The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 290

He opened his mouth to say something, but every word just sounded empty and useless.

“Cody, let’s go,” he finally managed, scooping his sobbing son into his arms. His own voice trembled, betraying the storm inside him.

“No! I want Mommy! Mommy, don’t send me away!” Cody fought wildly in his arms, stretching his little hands toward Lucie, desperate.

Lucie turned away so fast she almost lost her balance, biting down on her lip until she tasted blood—anything to keep from falling apart.

“I don’t want to leave Mommy, I don’t want to…” Cody clung to Lucie’s sleeve, his cries coming in broken hiccups.

Suddenly, the door swung open.

A maid wheeled Bria into the room.

The sight of Steven, Cody, and Lucie tangled together like they couldn’t bear to be apart was a punch to Bria’s gut. A vein pulsed at her temple.

“Steven, Cody. What are you doing?” Bria’s voice cut through the tension.

Both Steven and Cody froze, then looked toward her, guilt and panic written on their faces.

“…Bria, why are you here?” Steven stammered.

Bria’s smile was all sharp edges, her eyes cold. “Someone called this morning. Said Cody had a high fever. I rushed straight to the hospital. I couldn’t find him in the room, but the nurse told me you were here.”

Her eyes landed on Cody, her tone suddenly icy. “Cody, come to Mommy.”

Cody’s whole body seized in terror. “No! I don’t want to! You’re not my mommy!” His wailing only got louder. “Mommy, Mommy, help me!”

He was shaking, reaching out for Lucie like she was the only safe thing left in the world.

Lucie’s heart shattered. Tears streaked down her face before she could stop them.

What on earth had this little boy been through to be this afraid? Just a couple months ago, Cody was the little troublemaker who ran wild around the house. Now, he was all timid and skittish, like he was scared of his own shadow.

“Mommy, save me…” Cody’s hands reached for Lucie, his eyes full of sheer panic.

Bria’s expression turned even colder. “Cody, come over here. Now. Don’t make me say it again.”

She might have been his biological mother, but she hadn’t carried him or given birth to him herself. Becoming a mom overnight, she’d never formed a real bond with him.

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