The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 297

The hospital corridor was so quiet it was almost creepy. The sharp smell of disinfectant mixed with a trace of something floral, stinging Lucie’s nose as she walked.

“Are we there yet?” Lucie’s hand tightened around the handle of her suitcase. Her fingers brushed the embossed pattern on the velvet box inside, like she was holding onto her last bit of courage.

June stopped in front of a closed door. “This is it. Mrs. Pitts has been sitting with him for three days. We just now convinced her to take a break in the lounge.”

Right then, the lounge door swung open. A woman in an ivory suit stepped out. Her hair was a little messy, dark circles under her eyes, looking completely worn out. Still, there was no hiding the elegance in the way she held herself.

June jumped in to introduce them. “Lucie, this is Elio’s mom.”

Lucie’s heart thudded, but she managed a polite greeting. “Hi, Mrs. Pitts.”

“Mrs. Pitts, this is Lucie. The friend I mentioned.”

Joanna’s eyes narrowed as she looked Lucie up and down. “So you’re Lucie?”

Lucie straightened, a little tense. “Hello, Mrs. Pitts. I just wanted to see Elio. Is he any better?”

Joanna’s face turned even more severe, her tone icy and distant. She already knew everything about her son’s whereabouts. She’d heard all about the girl he was chasing—and that this accident was somehow part of it.

She’d had Lucie checked out, too. In their world, connections meant everything. Families with political influence looked down on those who were just wealthy, because those ties brought no extra power and could even be a liability. She wanted her son to be with someone like June, someone from the same world.

Lucie’s background and education were impressive, sure. But if she hadn’t been divorced with a child, maybe Joanna would’ve considered her.

“So you’re the one who’s turned my son upside down?” Joanna’s words cut like glass, dripping with judgment. Lucie had only gone public with her divorce a week ago. Now, just three months after splitting up, she was tangled up with Elio? Joanna had no patience for women like that.

Lucie felt a sting in her chest. “…Mrs. Pitts, Elio and I are just friends.”

“When I heard about his accident, I was really upset. I only wanted to see if he’s okay. That’s all. Nothing more.”

“Is that so?”

It felt like a needle had stabbed Lucie right in the heart. Her throat burned with unshed words. She took a shaky breath, opened her suitcase, and pulled out the velvet box. She held it out gently. “Mrs. Pitts, I know you have your doubts about me, but I really am just here for Elio. I promised him this gift for good luck. Please, could you—”

“Take your things and go. My son doesn’t need anything from you.” Joanna’s voice was glacial, her eyes even colder.

She didn’t like Lucie one bit, but even she had to admit the woman was striking. Delicate, beautiful, almost heartbreakingly so. No wonder her son had fallen head over heels.

Lucie’s heart felt heavy, her worry turning into helplessness.

Suddenly, a nurse burst out of the hospital room, face flushed with excitement. “Ma’am, your son’s awake!”

“What? Elio’s awake?”

Joanna spun around, joy lighting up her face as all the coldness melted away. She didn’t spare Lucie another glance, just rushed straight into the room. “My boy, you’re finally awake!”