Chapter 163

"Wait, are we really going to the police?" Ruby asked, glancing over as she drove.

"Yes," Lucie replied, her voice steady and determined.

She was done putting up with this. If Steven didn't care about their marriage, then she didn't owe him anything either. She was going to the police. She'd report him for attempted murder—and for secretly having her impregnated with another woman's embryo. He'd hurt her body and her heart, and she was going to do whatever it took to put him behind bars.

Ruby pressed the gas just a little harder, heading straight for the police station. Twenty minutes later, they pulled up out front.

"Ms. Anderson, we're here."

"Thanks," Lucie said, pushing open the door and stepping out.

Her phone buzzed in her purse. She checked the screen; Rose was calling.

Lucie's heart skipped a beat. She answered quickly. "Hello?"

On the other end, Rose sounded frantic. "Miss, thank goodness, you finally picked up!"

"Rose, what's wrong?"

"You need to come to the hospital right now! Your grandfather had a heart attack. He's in critical condition. The doctors have already issued five warnings. I couldn't find anyone to sign the papers, so I had to call Mr. Heath..."

Lucie's mind went blank, her whole body going cold. "What did you say? Say that again?"

Rose broke down, her voice shaking. "Miss, we couldn't reach you last night. He was so worried about you, he sent people to look for you. When he heard something happened to you, he had a heart attack on the spot. I rushed him to the hospital. The doctors said it caused a brain hemorrhage. They needed a family member to sign, but I couldn't reach you, so I called Mr. Heath."

"Where's Steven now?"

"Mr. Heath is still at the hospital. Miss, please come as soon as you can."

Lucie felt her knees go weak. "Okay, I'm on my way."

She hung up. "Ruby, take me to New Amberton Hospital. Now."

"Got it."

Lucie jumped back in the car, her thoughts spinning. She wanted nothing more than to fly to the hospital. If Steven had her grandfather in his hands, who knew what he'd do? After what he'd done to her, she wouldn't put anything past him. She couldn't even think about the consequences right now. She'd just have to be extra careful with Steven around.

As the car sped through the city, Lucie made sure the tiny recording device she kept on her was still in place. Then she quickly texted Mira for help. If anything happened to her or her grandfather, Mira would know what to do and take everything to the police.

***

Half an hour later, New Amberton Hospital.

Lucie rushed down the hallway, barely able to breathe. "How's my grandfather?"

she called out the moment she reached the surgical ward.

"He's still in surgery," a nurse replied.

Lucie's throat tightened. She picked up her pace, running toward the operating room. From a distance, she spotted a tall figure sitting. quietlyon a bench-Steven dressed in a black coat, looking exhausted and unshaven. Rose was pacing anxiously nearby. When she saw Lucie, she ran over.

"Miss, you're finally here."

Lucie hurried over. "How long has he been inside?"

"It's been several hours already."

Steven stood up, his eyes dark and conflicted. "Lucie-"

He took a step toward her, arms open as if to hug her.

Lucie slapped him hard across the face and stepped back. "Steven, you're unbelievable!"

He stood frozen, Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. His eyes went even redder.

"Isn't it enough that you tried to hurt me? Now you're after my grandfather too?"

Steven flinched like he'd been

stabbed. He opened his mouth to say something, then seemed to think better of it and stayed silent Right now, no matter what he said, she'd never believe him If someone had to take the blame for alt this, he'd rather it be him than get Bria dragged in.

Lucie's eyes filled with tears. Her voice was raw. "You have nothing to say, do you? I really never thought you'd ever wish for my death. Steven, what did I ever do to deserve this? Why are you so cruel to me?"

Steven's eyes glistened, but he said nothing. He just stared at her, red-eyed and silent.

"Say something. Why are you doing this? Even now, I never wanted to hurt you. I even stepped aside so

you could be with your ex. I just net

already told

never thought the man I've shared a bed with for four years would actually try to kill me. I you, I changed my will ages ago. If I die, every penny of the Anderson family fortune goes to charity. You won't get a cent. It won't affect you at all. So why can't you just leave me alone?"