The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 260

The next morning, Steven’s phone buzzed with an incoming call from his company’s VP.

“Hello?”

The voice on the other end was tight with panic. “Mr. Heath, something’s happened at Heath Entertainment. It’s bad. You need to come back to New Amberton. Now.”

Steven’s brow knit together. “What happened?”

The VP launched into a rapid, anxious explanation, laying out every messy detail. With each word, Steven’s expression grew darker.

When the call finally ended, Steven sighed. “I get it. Keep things quiet for now.”

“We’re trying, sir. When will you be back in New Amberton?”

“Soon.”

“Understood.”

Steven hung up and sat there for a long moment, deep in thought. This could be a disaster for the company’s reputation if it wasn’t handled perfectly. Whatever it took, he couldn’t let that happen.

He walked back into Bria’s hospital room. She was working through her physical therapy exercises, focused but tired. When she saw him, her voice was gentle. “Steven, is everything okay?”

He gave her a reassuring smile. “It’s nothing, don’t worry.”

Bria looked unconvinced. “Did something happen at New Amberton?”

He stepped closer and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead. “Nothing for you to worry about. Right now, you just need to focus on getting better.”

She hesitated, her eyes clouding over. “Steven, my leg might never fully recover. Maybe… maybe we should—”

Steven didn’t let her finish. He leaned down and captured her lips in a slow, deep kiss, his tone gentle but firm. “Don’t even think about saying that. I’m not letting you go, Bria.”

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “I know you’re good to me, Steven, but I also know…” She trailed off, thinking about Lucie.

He caught the look in her eyes. “Bria, don’t overthink it. You’re the most important person in my life. Other women are just passing through. You’re the one I want by my side, now and always.”

His words wrapped around her like a warm blanket. “I just don’t want you to feel like you have to be with me.”

He pulled her close. “How could I ever feel forced when I’m with the person I love? As soon as you finish this round of therapy, we’re going to Ireland and getting married. We’ll find the prettiest church, have the wedding of your dreams.”

Ireland was famous for being the land of lifelong commitment; divorce was next to impossible there. Lots of couples chose it as their wedding destination, hoping to make a promise that really meant forever.

She sent him message after message, but he didn’t respond to any of them.

***

Late that night, in a VIP booth at an upscale nightclub, June and her friends were partying hard. The music was loud enough to rattle the glass, and a group of good-looking male models danced around, trying to keep the energy up. But June just sat in the corner, staring into her drink, looking like she’d rather be anywhere else.

A tall woman with heavy makeup and endless legs sauntered over, cocktail in hand. “June, what’s up with you lately? You look like you’ve lost your spark. Come on, let’s play dice. Loser takes a shot.”

“Not interested. Seriously, just leave me alone.”

“Come on, what’s wrong?”

June sighed. “I’ve fallen for someone, and he won’t even give me the time of day.”

Her friend laughed in disbelief. “You? There’s a man you can’t get? You’re like the queen around here!”

The group was still teasing her when suddenly, the booth door swung open hard. A tall, broad-shouldered guy strode in, turning every head in the room.

“Whoa…”