Lucie’s stomach churned, and a fresh wave of dizziness hit her.
“I’m not hungry. Please, just take it away…”
Steven’s eyes darkened, his voice low and rough. “You need to eat if you want your strength back.”
“There’s still the mess with Jose and Nathan. They’re waiting on you.”
His words landed heavy. He was right. No matter what, she couldn’t afford to fall apart. Not until she got those missing artifacts back.
“How’s Jose? Did he pull through?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Steven opened a thermal container and ladled out a bowl of bird’s nest soup for her. “He’s safe for now. Out of danger.”
Lucie let out a slow breath, feeling a little lighter. “Is someone watching him? We can’t let him try anything again.”
“I’ve got nurses and bodyguards with him around the clock. He’s not going anywhere. Not that easily.”
“That’s good…”
Steven went on, “Kun recovered some of the antiques. As for the rest, Nathan will make up the value.”
Lucie frowned. “And Jose? What if he refuses to give them back? There’s nothing we can do.”
A small, sharp smile tugged at Steven’s lips. “Just focus on getting better. Leave everything else to me.”
He picked up a spoonful of soup and held it out for her. “Eat a little, okay?”
Lucie shook her head. “I’m not hungry. Really.”
“Just a few bites. You need the nutrition.”
He paused, his tone softening. “I mean it, Lucie. I want you to get better. I’m not going to force you to have this baby. Whatever you decide, I’ll respect it. I just hope you’ll think it through. It’s a big decision—two lives are at stake.”
Lucie’s chest tightened, her thoughts a tangled mess. She couldn’t trust herself to speak.
Her whole mind felt scrambled. She knew she couldn’t make any rash choices. As much as she resented Steven, she still wanted a child of her own. Someone to carry on her family, someone to love.
“Come on. One bite,” Steven coaxed, holding the spoon steady.
Lucie stared at the pale soup. She had no appetite, but she opened her mouth anyway and let him feed her.
“Good. Another,” Steven said, his voice gentle, almost pleased.

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