The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 323

Steven walked in with his bodyguards, his expression stony and unreadable.

“Steven, weren’t you supposed to be in a meeting? Why are you here so early?” Lucie asked, surprised.

He glanced at her, his eyes softening for a second before his tone turned stern. “The doctor said you need rest. Go back and lie down. I’ll take care of things here.”

Lucie eyed Jose, her suspicion clear. “What’s wrong with him?”

“He’s just scared out of his mind,” Steven replied, as if it was no big deal.

Lucie hesitated, staring at Steven in disbelief. She couldn’t even imagine what he might have done to leave someone this terrified.

“We questioned him all night. He confessed to everything—things he should and shouldn’t have said. The antiques are already out of town, but I’ve sent people to track them down.”

Steven’s gaze hardened as he looked at Jose. “If you’re still playing games, I’m done being patient.”

Jose shook uncontrollably, curling up tighter in the corner. “Mr. Heath, please… I’ve told you everything! I didn’t have a choice, they—”

“They?” Lucie cut in, sharp and alert. “Who made you do this? Are there others involved?”

Steven shot her a look, then nodded for his assistant to help Jose back to the bed. “Just some idiots trying to stir up trouble. It’s already being handled. Don’t worry about it. I’ll take care of everything for you.”

He reached out to steady her, but Lucie sidestepped, her face completely blank. “Where’s my phone? Hand it over right now.”

“What’s the rush? It won’t be fixed until this afternoon,” Steven said.

“Did you mess with anything on it?”

Steven put on an innocent face. “Why are you asking again? I told you, I didn’t touch a thing.”

“You’d better not be lying to me,” Lucie said, her voice icy.

Steven let out a helpless laugh. “Seriously, this is what I get for trying to help?”

“I brought you breakfast. Go back to your room and eat something.”

“The doctors will be here soon to check on you. They’ll explain everything about Cody’s condition.”

“Whatever you decide after that, I’ll respect it. It’s your choice.”

Lucie felt her chest tighten. She turned and walked back to her room without another word.

—

The moment she stepped inside, a team of doctors was already waiting.

“Mr. Heath, Ms. Anderson.”

Lucie’s voice was heavy with worry. “Doctor, how is Cody doing?”

The head doctor adjusted his glasses, his voice serious. “Ms. Anderson, Cody’s condition is more complicated than we thought.”

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