The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 313

Lucie froze, stiff as a board, fighting to break free like she’d just touched something scalding. “Steven, let go of me!”

His arms were solid and hot, that familiar cedar scent wrapping around her. But now, just breathing him in made her stomach turn. All those old memories—how he’d lied, cheated, and hurt her—came rushing back, sharp enough to make her whole body ache.

“Let go!” she snapped.

Steven only held her tighter, pressing his chin gently against her head. His voice was rough, almost raw. “Just for a minute, Lucie. Please, just let me hold you. That’s all I want…”

She felt him trembling. The man who was always so cold and unbreakable suddenly seemed breakable himself.

Lucie stopped struggling, but her stomach lurched. Nausea hit her hard and fast.

She gagged, barely holding it back. “Ugh…”

Steven’s arms dropped instantly, panic flashing in his eyes. “What’s wrong? Are you sick?”

She doubled over, gagging again, unable to answer.

“Here, drink some water.” He scrambled for a water bottle, fumbling the cap before pressing it into her hand.

Lucie took it but didn’t drink. She just covered her mouth, the nausea only getting worse.

“Did I scare you?” His voice wavered, barely holding itself together.

She shook her head and waited, fighting to get her breath and settle her stomach. After a while, she could finally speak.

“…I’m fine. You should go.”

Honestly, she wasn’t sure if her reaction was just her body acting up or if it was the way every part of her recoiled at his touch. Maybe both.

Steven stared at her pale face, guilt all over him. “I’m sorry, Lucie. I shouldn’t have—”

“Don’t.” She cut him off, her tone icy. “I can handle this from here. You don’t need to be involved. You can leave.”

Before he could answer, a dull thud echoed from the room next door.

They both jumped and hurried toward the sound.

A bodyguard’s shout rang out. “Mr. Heath, Ms. Anderson, something’s wrong with Jose!”

Their faces drained of color as they rushed to the door.

“What happened?”

They pushed into the small room and froze.

Jose was sprawled on the floor, blood streaming from a wound on his forehead. The dark red stain was spreading fast, and he didn’t move.

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