Billionaire's Hidden Desire**

Chapter 22: Reaching Out

Lucien sat beside Ivy’s hospital bed, his mind racing as he tried to navigate the overwhelming situation. The doctors had assured him that Ivy would be fine, but the stress and worry had taken their toll. As he considered how to manage everything, he knew he needed help from his family and Ivy’s friends.

He took a deep breath and pulled out his phone, dialing his parents, Henry and Evelyn Blackwood. The call was answered on the second ring, and his father’s voice came through, calm and steady.

“Hello, Lucien,” Henry said. “What’s going on?”

“Hi, Dad,” Lucien replied, his voice tight with anxiety. “Ivy’s been taken to the hospital. She’s stable now, but she was dehydrated and collapsed due to stress. I’m here with her, but I need help.”

Evelyn’s voice, filled with concern, interrupted. “Oh, Lucien, what happened? Is she okay?”

“She’s better now, but I’m worried about leaving her alone,” Lucien explained. “I need to stay on top of everything here, but I can’t be away from her. Can you and Dad come and stay with her while I handle the media and other responsibilities?”

Henry’s response was immediate. “Of course, we’ll come right away. We’ll be there as soon as we can. Is there anything specific we need to bring or do?”

Lucien’s voice was filled with relief. “Just be there for her. Make sure she has everything she needs and keep her calm. I’m also going to call her best friend to make sure Ivy has someone she trusts with her.”

“I understand,” Evelyn said. “We’ll be there soon.”

With the call ended, Lucien quickly dialed Ivy’s best friend, Celeste. Her phone rang only a couple of times before she answered, her voice urgent and concerned.

“Lucien, what’s going on? I just saw your message.”

“Ivy’s in the hospital,” Lucien said, his voice tense. “She had a severe reaction to stress and dehydration. I’m here with her, but I need you to come quickly. She could really use your support.”

Celeste’s response was immediate. “I’m on my way. I’ll be there in less than thirty minutes.”

Lucien ended the call, feeling a small measure of relief. At least Ivy would have people who cared about her surrounding her. He turned his attention back to Ivy, who was resting more comfortably but still looking pale and weary.

The hospital room was quiet, the only sounds coming from the occasional beeping of monitors and the soft murmur of hospital staff in the corridor. Lucien’s thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of Henry and Evelyn, their faces etched with concern.

“Lucien, how is she?” Evelyn asked, her eyes scanning the room anxiously.

“She’s stable, but still weak,” Lucien replied. “Thank you for coming. I’m so glad you’re here.”

Henry approached Ivy’s bedside and placed a gentle hand on her arm. “We’re here to support you both. Just let us know if there’s anything we can do.”

Celeste arrived shortly afterward, her expression a mixture of worry and determination. “Lucien, how’s Ivy?”

“She’s doing better now,” Lucien said, leading her to Ivy’s side. “Thank you for coming so quickly. I really appreciate it.”

Celeste took Ivy’s hand in hers, offering a comforting squeeze. “Ivy, I’m here. Just focus on getting better. We’ll handle everything else.”

The room seemed to breathe a collective sigh of relief as the presence of Ivy’s closest friends and family provided a semblance of normalcy. However, the calm was short-lived as a nurse entered the room, her expression serious.

“Mr. Devereaux, we need to discuss some details about Ivy’s care,” the nurse said, addressing Lucien.

Lucien followed her to a nearby consultation room, leaving Ivy in the care of her family and Celeste. As he listened to the nurse’s recommendations and updates, he couldn’t help but feel the weight of responsibility bearing down on him. He had to balance his professional obligations, manage the ongoing media scrutiny, and ensure Ivy’s well-being.

Returning to Ivy’s room, he found Celeste and his parents engaged in a quiet conversation. Evelyn was attempting to reassure Ivy, while Celeste’s calm demeanor was a comforting presence.

Lucien took a deep breath, trying to steel himself for the challenges ahead. “I need to handle some urgent matters regarding the media and Alessandra. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

Evelyn nodded, her expression softening. “We’ve got things covered here. You go and take care of what you need to do.”

As Lucien left the hospital, he felt a pang of guilt but also a sense of determination. He had to juggle multiple responsibilities, but he was resolute in his commitment to Ivy. With Celeste and his parents by her side, he hoped she would find some comfort and stability.

The battle against Alessandra’s interference and the media frenzy loomed large, but Lucien was determined to confront these challenges head-on. As he prepared to face the external pressures, his thoughts remained firmly with Ivy, and he vowed to do everything in his power to protect and support her through this turbulent time.