Billionaire's Hidden Desire**

Chapter 28: Unraveling Tensions

The hospital's sterile environment seemed to magnify the tension in the room as Ivy's condition remained precarious. Despite the improvements in her oxygen levels, the fear of a relapse lingered like a dark cloud over Lucien and his family. The days were a blur of medical updates, relentless media scrutiny, and growing tensions within the family.

Lucien was pacing the corridor outside Ivy's room, his frustration mounting. He had spent the entire morning on the phone with lawyers and security teams, trying to manage the fallout from Alessandra's attack. The media frenzy had intensified, with headlines and rumors spreading like wildfire.

Celeste and Evelyn were sitting in the waiting area, their faces etched with worry. The atmosphere was heavy, each minute stretching into an eternity. The strain was evident in their strained conversations and the occasional glances toward Ivy's room.

Lucien finally stopped pacing and approached them, his expression grim. "We need to do something about Alessandra. She's still out there, and she's not going to stop."

Evelyn nodded, her eyes filled with determination. "We can't let her get away with this. We need to ensure she faces consequences."

Celeste looked up, her face pale. "Lucien, I've been thinking. What if Alessandra has someone helping her? It's too coordinated for her to act alone."

Lucien's gaze sharpened. "You might be right. We need to investigate further."

Before they could continue, the door to Ivy's room opened, and the doctor entered with a concerned look. "Mr. Devereaux, we need to discuss Ivy's condition."

Lucien's heart sank. "Is something wrong?"

The doctor hesitated, clearly struggling with his words. "We've noticed some complications. Ivy's body is reacting strongly to the toxic substance, and there are concerns about long-term effects on her respiratory system."

Lucien's fists clenched, and he felt a surge of helplessness. "What does that mean?"

"We're doing everything we can," the doctor said, "but there's a risk of chronic issues if her recovery doesn't progress as expected. We're increasing her treatment and monitoring her closely."

The weight of the news was crushing, and Lucien's frustration boiled over. "This is unacceptable! We need better results. She can't suffer because of that woman."

The doctor's expression remained professional, though a flicker of sympathy showed. "I understand your frustration. We're doing our best. For now, you should focus on supporting Ivy."

As the doctor left, Lucien turned to Evelyn and Celeste, his face a mixture of anger and worry. "We need to act fast. I'm going to increase security at the penthouse and start a full investigation into Alessandra's connections."

Evelyn placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We'll help however we can. It's important to stay focused."

Before Lucien could respond, the hospital's security team arrived, reporting that a disturbance had occurred in the lobby. Tension spiked as they described a chaotic scene involving a group of reporters trying to force their way into the building.

Lucien's face hardened. "I'll handle this. I need to keep the media away from Ivy."

He stormed out of the hospital, his anger fueling his steps. The scene in the lobby was chaotic, with reporters shouting questions and flashing cameras. Lucien's presence was commanding as he confronted the media.

"This is a hospital, not a circus!" he shouted. "Get out of here before I call the authorities."

The reporters hesitated, but the sight of Lucien's fury and the arrival of police reinforcements persuaded them to leave. Lucien watched them disperse, his rage barely contained.

As he returned to the waiting area, his phone buzzed with a notification. A new headline flashed across the screen: *"Lucien Devereaux's Fiancée in Critical Condition: Alleged Attacker's Past Uncovered"*. The article hinted at Alessandra's involvement in a series of other scandals, casting her in a more sinister light.

Lucien's eyes darkened with determination. "We need to use this to our advantage. If Alessandra has a history, we need to expose it and ensure she can't hurt Ivy or anyone else."

Celeste and Evelyn nodded in agreement, their resolve strengthened by the latest developments. "We'll work on gathering more information," Celeste said. "It's crucial we act quickly."

As night fell, Lucien found himself back at Ivy's bedside, his mind racing with plans and strategies. He felt the weight of responsibility and the urgency to protect her from further harm. The media, the security threats, and Alessandra's malevolent presence were all part of the storm he needed to navigate.

The hours passed slowly, and Ivy's condition remained stable but fragile. Lucien refused to leave her side, his gaze fixed on her face as he held her hand. The monitors beeped rhythmically, a stark reminder of the precarious nature of her recovery.

A sudden commotion outside the room interrupted the silence. Lucien tensed as the door burst open, and a new figure entered-Alessandra, flanked by a group of her own supporters.

"Lucien, my love," Alessandra's voice dripped with false sweetness. "I've come to see how Ivy is doing. Surely, you wouldn't deny me a chance to offer my condolences?"

Lucien's eyes flashed with anger. "Get out. Now."

Alessandra's smile faltered as she took a step back, her eyes narrowing. "I only wanted to show my concern. But if you insist..."

The tension in the room was palpable, and the atmosphere grew even more charged as security personnel arrived to escort Alessandra and her entourage out. Lucien's rage was barely contained, and he felt the urge to confront her directly.

After the confrontation, Lucien returned to Ivy's side, his hands trembling with a mix of fury and exhaustion. He knew the battle was far from over, and the challenges ahead would test his resolve.

As he looked at Ivy, his voice softened. "I'm going to protect you from everything, Ivy. I won't let anyone harm you again. We'll get through this. I promise."

The room was once again filled with the rhythmic beeping of the monitors and the quiet rustle of medical equipment. Despite the chaos and the escalating threats, Lucien's commitment to Ivy remained unwavering.

The storm was far from over, but Lucien was determined to weather it, driven by his love and a fierce desire to keep Ivy safe from the dangers that lurked on the horizon.