The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 140

New Amberton Hospital.

When Lucie opened her eyes again, she found herself lying in a hospital bed. Mr. Anderson and Rose were right there at her side, worry written all over their faces.

“Lucie, you’re awake,” Rose said gently.

“…Where am I?” Lucie’s voice was barely a whisper.

“You’re in the hospital,” Mr. Anderson replied, his voice thick with worry. “Don’t think about anything else right now. Just rest.”

It took Lucie a few minutes to fully come around. Her chest felt tight and her eyes stung with fresh tears, but when she saw her grandfather’s white hair, she forced herself to hold it together. The last thing she wanted was to make him worry even more.

“Grandpa, I’m sorry. I keep making you worry,” she said quietly.

He wiped at his eyes, his voice trembling. “This isn’t your fault. It’s all because of Steven. That bastard.”

“…Where is he?” Lucie asked, her voice small.

“He’s in another room,” her grandfather answered, his tone sharp with anger. “I heard his wound got infected, and now they’re trying to save him. Honestly, it’d be better if he just died. Then he couldn’t hurt you anymore.”

Lucie bit back her tears, unable to say anything. There was nothing left to talk about. All she wanted now was to get the divorce over with and move on.

“Are you feeling okay? Anywhere you hurt?” Mr. Anderson asked, concern etched deep in his face.

“I’m alright, Grandpa. Just tired. Please don’t worry about me.”

“Alright, then get some rest. I’ll stay right here with you.”

“Okay.” Lucie closed her eyes again, letting herself sink into the quiet. All she wanted was to block out the mess and not let any of it touch her heart.

…

Rosewood Manor.

Shannon had been a nervous wreck for the past five days, barely leaving her room. Cody was back home safe and the five kidnappers had already been caught. Every day, Shannon lived in terror that one of them would give her up.

What am I supposed to do? They’re definitely going to tell on me. If Steven finds out I was involved, he’ll never forgive me. He’ll hate me forever…

She was so anxious she could barely eat or sleep. The thought just kept spinning round and round in her head.

Maybe I should just come clean. Go to Steven, admit everything, and beg for forgiveness. He probably already knows anyway and is just waiting for me to apologize. Cody’s okay—nothing terrible happened. If I’m really honest and sincere, maybe Steven will forgive me…

Yeah. That’s what I’ll do.

With that decision made, Shannon quickly got up, washed her face, changed into fresh clothes, and rushed out the door, heading straight for the hospital.

“Get out.” Her voice was flat, empty. “I don’t want to see you right now.”

Steven, tall and strong as he was, looked like he might collapse. His eyes were rimmed red. The nurse hurried to intervene.

“Mr. Heath, Mrs. Heath needs to rest. Her heart can’t take any more stress. And your hand needs immediate treatment, or you could lose it for good.”

Steven’s voice broke a little. “Lucie, just… calm down. When you’re feeling better, I’ll explain everything. If you still can’t forgive me, I’ll respect your decision.”

He turned away, defeated, and slowly left the room. He looked completely lost, as if the ground had disappeared beneath his feet.

Out in the hallway, Steven trudged back toward his own room, shoulders heavy with exhaustion.

He’d barely reached his door when Shannon suddenly stepped out, tears in her eyes and her voice trembling. “Steven…”

He stopped, surprised to see her. She looked so much thinner and paler than he remembered.

“Shannon? What are you doing here?”

She couldn’t hold her tears back anymore. “Steven, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me,” she sobbed, dropping to her knees right in front of him.

Steven stared at her, completely stunned, not having a clue what was going on.