The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 18

“No! Let go of me! You’re horrible. I hate you!”

Shannon lunged at Lucie, clawing at her with sharp nails. “Don’t hurt Cody! You’re the worst! No wonder he can’t stand you!”

Lucie’s arm burned where Shannon had raked her skin, blood welling up in angry lines.

*Smack!*

She slapped Shannon hard across the face, then grabbed a fistful of her hair and dragged her from the car.

Shannon screamed, writhing in pain. “Aah! Stop! Let go! Lucie, how dare you hit me?”

Lucie shoved Shannon to the ground, then turned and pinned Cody in place, yanking several strands of his hair free. She barely had time to collect the sample when a furious shout split the air.

“Lucie! What the hell are you doing?”

Shannon crumpled on the pavement, putting on a show of trembling fear. “Steven, finally! She hit me and Cody! We were so scared!” Her lips wobbled as she pointed to the stinging red mark on her cheek and the clump of hair on the ground.

Steven’s face twisted with concern. He rushed to her side, gathering her into a protective embrace. “Shannon, are you hurt? Get up, it’s okay now.”

Right on cue. Steven, the gallant rescuer.

Lucie scoffed, her voice icy. “Weren’t you in a meeting? That was fast.”

Steven helped Shannon to her feet, letting her press her shaking body against him. He turned on Lucie, eyes blazing with anger and disbelief. “Lucie, what is wrong with you? Can’t you act normal for once?”

Lucie met his glare, steel in her voice. “Steven, did you give Shannon that ring?”

Steven’s eyes flickered, his tone dismissive. “It’s just a ring. You have plenty. If you want another, I’ll get you one.”

“No,” Lucie replied, her voice cutting.

“If that’s what you want to call it.”

Steven’s voice dropped, full of warning. “Lucie, don’t push me. My patience has limits.”

A chill spread through Lucie’s chest. Still, her eyes never left his. “Go ahead. Try it. I won’t hesitate to call the police and report you for domestic violence.”

Steven’s jaw worked in fury, veins bulging at his temples. No one had ever dared talk to him like this.

Lucie had always been gentle, always willing to forgive.

But whenever Shannon was involved, she turned into a fortress of thorns.

They locked eyes, the air crackling with tension. Neither willing to back down.

At last, Steven exhaled, defeated. “Shannon, give her the ring. I’ll get you a bigger, better one next time.”