Chapter 56

The Anderson family had access to the best private doctors and top-notch medical equipment. Honestly, Lucie would recover much better at home than in a hospital run by the Heaths. If things got really bad, they could always fly her overseas for treatment. Mr. Anderson just couldn't trust his only granddaughter's safety to the Heaths anymore. She was the last of the Anderson line. If the Heath family wanted to wipe them out for good, Lucie would be the first target.

Forty minutes later, Mr. Anderson pulled up with Lucie at one of their other properties—a quiet villa in Vista Ridge.

"Lucie, you're staying here for now," he said, his voice gentle but firm. “I've already set everything up. There's a team of nurses and caregivers ready to look after you. You'll get only the best care."

Lucie's eyes stung with tears. She choked out, "Thank you, Grandpa."

He looked at her, worry etched deep on his face. "Sweetheart, if you're hurting, you have to tell me. Don't keep things bottled up inside."

Lucie took a shaky breath. "Grandpa, I don't want to make you sad, but... I want to divorce Steven."

"You don't need to explain," he interrupted softly. "I've already found the best lawyers for you. I didn't want you to go through a divorce, but after seeing how the Heath family treats you, I just can't let it go."

"Grandpa..."

He let out a long sigh. "It's my fault. I should have looked out for you better. I was too quick to agree to everything."

Lucie frowned, her voice quiet. "Don't blame yourself, Grandpa. This is just how things turned out. I rushed into marriage without really knowing him. That was on me."

Four years ago, after she split up with Elio she'd been a mess. She'd gone into that blind date with Steven partly out of spite, partly just to feel something different. Steven, of course, was an expert at this sort of thing-charming and smooth, with all the right moves. She'd fallen for it so easily.

"Let's not worry about the past now," Mr. Anderson said, squeezing her hand. "Just focus on getting better. Tomorrow, I'll have Edgar and M Johnson come over to talk about the divorce. We don't need anything from the Heaths, but we have to fight for Cody."

He paused, looking serious. "The Heaths probably won't give up Cody without a fight. I just want you to be ready for that. My biggest worry is that you'll have trouble letting go."

Lucie's heart twisted. "Grandpa, about Cody..."

She wanted to tell him everything. About Cody's blood type. About the doubts that had been eating away at her. That Cody might not even be her child. But she didn't have any solid proof yet.

"What about Cody? I know you love him. Don't worry, I'll have the lawyers do everything they can to get you custody."

Lucie felt heavier with every word. "Let's just see how it goes, Grandpa. If we can get custody, that's great. If not... then Cody can stay with the Heaths."

Mr. Anderson stared at her, caught off guard. He'd been so worried she'd break down over Cody, but she seemed calmer than he expected. "Are you really okay with that?"

"Grandpa, it's not about being okay or not," Lucie,whispered, her voice catching in her throat. She couldn't say more at least not until she was sure. She needed to get another paternity test done somewhere neutral. No matter what, she had to find out the truth. Maybe she could let go of custody, but she couldn't stand being lied to by Steven.

Seeing how much pain she was in, Mr. Anderson's heart broke for her. "Don't overthink it, Lucie. Whatever happens, you have to focus on getting well just don't want you to. fose yourself in all this."

"I won't, Grandpa. I promise. I'll take care of myself."

"That's all I ask, sweetheart."