The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 254

Steven stared at Lucie, her face heartbreakingly beautiful and shattered. Gritting his teeth, he shut his eyes and slapped her.

The sound cracked through the hallway.

Lucie was already so weak she could barely stand. She toppled straight to the floor. She just lay there, stunned, her whole body trembling. That slap was the last thing she could take.

“Bria, are you happy now?” Steven asked, his voice flat and empty.

Bria was frozen, shocked that he’d actually hit Lucie. “Steven…”

Steven turned to her, eyes desperate, searching. “You know you’re the only one that matters to me. No one else even comes close.”

Rose and Madison rushed over, helping Lucie up. “Mr. Heath, how could you hit Ms. Anderson?”

“Are you okay?” Madison asked, worry etched across her face.

Lucie just lay there, clutching her cheek, the world spinning. He’d actually hit her. Just to prove something to Bria. Just to show her love. So it was true. He never loved Lucie. He just wanted her body.

“Ms. Anderson, let us help you,” Madison pleaded, gently lifting her to her feet.

Steven glanced at Lucie, pain flickering across his face, but he couldn’t bring himself to look for long.

Shannon watched, feeling vindicated. “You got what you deserved. Maybe next time you’ll think twice before you go after Steven.”

She tugged at Bria. “Come on, let’s get you back to your room.”

Lucie stared at Steven, her heart shattering all over again. Then, like something inside her snapped, she whipped her head around, eyes wild. She spotted a nurse’s cart nearby, loaded with supplies and a long pair of scissors.

Before anyone could stop her, Lucie grabbed the scissors and charged at Steven. “Who do you think you are? Go to hell!”

Steven spun around and grabbed her wrist just in time.

“Screw you!” Lucie screamed, her eyes blazing with hate. She broke free and drove the scissors right at his chest.

The blades sank in, but his winter coat absorbed most of the blow, only cutting his skin.

“Go to hell!” Lucie shrieked, yanking the scissors out and stabbing again and again, losing herself in rage.

Steven didn’t move. He just stood there, letting her stab him five, six times. Blood started soaking his shirt.

Bria rushed over, horrified. “What are you doing?”

Lucie spun on her, still clutching the scissors. “You too! I want you both gone!”

She slashed at Bria, slicing her arm.

Bria screamed, blood dripping down her wrist.

Elio’s expression turned icy. “If I hadn’t shown up, were you all just going to keep hurting her? Steven, I’m warning you. If you ever go after Lucie again, I’ll make sure you regret it for the rest of your life.”

“Are you threatening me? You think I’m scared of you?” Steven shot back.

Elio didn’t even blink. “Try me.”

Steven scoffed. “Yeah? Maybe I will.”

Bria pulled at Steven’s arm, anxious. “You’re bleeding. Don’t waste your time with them. Let’s get you patched up.”

“Yeah, Aunt Bria’s hurt too,” Shannon added.

“Let’s go,” Bria said, pulling Steven away with Shannon’s help.

Lucie swayed, her strength suddenly gone. The world went fuzzy.

“Lucie, what’s wrong?” Elio caught her before she could fall.

“Elio, I…” Lucie’s voice cracked, but before she could finish, everything went black and she fainted in his arms.

She used to push him away, thinking he’d only bring her trouble. But Elio was all talk, never crossed the line. He never forced her into anything, not like Steven—who’d do anything just to get his way. Looking back, those three years Elio chased her was what real, youthful love was supposed to feel like.