The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 341

“What’s wrong? I just can’t stand being blamed for something I didn’t do.”

Lucie’s cheeks turned bright red, but it wasn’t embarrassment—it was pure anger. She clung so tightly to Cody that the veins on her arms stood out, her glare sharp as knives as she shot daggers at Steven. “Steven, you seriously have no shame!” How could he say something so awful at a time like this?

“Move out of my way.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll go with you. Give me Cody, okay? You shouldn’t get upset—you’re pregnant.”

“I don’t need your help.”

She wasn’t about to waste any more words on him. Lucie dodged past him so quickly she was nearly running.

Steven called after her, worried she’d fall. “Hey, slow down! I said you could go, just don’t run like that!”

“Mummy, Daddy is such a bad guy,” Cody mumbled into her shoulder, throwing a little shade at his dad.

Lucie didn’t even look back. She climbed straight into the car waiting outside. The door slammed shut, cutting Steven off from her world.

“Take us to the children’s hospital. Right now.”

“Yes, Ms. Anderson.”

The driver started the engine, and the black sedan shot away from the hospital entrance.

In the rearview mirror, Steven’s figure shrank into the distance. He stood by the revolving door, his camel coat flapping in the wind. She couldn’t see his face, but even from here, he looked cold and unapproachable.

“Mummy, did you and Daddy get a divorce?”

Lucie took a shaky breath and buried her face in Cody’s soft hair. The faint baby scent helped calm her blazing anger—if only a little.

“Don’t be mad, Mummy.” Cody reached up and patted her back with his tiny hand. “After the check-up, let’s just ignore him, okay?”

Lucie closed her eyes, her voice hoarse. “Yeah. We’ll ignore him.”

The car sped through the city, heading straight to the children’s hospital. Lucie watched the scenery blur past, her mind stuck on just one thing: she needed answers. If Cody was really healthy, she’d end this pregnancy and settle the score with Steven, once and for all. She didn’t want anything to do with that man ever again.

The ride didn’t take long. Ten minutes later, Lucie arrived at the hospital with Cody.

“Ruby, can you get us registered?”

It felt like the world just fell out from under her feet. Lucie’s hands shook as she turned through the report. Every word stabbed her like ice.

White blood cell count through the roof. Blast cells way above normal. Every number pointed to the same harsh truth.

“Doctor, is there any chance this is wrong?” She looked up, desperate, her voice trembling. “Are you sure? He was just running around outside today—he doesn’t seem sick at all…”

“Leukemia can look different in every child,” the doctor said gently, with real sympathy. “Sometimes kids seem energetic when the disease is in remission, but that doesn’t mean they’re getting better. You need to be prepared. The treatment ahead is going to be tough.”

Lucie felt dizzy, the papers almost slipping from her fingers. How could this be happening? Steven hadn’t lied to her? Had she really blamed him for nothing?

Cody must have felt her panic, because he rubbed his eyes and whispered, “Mummy, is it really bad? Am I going to die?”

“No, of course not. You’re not going anywhere,” Lucie said, snapping back to herself and hugging him so tight her voice broke. “Mummy’s going to make you better. I promise.”

The doctor gave her shoulder a reassuring pat. “Try not to worry. The treatments are advanced now—if you follow the plan, there’s a good chance he’ll recover. Get in touch with the primary doctor and get him admitted as soon as you can.”

“Thank you, doctor.” Lucie nodded numbly, carrying Cody out of the office, her legs so shaky it felt like she was walking on air.