Chapter 314

Lucie sat frozen, barely breathing, but her fingers wouldn't stop trembling. That awful feeling of dread crept up on her, wrapping around her chest and making her heart race.

She found herself touching her lower belly. Still perfectly flat. But the panic inside her just kept growing.

No way. It can't be. I took the morning-after pill.

She shook her head hard, trying to shake off the crazy thought.

After she'd slept with Steven last time, she'd made sure to take the emergency pill. But then... he'd shown up again just a couple days later, not giving her any time to breathe. She'd figured the pill from before was enough, so she hadn't bothered the second time.

Now her mind was spinning, all over the place.

Her phone started buzzing.

Lucie snapped back, glancing at the screen. It was Elio calling. She had zero energy to deal with him right now. She hit silent, shoved the phone back in her bag, and tried to steady her breathing.

Just then, Steven came striding back, phone in hand. “Lucie, Kun called. They only found three antiques in that warehouse Nathan mentioned, and one old painting at his place."

"Also, Nathan lied about loaning out nine pieces. Turns out only three were actually out. The rest—he's already sold them off to some collector for cheap—"

He didn't even finish before Lucie suddenly gagged, clapping a hand over her mouth.

She rushed to the nearest trash can, retching.

Steven stopped in his tracks, eyes wide, and hurried over. "Hey, what's wrong?"

"I'm fine. Just-" She doubled over, dry heaving, unable to stop.

Steven's expression shifted. "Lucie... are you pregnant?"

She shook her head, almost shouting. "No. No way. I just ate something bad last night."

"Alright, take it easy. I'm not trying to argue with you. Let's just go to the hospital and get you checked out. If you are pregnant, we'll have to change your treatment plan.”

"I said I'm not going! I'm not-!" Lucie's voice cracked as she shoved Steven away, desperate to get out of his sight.

But her body wasn't having it. She was still weak from before, and the second she stood up, everything went black. She collapsed without a sound.

Steven caught her just in time, panic all over his face. "Lucie! Lucie, talk to me!"

He turned to the others. "You guys stay here and keep an eye on Nathan. I'm taking her to the hospital."

"Yes, Mr. Heath."

Not wasting a second, Steven scooped her up and rushed out.

Down in the parking garage, he barked at the driver, "Hospital. Now."

"Yes, Mr. Heath." The car started up immediately.

Ten minutes later, they burst into New Amberton Hospital.

"Doctor! She passed out, help!"

A doctor rushed over, checking Lucie's eyes, her breathing, her

heartbeat. "Mr. Heath, Ms. Anderson

just fainted from exhaustion It's not serious Let's get her on the gurney."

"Okay, got it." Steven gently laid her down, watching as the doctor wheeled her into the emergency room.

Steven paced outside, his mind

spinning. It felt like everyone around him was falling apart. His son was still in the hospital. His mom's broken leg hadn't healed. Bria was basically a regular here. And now Lucie? She couldn't stay out of the hospital either.

Was his house cursed or something? Why did everything suddenly feel like it was going wrong?

He stared at the closed emergency room door, whispering to himself. “Lucie... if you really are pregnant this time, we have to keep this baby, no matter what."

Lucie's phone started buzzing again in her bag.

Steven heard it, pulled out her phone without thinking.

When he saw the screen, his whole expression darkened.

Elio was calling—again. Video call, missed calls, unread messages-Elio's name everywhere.

"Damn it! Just go away!" Steven growled, jabbing to end the call.

Elio, you just don't know when to quit, do you?

He tried Lucie's old phone password,

but she'd changed it. He tried a few

more combinations, frowning

thinking back to what she might use. On the fourth try, it unlocked.

He immediately opened Elio's messages.

Dozens of texts and voice notes popped up.

Lucie, why aren't you picking up? Did something happen? Did that jerk Steven mess with you again?

I'm worried sick about you. I hate thinking about that asshole bothering you when I'm not there.

Lucie, don't be scared of him. As soon as I'm better, I swear I'll make him pay.

Baby, I miss you so much. I just want to hold you...

Every message seemed to mention "that asshole Steven." Steven's jaw clenched tighter with every word, his blood pressure shooting through the roof.