The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 218

At five in the afternoon, Steven, Bria, Shannon, and the rest of their group landed in Westbrook on a private jet.

Steven carefully pushed Bria’s wheelchair through the terminal. “Let’s head to the hotel first,” he said gently. “I already booked an appointment for you with an orthopedic specialist at Mercy Hospital tomorrow morning. We’ll get your leg checked out.”

Bria gave him a soft smile. “Alright.”

Shannon rushed over with a cashmere blanket and draped it across Bria’s lap. “Auntie, are you cold? Let me cover you up.”

Bria nodded politely. “Thank you.”

“Come on, the cars are waiting outside,” Steven said.

A line of luxury cars was waiting for them, ready to whisk them away to one of Steven’s five-star hotels in the city. Forty minutes later, they pulled up to the entrance.

Steven handed out room keys. “All the rooms are set up. You guys can head up and rest.”

Shannon looped her arm through Bria’s. “Auntie, I’ll stay with you tonight so I can help take care of you.”

Bria didn’t protest. “Sounds good.”

Steven added, “That works. Your suite has three bedrooms anyway.”

“What about you?” Shannon asked. “Where will you stay?”

Steven pointed at the room next door. “I’ll be right next to you. Just call me if you need anything.”

Shannon gazed at him, trying to look extra sweet. “You’re not staying with us?”

He shook his head, frowning a little. “I need some quiet to prep for a meeting.”

Shannon sighed, a little dramatic. “Alright, if you must.”

There were almost thirty people in their group, and they’d reserved the entire hotel floor. Once he made sure Bria was settled in, Steven headed to his own room for a break.

He checked his phone, not at all surprised to see a new message waiting.

[Did you make it to Westbrook?]

[Yeah, I just got here. Where are you? I’ll come see you if I can.]

[Haha, I’m at my place downtown. But I don’t want to meet here.]

[Then where do you want to meet?]

—

Half an hour later, they arrived at the hospital. As they got closer to her grandpa’s room, the sound of raised voices spilled into the hallway.

Lucie pushed open the door. Her grandfather was glaring at the doctor, his voice gruff. “How many times do you think this old body can handle surgery? No more. I’m not doing it!”

The doctor looked exhausted. Lucie hurried over and took her grandfather’s wrinkled hand. “Grandpa, why are you upset again?”

Seeing her, his scowl softened a little, but he stayed stubborn. “Sweetheart, I don’t want to suffer through all that again. I’m old. I just want to enjoy however many days I have left.”

Lucie squeezed his hand. “Doctor, let’s hold off on the surgery for now. We’d prefer conservative treatment if possible.”

The doctor nodded. “That’s fine. But you’ll need to pay for the rehab fees. Also, there’s a new rehabilitation program I think you should take a look at.”

“Alright,” Lucie agreed, following the doctor out of the room.

Just as they reached the office, Steven appeared, pushing Bria’s wheelchair down the hallway with a nurse leading the way.

Lucie stopped in her tracks. She couldn’t believe it—she’d actually run into Steven here. What were the chances? The world suddenly felt way too small.