady, without looking up.

“First, media monitoring back home shows the buzz about Beckham and Laylah is starting to die down on its

own.

“But the engagement rumors are getting more hits in certain circles, and it looks like someone’s pushing it.

“Lucero Group’s stock price took a brief hit but is now stabilizing, probably thanks to some capital backing it up.”

Elliott hummed quietly, clearly unfazed.

Lucas continued. “Second, we’ve made some progress on the Cloudscape lead.

“By cross-referencing, we found a cleaner and a server who were on duty near the Breeze Suite that night. Some of the details they recalled don’t match the timing or actions in the photos that are circulating.

“Our initial assessment is that the photos might have been staged or digitally altered. We’ll have the full technical analysis report for you soon.”

At that, Elliott’s finger paused on the screen. He looked up, his eyes calm. “The evidence chain needs to be solid. The technical analysis must be airtight, able to withstand any scrutiny. There’s no rush on this.”

“Got it, Mr. Perry.” Lucas nodded. “Third, and this one’s big. We’ve got a joint official invite from the Presidential Palace of Kenyelle and the Mara-Serenti Peace and Reconstruction Committee.”

He opened the folder, pulled out a letter stamped with the national and committee seals, and handed it to Elliott with respect.

Elliott took the letter, his eyes quickly scanning over the words.

The letter, written in solemn language, invited him as “the most honored friend and benefactor of the Kenyelle people” to attend a special ‘New Life, Gratitude’ ceremony this weekend at the border of Amsali National Park and the Mara Reserve.

19:46 Mon, May 11 d…

Chapter 71

# 55 vouchers

It mentioned that this year marks the first full year since tribal conflicts ended and a lasting peace was achieved in the region where the Great Migration passes.

They wanted to thank Elliott and his family foundation for the massive humanitarian aid they gave during the worst famine and chaos three years ago.

It included thousands of tons of emergency food, medicine, water purification gear, and funds for rebuilding communities.

The President of Kenyelle, several tribal chiefs, and reps from other Eastetille countries will all be there in person. They’ll witness the first big animal migration since peace, and thank him face-to-face.

Lucas added. “The main event is watching the Wildebeest River Crossing, set for early Saturday morning. “The President’s office specifically said they’d love for you to bring a key family member or partner along. They’re setting up the best seats and top-notch security for you.”

Elliott set the invitation down, drumming his fingers lightly on the polished desk, lost in thought.

“Mr. Perry, are you planning to attend?” Lucas asked. “Given the situation back home, maybe you should stick around and hold down the fort.”

Elliott raised a hand to cut him off, a faint smile playing at his lips, but his eyes stayed razor-sharp. “Lucas, how long have you been with me?”

“Ten years, Mr. Perry,” Lucas replied instantly.

“Then you should know I don’t let cheap tricks and rumors throw off my plans,” Elliott said quietly, but his words left no room for argument.

Lucas felt a chill run down his spine and lowered his head. “I was overthinking it.”

“As for the Lucero family,” Elliott said, his gaze drifting back to the skyline of Nairuby, his tone calm and unruffled.

“Tanner, that old fox, is still in the game. Do you really think he’d sit back and let things spiral out of control, or get forced into accepting someone he doesn’t even care for?

“In this drama, the actors think they’re running the show, but the director’s already got his sights set somewhere else.”

Lucas suddenly understood. “So you mean Mr. Lucero is going with the flow, maybe even playing along to set a trap?”

“Whether he’s playing along or not, it’s too early to say,” Elliott said, his gaze returning to the invitation in his hand.

“But he definitely has his own agenda. Laylah, the Laylah family, and even those trying to stir up trouble behind the scenes are all pawns.

“The worst mistake in chess is to let your own side fall apart first.”

19:46 Mon, May 11 d.

Chapter 71

45

17.65 vouchers

He paused, his fingers brushing over the embossed gold seal on the invitation. “Let the Presidential Palace and the committee know I’m honored and will attend as scheduled.

“As for my companion…” A cool, serene face flickered through his mind, along with where she could be at this

moment.

His gaze softened for a heartbeat, then returned to its usual sharpness. “No need to confirm yet. I’ll make arrangements myself.”

“Yes, Mr. Perry,” Lucas replied, though he couldn’t help wondering who Elliott would invite to such a prestigious event.

“Oh, and one more thing,” Elliott said, as if something had popped into his mind. “Check if anyone else, besides the official invitees, got similar invitations or were asked to join related events.

“Especially keep an eye out for the International Medical Research Alliance, or any top-tier academic teams working in wildlife conservation or ecology.”

Lucas wasn’t sure what Elliott was getting at, but he quickly jotted it down. “I’ll get right on it.”

After Lucas left, Elliott stood alone by the floor-to-ceiling windows. The setting sun bathed Mount Kilimanivelle in a majestic orange glow, making it appear both solemn and enigmatic.

He remembered the famine and conflict that ravaged this land three years ago, and the choice he made back then.

His aid hadn’t been entirely selfless, but witnessing peace and hope return to the people, the satisfaction he felt was genuine.

Now another battle, one fought without bullets, was unfolding in the distant East. Someone was using dirty tricks to smear those who didn’t deserve it.

He picked up a rarely-used encrypted phone from his desk, its screen faintly lit. There was a brief encrypted message from Night Owl, sent earlier, which corroborated Lucas’s second report.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify