The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 178

“Steven, are you sure this isn’t too sudden? What if your mom doesn’t like me?” Bria was equally nervous.

Steven wrapped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a reassuring squeeze. “She’ll like you, Bria. I promise. Come on, let’s go.”

He hopped out of the car first, then came around to her side and carefully helped her out. Bria’s leg was weak—she usually needed a wheelchair, but with a cane or a little help, she could manage a few steps.

Miranda forced a smile as she walked up to greet them. The car door opened, and out stepped a middle-aged woman with a noticeable limp. As Miranda looked closer, she saw that the woman was missing two fingers on her left hand and had a faint scar running along her cheek.

Miranda stared at her son, completely confused. “This is…?” For a second, she wondered if this was Steven’s future mother-in-law, but the woman didn’t look old enough.

Even with her disabilities, Bria still looked put together. Her short hair and smart outfit gave her a confident, capable vibe.

Steven led Bria right up to his mom. “Mom, this is Bria.”

Miranda’s eyes went wide. “Bria?” She could barely believe it. Of course, she knew who Bria was; she’d done so much for the Heath family. But Bria had vanished more than ten years ago. How could she suddenly be here now?

Bria offered a small, polite smile. “Hello, Mrs. Heath. It’s been a long time.”

Miranda gasped. “Is it really you?”

Bria nodded. “It’s me.”

Marian and Shannon stood there in shock. For a long moment, nobody said a word. Then Marian rubbed her eyes, like she couldn’t trust what she was seeing. “Bria? Is that really you?”

Bria smiled gently at her. “Yeah, Marian. I’m back.”

Marian let out a shaky breath. “Bria, where have you been all these years? We all thought… we all thought you were gone.”

Bria’s smile turned a little sad. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you all about it when we have more time.”

Marian nodded quickly, holding back tears. “I’m just so glad to see you again. I never thought I’d get to.”

She pulled Shannon closer. “Bria, do you remember Shannon? Shannon, this is your aunt. Say hello.”

Shannon stood there, frozen, her nails digging into her palms. After a few seconds, she finally whispered, “Aunt Bria?” It had been eight years—she barely remembered having an aunt. All she could recall was that Aunt Bria used to spoil her.

Bria’s eyes widened in surprise as she looked at Shannon. “Shannon, you’ve grown up so much.”

He shook his head. “I’m not joking, Mom. I’m going to marry Bria. Didn’t you say you had a gift for her? Maybe you should give it to her now.”

Miranda’s heart was pounding, and she just stared back and forth between her son and Bria, who looked like she wanted to disappear. Bria knew this was going to happen. She’d known Miranda wouldn’t approve.

“Steven, I…” Bria tried to say something.

He reached for her hand, squeezing it gently. “It’s okay. We have to face this sooner or later.”

“Steven, come here. I need to talk to you. Now,” Miranda said, her voice tight.

“If you have something to say, you can say it right here.”

“Steven. Now.” Miranda’s expression was icy.

Bria nudged him. “Steven, maybe you should go.”

He let out a sigh, then got up to follow his mother into the other room.