The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 166

“I’ll stay here with Madison,” Rose said softly.

“Alright. Just take turns keeping watch. If anything happens, call me right away.”

“Of course, Miss.”

Lucie glanced at her phone. It was already eleven at night. She needed to be up early to sign the divorce papers with Steven tomorrow, so she couldn’t afford to stay up too late.

A little while later, she headed to the VIP suite. After a quick shower and a change into fresh pajamas, she slipped under the covers, hoping she could actually get some rest tonight.

***

The next morning, Lucie woke up early and immediately went to check on her grandfather. Madison and Rose had taken turns through the night, making sure he was never alone.

“Madison, Rose, you both should get some rest now,” Lucie urged.

“We’re alright. We took turns napping,” Madison replied, managing a tired smile.

“Alright, if you’re sure.”

At seven thirty, the doctor stopped by for his morning rounds and examined Mr. Anderson again.

“How’s my grandfather doing?” Lucie asked anxiously.

The doctor glanced at the chart. “All his vitals are stable for now. The key thing is how well his brain absorbs the remaining blood clot. If it’s completely gone within a week, he should be fine. But if it’s not, we might have to consider another surgery.”

Lucie’s heart clenched tighter. “Is there anything we can do to help with the absorption?”

“I’m afraid not. It all depends on his immune system and healing ability.”

“…I see.”

“If anything changes, I’ll let you know right away.”

“Thank you.”

He nodded and left. Lucie let out a long sigh, glancing at the clock—eight thirty already.

She thought about calling Steven to hurry him along, but stopped herself. He’d promised to sign the divorce papers today. He wouldn’t back out now… would he?

She waited. The hours dragged on.

Finally, her phone rang.

Steven.

She picked up immediately. “Hey, Steven, when are you bringing the divorce agreement over?”

Steven’s voice was rough and flat. “I’m at your office now. Come pick it up.”

Lucie’s jaw tightened. “Are you serious? You know I’m at the hospital. Why would you take it to my office?”

“No reason. I just don’t want to meet you at the hospital.”

“I can’t leave right now. Bring it here.”

Steven’s tone was cold. “You want the papers, come get them yourself. I’ll wait thirty minutes. If you’re not here, I’ll assume you’re dropping the divorce request.”

Lucie felt her patience snap. “Steven, why are you making this so hard?”

“I’ll wait thirty minutes. After that, I’m gone,” Steven said, then hung up.

“Hello? Steven—hello—” The call was already dead. Lucie fumed, nearly shaking with frustration.

Inside, Steven sat in her chair, sipping tea like he owned the place. He wore a navy suit and a white shirt with the top button undone, no tie. It was the exact outfit he’d worn the first time they met. He’d even gotten a fresh haircut and shaved. He looked calm, confident, and as annoyingly handsome as ever.

Lucie took a deep breath, forcing her anger down. “Steven, where’s the divorce agreement?”

Steven’s eyes flicked to the bodyguards behind her. “Have them leave.”

“What are you even trying to do? It’s just paperwork. Why make this so difficult?”

Steven let out a cold laugh. “Yeah, it’s just paperwork. So why’d you show up with an entourage?”

He waved the document in his hand. “If you want me to sign, you’ll do it my way. Everyone else out.”

He wasn’t budging, and Lucie knew it.

“Fine, you guys wait outside,” she said, waving her guards away.

“Yes, Ms. Anderson.” Reluctantly, they filed out and closed the door.

Steven stood up and walked over, his steps slow and deliberate.

“We done now?” Lucie asked impatiently.

Without a word, Steven looked her in the eye, picked up the pen, and signed his name on the divorce agreement.

Lucie reached for the document, wanting to see what he’d written.

Before she could touch it, Steven pulled it back out of reach. Then, in one quick move, he wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her close.

“We’re getting divorced tomorrow,” he said, his voice low and intense. “So tonight, just give me one last night with you.”