The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 45

The nurse’s face was grave. “Mrs. Heath has undergone a second round of sutures. The procedure went as well as we could have hoped, but she needs strict bed rest now. If her wound tears open again, she could be left infertile for life.”

Steven’s jaw tightened. “Do whatever it takes—only the finest medicine, the best care. Spare no expense.”

“Please rest easy, Mr. Heath. She’s receiving the best treatment available,” the nurse assured him.

At that moment, Mr. Anderson hurried in, his voice trembling with worry. “How’s Lucie?”

A stab of guilt pierced Steven. “Grandpa, there was a complication, but the doctors were able to stabilize her. She’s out of immediate danger.”

“If anything happens to Lucie, I won’t forgive you,” the old man warned, his eyes steely.

“She’ll be fine, Grandpa. I promise.”

“She’d better be.”

Mr. Anderson drew in a shaky breath, eyes clouded with anxiety as he gazed toward the hospital room.

He couldn’t go inside. All he could do was watch the monitor, heart aching at the sight of his granddaughter lying so still, surrounded by cold machines and tangled wires.

Helpless, he could only pray for her recovery.

***

By eleven that night, Mr. Anderson, exhausted by age and worry, returned to his VIP suite to rest.

Steven stayed behind, rooted outside the ICU, the weight of the world pressing down on him.

Fortune was won by those who dared.

Steven cut her off, his voice low and resolute. “Shannon, once you’re healed, I’ll send you abroad for a while.”

Shannon’s lips parted in protest. She bit down on her lower lip, hurt and reluctant.

The last time he’d forced her to go overseas, he’d married someone else while she was gone. Now, after finally returning home, he wanted to send her away again.

“Steven, are you worried I’ll come between you and Lucie? If that’s it, I can keep my distance. I can explain everything to her.

“I just… I just want to be near you. Even if it’s only from afar, just seeing you is enough for me. I swear, I have no other intentions.”

Tears shimmered in her eyes, threatening to spill over. Steven’s heart twisted with pity.

After all, she was the little princess he’d cherished since childhood. She’s so fragile, so dependent on him, so desperate for his protection.