The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 250

Lucie paused for a moment, her voice uncertain as she asked, “So… when are you leaving?”

Steven shot her a crooked smile. “Wow, you’re that eager to see me go?”

She dropped her gaze, pushing her food around her plate. The steak tasted like cardboard. What choice did she have? She just had to wait for him to leave, then call the police. This time, she wasn’t going to let it slide. He was going to pay for what he did, even if it meant seeing him behind bars.

But Steven seemed to see right through her. “Let me guess. As soon as I’m out that door, you’re calling the cops?”

“I’m not—”

He cut her off, almost amused. “You want to see something? I have a video from last night. Of you. You were the one who started it.”

He pulled out a camera and played the footage.

“Take a look. You wanted me. I didn’t force you into anything.”

The blood drained from Lucie’s face. Her whole body went cold, then hot with rage. “Steven, you’re disgusting! You recorded us?”

“Of course.”

“Give it to me. Delete it right now.”

“Can’t do that. It’s proof.”

Lucie was shaking. “I wasn’t even sober. I didn’t know what I was doing. You… you—”

He was relentless, smooth, practiced. Manipulating her was child’s play for a man like him. He had patience. He knew exactly how to push her buttons, how to make her lose control.

He just shrugged, a mocking grin on his lips. “What, you’re saying you couldn’t resist me? That you just had to have me?”

Lucie’s knees nearly buckled under her. She clung to the edge of the table for support.

Steven stepped closer, eyes glinting dangerously. “I’m not making this up. You wanted it. Watch the video if you don’t believe me.”

Lucie clapped her hands over her ears and screamed. “Shut up! Just stop!”

He pulled her into his arms, holding her tight. “Babe, why are you lying to yourself? You can’t stay away from me. You need me.”

“No… I don’t… I—mmmph—”

Before she could protest, he had her back on the bed. The world blurred into chaos—on the bed, the sofa, even the bathroom. Heat and desire tangled through the whole room.

—

At the hospital, Mr. Anderson was rushed into surgery.

“Doctor, how is he?” someone asked urgently.

The doctor’s face was tense. “He’s had another brain bleed. Are any family members here?”

“We need someone to sign the consent form.”

Steven knew it was Ruby. He wanted to ignore her, but the noise was relentless.

“Mr. Heath! Ms. Anderson! Please open up! Mr. Anderson’s in the hospital, he’s in surgery right now! The doctors need family there!”

Steven’s expression darkened. Ruby didn’t sound like she was faking.

Lucie, weak and spent, heard the commotion. She caught Ruby’s voice through the door.

“Steven, is that Ruby? Let her in. I need to let Grandpa know I’m okay. He’ll worry if he can’t find me…”

“Stay here,” Steven said.

He got out of bed and went to open the door.

Ruby looked panicked, practically tripping over her words. “Mr. Heath, it’s serious. Mr. Anderson is in surgery right now. Please tell Ms. Anderson to get to the hospital as fast as she can. They’re afraid there’s not much time.”

Steven’s frown deepened. “Are you sure you’re telling the truth?”

“I wouldn’t dare lie to you, not about this!”

“Alright. Got it.”

He closed the door and started getting dressed. There was no way he could tell Lucie the truth right now. He’d go to the hospital himself and find out what was happening.