Chapter 222

Andy and Martin rushed over, worry written all over their faces. "Mr. Heath, are you alright?"

It took a whole crowd to finally pull Steven and Elio apart.

Lucie, heart racing, darted straight to Elio. “Elio, are you okay?"

Elio wiped the blood from his lip, trying to shrug it off. "I'm fine, Lucie. Don't worry about me."

"But you're bleeding."

"It's nothing. Just a scratch."

Steven glared at them, his expression dark and cold. "Lucie, are you messing with me? Is this some kind of game to you?"

Lucie turned back and shot him a look. He looked just as roughed up, maybe even more intimidating now. "I have no idea what you're talking about. You should just leave."

Steven's eyes narrowed. "Just answer me. Are you really with Elio now?"

Lucie felt her chest tighten, but she stared him down, her voice icy. "That's none of your business."

It was like a punch to Steven's gut. "None of my business? You really said that?"

Just a few days ago, she was texting him nonstop, being all flirty and sweet, always asking for selfies, and sometimes his nudes.

He'd honestly thought she was coming back to him. He'd been in such a good mood, picturing a fresh start, maybe having another family in Westbrook.

But now? She acted like he was a stranger. Worse, she'd already moved on with someone else.

"Steven, whoever I'm with, it has nothing to do with you."

Steven's hands balled into fists. "So these last three days, you were just playing with me?"

Lucie's patience snapped. "I seriously don't know what you're talking about. How did I play with you?"

"Oh, come on. Don't act clueless now."

Lucie rolled her eyes. "You're being ridiculous. I have no idea what's gotten into you, but you need to go. If you don't, I'll call the police."

Steven sucked in a sharp breath, humiliated and furious.

She was really going to treat him like this? Did she honestly think he'd never fight back?

"Fine, Lucie. You're something else."

June, clearly nervous, tried to defuse the tension with an awkward laugh. “Uh, let's all calm down, okay? No need for all this drama. We're all friends, right?"

She'd just wanted to see what Steven looked like in person. She never expected things to blow up like this.

Andy leaned in, voice low and urgent. "Mr. Heath, Bria's almost done with her scan. We should go."

Steven shot one last hateful look at Elio, then glared coldly at Lucie.

He just scoffed. "Let's get out of here."

The head of security turned to Lucie. "Ms. Anderson, do you want us to call the police?"

Lucie looked instinctively at Elio. "Elio, are you sure you're okay?"

Elio managed a small, gentle smile. "I'm fine. Please don't call them, I don't want more trouble."

"Alright, if you're sure."

"And, uh, about the broken stuff..." the guard added, glancing at the

mess, everything will need to net

replaced at full price." .net>

Lucie looked apologetic. "Yes, of course. I'll pay for everything."

Elio jumped in. "Most of that was me. Let me handle it."

"No, it's fine, I'll take care of it. Your nose is still bleeding, go get it checked." "Okay, okay."

Lucie, still rattled, quickly called for a doctor and told the staff to clean up the wreckage.

Mr. Anderson heard all the commotion and called out, "What's going on out there?"

Lucie answered right away, "It's nothing, Grandpa. Just some people making a scene."

anding

"Oh, alright..." the old man mumbled, closing his eyes and drifting off. His hearing wasn't great, and the medicine he'd taken was making him sleepy. Even with all that chaos, he barely noticed. '

Soon, the doctor arrived to take care of Elio's injuries.

June sat quietly in the corner, biting her lip and looking guilty.

Elio shot her a furious glare. “This is all your fault. Go back to Elmridge. Stop making trouble for me."

June pouted but didn't dare talk back.

"Did you not hear me? Get out!" Elio lifted his hand like he might actually smack

her.

June squeaked, "What are you doing? I didn't mean for this to happen! I just... I just..."

Lucie came out of the other room, rubbing her temples as she heard them arguing. "What are you two fighting about now?"

June scrambled behind Lucie, whining, "It's nothing, nothing. Lucie, I'm sorry, okay?"

"Why are you apologizing?"

"Just... because. I'm sorry, alright?"

Elio's head throbbed as he glared at her. "Go back to Elmridge. Now."

Lucie looked confused. "Elio, what did June do? Why are you yelling at her?"

Elio clamped his mouth shut, too frustrated to explain.

He wanted to tell Lucie the truth.

But he held himself back.

If he'd just told her from the start, maybe everything would've been fine. But now, after all this drama, he knew coming clean would only make her angrier. fo