Chapter 45
The nurse’s face was grave. “Mrs. Heath has undergone a second round of sutures. The procedure went as well as we could have hoped, but she needs strict bed rest now. If her wound tears open again, she could be left infertile for life p>
Steven’s jaw tightened. “Do whatever it takes-only the finest medicine, the best care. Spare no expense p>
“Please rest easy, Mr. Heath. She’s receiving the best treatment available,” the nurse assured him.
At that moment, Mr. Anderson hurried in, his voice trembling with worry. “How’s Lucie p>
A stab of guilt pierced Steven. “Grandpa, there was a complication, but the doctors were able to stabilize her. She’s out of immediate danger p>
“If anything happens to Lucie, I won’t forgive you,” the old man warned, his eyes steely.
“She’ll be fine, Grandpa. I promise p>
“She’d better be p>
Mr. Anderson drew in a shaky breath, eyes clouded with anxiety as he gazed toward the hospital room.
He couldn’t go inside. All he could do was watch the monitor, heart aching at the sight of his granddaughter lying so still, surrounded by cold machines and tangled wires.
Helpless, he could only pray for her recovery.
By eleven that night, Mr. Anderson, exhausted by age and worry, returned to his VIP suite to rest.
Steven stayed behind, rooted outside the ICU, the weight of the world pressing down on him.
Fortune was won by those who dared.
The gambling industry was a battlefield-ruthless, cutthroat, and unforgiving. Only the fiercest survived, and Steven was heir to the Heath family empire Every stephe took was calculated, every move made with painstaking caution. There was no room for weakness.
It had shaped him into a man who strategized by instinct, always angling for the upper hand, always chasing the greatest gain.
He was lost in thought when a gentle voice broke through the silence.
Shannon appeared, leaning on her crutch, moving quietly down the corridor.
“Steven, it’s so late. Why are you still here watching over your wife p>
Steven’s thoughts snapped back. He frowned, concern flickering in his eyes. “You should be resting. Why are you out of bed p>
all
Shannon looked up at him, her eyes wide, innocent, her delicate face etched with guilt. “Steven this is aft my fault. I never meant for you and Lucie to fight like this. It hurts me even more to see you suffering p>
Steven’s brow furrowed. He squeezed her shoulder gently, reassuring. “This isn’t your fault Shannon. Don’t blame yourself.
You’re injured too. You need to rest, not wander the halls p>
Shannon blinked, her long lashes trembling as she hesitated. “Steven, does
Lucie… Does she know?
“I just feel so awful. Maybe I should p>
Steven cut her off, his voice low and resolute. “Shannon, once you’re healed, I’ll send you abroad for a while p>
Shannon’s lips parted in protest. She bit down on her lower lip, hurt and reluctant.
The last time he’d forced her to go overseas, he’d married someone else while she was gone. Now, after finally returning home, he wanted to send her away again.
“Steven, are you worried I’ll come between you and Lucie? If that’s it, I can keep my distance. I can explain everything to her.
“I just… I just want to be near you. Even if it’s only from afar, just seeing you is enough for me. I swear, I have no other intentions p>
Tears shimmered in her eyes, threatening to spill over. Steven’s heart twisted with
pity.
After all, she was the little princess he’d cherished since childhood. She’s so fragile, so dependent on him, so desperate for his protection.