The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 326

"I—"

He tried to speak, but Lucie’s hand shot out and slapped him hard across the face.

The sound cracked through the quiet hospital room like a whip.

A red mark flared up on Steven’s cheek, but he didn’t flinch or get angry. He just looked at her, his eyes full of tangled emotions.

“Get out.”

Lucie’s voice shook, thick with tears. “Get out right now. I don’t ever want to see you again.”

Steven opened his mouth like he wanted to say something, but nothing came out.

He swallowed whatever hurt or desperation he was feeling, turned around, and walked out of the room.

She was too weak right now.

If he lost control, he could put their baby at risk.

So he left.

The door slammed shut behind him.

The room finally fell quiet.

Lucie collapsed onto the bed, feeling like every last bit of strength had been drained out of her. Tears spilled down her face.

She hated how controlling he was, hated his stubbornness, but most of all, she hated how easily he could turn her world upside down.

He was her curse—no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t escape him.

A dull pain throbbed in her lower belly.

She curled up, hugging herself, trying to ease the ache.

Suddenly, a knock rattled the door.

Before she could answer, the door swung open.

Two housekeepers stepped in, holding the door and speaking politely to someone outside. “Mrs. Heath, please come in.”

A second later, Bria limped in, leaning on an attendant’s arm.

Lucie looked up, her heart lurching again. “…Bria, what are you doing here?”

Bria’s face was cold, with a hint of a mocking smile. “Just wanted to check on you.”

“There’s nothing here for you to see. Please leave. I don’t want you here.”

Bria didn’t move. Her eyes swept over Lucie’s messy clothes and the red marks on her neck, something like a smirk flickering in her gaze. “Looks like you and Steven had a… good time.”

“No wonder people say an ex-wife saves half her bed for her ex-husband. Guess it’s true—you’re still happy to sleep with him, aren’t you?”

Lucie gripped the bedsheets so tight her nails dug into her palms. “Whatever happens between us is none of your business.”

Bria’s voice was flat. “I know Steven wants you. If making room for you keeps him happy, fine. I’m willing.”

Lucie was speechless, just gaping at her.

Bria went on, “Neither of us can walk away from Steven. Why not just love him together?”

Lucie let out a bitter laugh. “Honestly, I think you’re even crazier than he is.”

“Don’t worry, I’m not fighting you for Steven. You can have him all to yourself. Nobody else wants that bastard anyway.”

“Is that so?” Bria’s eyes were cold, almost mocking.

“If you really don’t love him, why do you keep sneaking into his bed?”

Lucie glared. “First, that’s a question for him. Second, I never wanted to sleep with him.”

“And third, get out of my room. Now.”

Bria’s tone stayed maddeningly calm. “Ms. Anderson, I came here to talk things through.”

Lucie cut her off, blunt and furious. “Get out. Just go. You and Steven both—just stay away from me. As far away as possible.”

Right then, there was a crash outside the door.

Shouting followed, a bodyguard’s voice booming, “You can’t come in here! Take one more step and you’ll regret it.”

And then another voice, desperate and familiar. “Move! I need to see Lucie! Lucie, are you in there?”