The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 10

A muscle worked in Steven’s jaw, but he didn’t deny it.

Nearly a minute of heavy silence passed before he finally muttered, “Can you stop asking such pointless questions?”

“Answer me,” Lucie shot back, her voice cold as ice.

“You’re crazy. Think whatever you want,” he spat.

“If you’re not coming home, then don’t ever come back!” His words crackled with anger before he slammed down the call.

Lucie’s hand shook. A storm of emotions churned in her chest—rage, hurt, disbelief.

No wonder people said a man’s mask only slips after you bear his child. The gentlemanly manners, the tender words, the patient smiles had all been a façade. This indifference and impatience was the real Steven.

“If this marriage is already broken,” she whispered to herself, “there’s nothing left to hold on to. He doesn’t care, so why should I?”

…

Eight a.m. Lucie sat up in bed, her first instinct to call her lawyer.

Edgar listened to her quietly, then offered calm advice. “Ms. Anderson, I suggest you try for an amicable divorce first.

“If you file for litigation, the court will look for fault. Mr. Heath hasn’t committed domestic violence, and we have no tangible proof of infidelity. If he refuses to divorce, the judge is unlikely to grant it at the first hearing.”

Lucie’s heart dropped. “What about custody? Do I have a good chance of keeping my son?”

Edgar’s sigh crackled through the line. “If both parents have similar financial means, the mother usually gets custody of children under three. After that, the child’s opinion is weighed. Above all, the court favors the parent who can provide the best living and educational environment.”

Lucie gripped the phone, mind whirling. “Alright. If I decide to proceed, I’ll contact you.”

“Of course, Ms. Anderson.”

She ended the call, frustration gnawing at her. The odds were stacked against her. If she insisted on divorce, Steven could take Cody away.

But first, she needed answers.

She dialed Madison directly.

Madison answered almost immediately. “Hello, ma’am.”

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