Chapter 251

While Dashiell was onboard an Etihad A350 bound for Antwerp, Elodie was plodding along a winding path 731 km from the city. Gravel crunched underfoot, the mountain air was crisp, the scent of pine clinging to her clothes. Birds chirped a cheerful melody as she left the village behind and picked her way through the wildflowers, aiming for the towering peak of the Eiger. A gentle breeze carried the distant rumble of a waterfall. ‘You are right.’ She paused at a clearing to take in the breathtaking vista. ‘This is so much better than the Ritz.’ Ari nodded beside her. It had been some time since he last climbed a mountain, but he matched Elodie’s pace easily and barely broke a sweat. ‘Since you still have two days before your meeting in the Diamond District, I figured a change of scenery might do you good.’ ‘This is more than good. This is amazing. Thanks, Ari.’ She pecked him on the cheek. His lips curved. ‘That’s all the thanks I get for arranging a retreat in Switzerland? The chalet doe