The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 262

The guy she’d been crushing on forever was suddenly here, right beside her, swooping in like some hero straight out of a movie.

Steven bent down, his voice low and smooth. “Come on, get up. The floor’s freezing.”

He reached out, his hands warm and strong on her shoulders, and helped her stand.

June just stared at him, dazed, half-convinced she must be dreaming.

Steven looked at her with those deep, unreadable eyes, then pulled out a white handkerchief and gently wiped the blood from her nose. “You’re hurt. Let’s get you to a hospital.”

“...Mr. Heath.” She could barely get the words out.

Her heart was all over the place. She could still taste blood in her mouth, but all she could think about was the way he smelled that had her heart skipping like crazy.

She grabbed onto his sleeve, her hand trembling. “What are you doing here?”

“Just passing by.” He pressed the handkerchief to the bruise on her lip, his gaze sweeping over her, lingering just a moment too long. His Adam’s apple bobbed like he was swallowing something back. “First, let’s get you checked out.”

Before she could say anything, he bent down and picked her up, bridal style.

June let out a squeak of surprise and instantly wrapped her arms around his neck, her cheek pressed against his chest, soaking in the warmth and the steady, reassuring beat of his heart.

Steven didn’t say another word. He just carried her over to his car, opened the door, and settled her gently in the back seat, draping his coat over her like she was something precious. Her heart was hammering—half from gratitude, half because, well, he was Steven.

He slid behind the wheel, started the engine, and pulled away. Outside, the wind whipped snow against the windows. June snuggled deeper into his coat, wishing the ride would never end.

Suddenly, Steven spoke, his knuckles tight on the wheel. “Elio went too far. A real man doesn’t hit a woman.”

June bit her lip, anger bubbling up again. “He’s not getting away with it. I swear. Ugh—my ankle…”

Steven handed her a thermos, eyes still on the road. “Have some hot coffee.”

“Thanks.”

He didn’t say anything else, just drove in silence.

Ten minutes later, they pulled up at Westbrook General.

“We’re here.” He got out, opened her door, and lifted her out like it was nothing.

June clung to his neck, not even thinking about her injuries anymore.

Inside, Steven handled everything—found her a doctor, paid for everything, made sure she was settled. The doctor said it was mostly just bruises and scrapes, but her ankle was a mess. She’d have to stay for a couple days to recover.

A nurse took care of her wounds and got her into a room.

She flopped back on the bed, annoyed. A minute ago she’d been picturing a romantic night with her hero. Now he’d just vanished, like it was all in her head.

***

Meanwhile, at Mercy Hospital, Steven was back in his car. His phone rang—another call from his VP at the company, voice tight with stress.

“Mr. Heath, we’ve got a real problem. The gaming commission just sent over official orders. They’re forcing us to shut the casino for a full investigation.”

“No matter who we talk to, nothing’s working.”

Steven’s face was all stone and ice. “Got it. I’ll be back in New Amberton tomorrow.”

“Understood, sir.”

He hung up and sat there, frowning. He knew someone was out to get him, and this wasn’t some nobody. In New Amberton, he ran everything, knew everyone. Stuff like this shouldn’t be an issue. But this time, someone was making sure it stuck.

“Elio,” Steven muttered, his lips curling into a cold smile. “I haven’t even started with you, and you’re already making moves. Let’s see who wins.”

He got out and headed into the hospital. Passing room 908, he noticed a group of bodyguards at the door—obviously there to protect Lucie.

Steven just smirked. “Lucie, you can’t hide from me. You’re mine, and that’s never going to change.”