Chapter 335

Lucie glanced at the note, her eyes skimming over the neatly written time and place for the deal.

"Are you sure this is legit?"

Steven gave a little snort. "Come on, you think I'd risk my neck just to hand you some fake info?"

Lucie felt her chest tighten. "Fine. Thanks."

Her cold tone made Steven's face fall. He couldn't help but grumble, “That's it? Just a thank you?"

He'd pulled every string he could, dug through mountains of trouble to get her this crucial information. Without him, she would have lost at least five billion. Thanks to his efforts, he'd saved her nearly four billion. Four billion, for crying out loud. Anyone else would be falling over themselves with gratitude, maybe even hugging his leg and calling him a lifesaver. He didn't expect that from her, but...

She could at least show she appreciated him. Maybe throw him a bone, let herself be a little vulnerable with him, just once. Was that asking too much?

But all she gave him was a stiff little "thank you."

Lucie blinked at him, like she couldn't believe what she was hearing. "What else do you want?"

"At the very least... at least-" Steven stumbled over his words, his confidence faltering.

Lucie's expression turned icy. "At least what?"

Steven swallowed and tried again, desperate for a little recognition. "I really went out of my way for you this time. I put in a lot of effort to help you get your money back. Can't you... can't you show a little appreciation?"

Lucie's patience snapped. Just a minute ago, she'd felt a tiny flicker of gratitude. But with him fishing for compliments like this, it vanished in an instant.

"What kind of appreciation are you after?"

Steven's bravado crumbled. "Come on, Lucie, do you have to be so cold?"

She almost laughed out loud. Now he was calling her Lucie, just like Elio did. The

nerve.

"Stop it. Don't call me Lucie."

"What, Elio's the only one allowed? Did he trademark your name or something?"

Lucie clenched her fists, fighting the urge to scream. “Steven, I seriously have nothing more to say to you. If you're done, please leave." She jabbed her finger at the door.

Steven's handsome face twisted into a cocky, irritated smirk. "Tsk. Heartless. Seriously, you just use people up and toss them away, don't you?"

Her anger spiked. "Shut up and get out."

"Is it a crime to be here?"

"Steven, get out!" Lucie was shaking with frustration. She shoved at his shoulder, trying to push him out the door.

Steven didn't budge. His eyes lingered on her face, and then his

Alright

voice dropped softer now. "Alright

Yat, go. But at least can

touch your belly?"

fo

He glanced down at her stomach, something complicated flickering in his eyes- hope, nerves, maybe a little sadness.

Lucie immediately stiffened, recoiling like she'd been burned. "Steven, don't push it." She'd known it. He couldn't just take a thank you and leave.

“I just... I just want to feel the baby. That's all," Steven said, sounding almost hurt.

"Steven, don't forget what we agreed to. This baby has nothing to do with you. Don't even think about claiming it."

Steven shook his head. "I know, I know. I just want to feel the baby for a second. I'm not trying to take anything from you, I swear."

Lucie's eyes flashed with anger. "Enough. Leave. Now."

"Are you going or not?"

She looked ready to explode. Steven sighed, defeated. "Fine. I'm leaving. Just... take care of yourself. Don't overdo it."

Lucie shot him the iciest glare she could manage.

Steven didn't dare stick around any longer. He slipped out the door, closing it behind him.

The second he was gone, Lucie turned to Ruby. "Ruby, get started on my discharge papers."

Ruby hesitated. "Ms. Anderson, the doctor said you should stay for at least another week."

Lucie's brows knitted together and her voice left no room for argument. "I'm not staying. I want to leave now. It's impossible to get any rest here."

Just thinking about Steven barging in again made her skin crawl. Who knew how many more times hee show up if she stayed? Better to get out, go home, and actually have some peace.

Ruby looked worried. “But, Ms. Anderson, your health—”

"I know my own body," Lucie cut her off, placing a gentle hand on her stomach. "The

baby's fine. I'm fine. Just get the paperwork done. I'll pack up."

She was so firm there was no room for debate.

Ruby sighed in surrender. “Alright, I'll talk to the doctor. If he agrees, I'll take care of everything right away."

Lucie nodded and turned to tidy up

the bedside table-auction

documents, police records, and the little note Steven had left. She sorted everything carefully, especially that note.