Billionaire's Hidden Desire**

Chapter 30: Shadows of Suspicion

The tranquil hum of the hospital was abruptly shattered by a series of unexpected events that sent ripples of tension through the already fraught atmosphere. The days had become a blur of worry and waiting, and though Ivy’s condition had stabilized, Lucien couldn’t shake the feeling that something was amiss.

It was late afternoon when Lucien received an urgent phone call from the hospital security team. “Mr. Devereaux, we’ve encountered a situation. There’s been a breach in the security system. We need you to come to the security office immediately.”

Lucien’s heart raced as he quickly made his way to the security office. His mind was plagued with fears of another attack or a security lapse that could endanger Ivy. As he arrived, he found the security team huddled around a series of monitors, their faces tense.

“What happened?” Lucien demanded, his voice edged with anxiety.

One of the security officers, a tall man with a serious expression, pointed to the monitors. “We’ve detected an unauthorized access to the hospital’s security network. The breach seems to have come from an external source, and we’re still trying to trace it.”

Lucien’s eyes widened. “An external breach? Are you saying someone could have tampered with the security systems?”

The officer nodded. “Yes, and it gets worse. We’ve identified a suspicious individual who was seen near Ivy’s room shortly before the breach occurred. We’re running the footage now to see if we can identify them.”

Lucien’s blood ran cold. “Find out who it is. We need to make sure Ivy is safe.”

As the security team worked, Lucien paced the room, his mind racing. The sense of impending danger was almost palpable. He couldn’t help but think that Alessandra or someone associated with her might be behind the breach.

Minutes later, the officer called out. “We’ve managed to get a clear image of the individual. We’re cross-referencing it with our database.”

Lucien leaned over the monitor, his heart pounding. The image on the screen showed a figure wearing a hooded jacket, their face obscured. It was difficult to make out any distinct features.

“Who is this?” Lucien asked urgently.

“We’re not sure yet,” the officer replied. “But we’re following leads. We’ve also contacted local authorities to see if they can assist with the investigation.”

Just then, Lucien’s phone buzzed with a text message from an unknown number. The message contained a single line: *“You think you’re protecting her, but you’re not even close. Watch your back.”*

Lucien’s heart skipped a beat. The message was clearly a threat, and the implications were chilling. He looked at the security team, his face a mask of grim determination. “We need to increase security around Ivy’s room immediately. I want a 24/7 guard posted outside.”

The officer nodded. “We’re on it.”

Lucien returned to Ivy’s room, his nerves frayed. As he approached, he noticed something unusual—an envelope lying on the floor outside her door. It was addressed to him, with no return address.

He picked up the envelope, his hands trembling. Inside was a single sheet of paper with a typed note: *“The clock is ticking, Lucien. If you want to save her, you’ll need to make a choice. What’s more important—your future or your past?”*

The message was cryptic and unsettling, leaving Lucien with a sense of dread. He knew that whoever was behind this was playing a dangerous game, and the stakes were higher than ever.

Inside the room, Ivy was still asleep, her breathing steady but her condition fragile. Lucien took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He knew he had to stay focused and protect her at all costs.

The sound of footsteps caught his attention. He turned to see Evelyn and Celeste entering the room, their faces reflecting the exhaustion and worry they had been carrying.

“Lucien, what’s going on?” Evelyn asked, noticing the tense atmosphere.

Lucien handed her the note, his expression serious. “We’ve had a security breach, and I’ve received a threatening message. There’s someone out there trying to cause us harm.”

Celeste’s eyes widened with concern. “What do we do?”

Lucien’s voice was resolute. “We stay vigilant. I’ve increased security, and we’ll work with the authorities to find out who’s behind this. But we need to be prepared for anything.”

As they discussed the situation, the lights in the hallway flickered, causing a brief moment of darkness. Lucien’s instincts were on high alert, and he quickly moved to the door, scanning the corridor for any sign of danger.

“Stay close,” he instructed Evelyn and Celeste. “We need to be cautious.”

The flickering lights soon stabilized, but the unsettling feeling remained. Lucien knew that the threats against Ivy were escalating, and he was determined to protect her no matter what it took.

As the evening wore on, the hospital became a fortress of heightened security. Guards were stationed at every entrance, and the corridors were patrolled more frequently. The tension in the air was palpable, and the sense of suspense lingered over everyone involved.

Lucien couldn’t shake the feeling that they were on the brink of something major. The threats, the breaches, and the cryptic messages all pointed to a deeper, more sinister plot. He knew that the battle to protect Ivy was far from over and that every moment brought new challenges.

With a final glance at Ivy, Lucien prepared himself for the night ahead, ready to confront whatever lay in wait. The drama was reaching a fever pitch, and Lucien’s resolve was unwavering. He was determined to uncover the truth, protect the woman he loved, and put an end to the threats that loomed over them all.