Lucie shoved him away, her voice shaking. “Just stop. I don’t want to hear another word from you.”
“Let go. You make me sick.”
“So what, do I have to force you now?”
“Steven, this is a country with laws. If you cross the line, you’re going to have to answer for it. I’m not scared of you. I—”
“You were about to say you’ve got Elio backing you up, weren’t you?”
Lucie’s heart twisted. She didn’t bother to reply.
“I’m warning you, stay away from Elio. If you keep seeing him, he’s going to be in serious trouble.”
“What are you planning to do?”
“I’m not planning anything. I just want you to come back to me.”
“We can have a kid. I’ll split everything between our children—”
“You’re out of your mind. Get away from me!”
Suddenly, the room spun as Steven shoved her onto the bed. His kisses came down on her like a tidal wave, leaving her gasping for air, trapped in his storm all over again.
“Steven, you’re a monster. I hope you rot in hell!”
—
Mercy Hospital
Bria’s voice was ice cold. “Still can’t reach Steven?”
The nurse shook her head. “We’ve tried several numbers. No answer.”
“Track his phone. Find out where he is.”
Shannon stormed in, her face twisted with anger. “Aunt Bria, don’t bother. He’s definitely with that bitch Lucie.”
“How can you be so sure? Maybe he’s busy with work.”
“Work? He finished all his meetings yesterday. If he’s not with Lucie, I’ll cut my own head off.”
Bria’s expression darkened even more. She already suspected it, but hearing it out loud was another thing.
“This Lucie is unbelievable. She’s been shamelessly throwing herself at him. Aunt Bria, are you just going to let her keep doing this?”
Bria sighed. “Shannon, I’m tired. Even if I wanted to do something, I can’t anymore.”
Shannon’s eyes flashed. She pulled out her phone and tapped a video. “Watch this.”
On the screen, Steven was carrying Lucie into a hotel room.
Bria’s hands curled into fists, nails digging into her palms. Her world felt like it was falling apart.
So it was true. He was really that obsessed with her.
“I had someone follow him. Are you still going to pretend nothing’s happening?”
Bria’s breath came short and fast. “Get the car. We’re going to the hotel. Now.”
“Good. When we find that bitch, we’ll make her pay.”
He pinned her in place, ignoring the blood dripping down his face.
Lucie’s strength gave out. She shut her eyes, hopelessness washing over her.
—
Meanwhile, Bria’s chest was tight with jealousy and anger. She was halfway to the door when reason finally caught up to her.
Men cheat. That’s just how it is. Trying to control him would only end in disaster. Sometimes, it’s better to pretend you don’t know.
“Aunt Bria, what’s wrong?”
“Forget it. We’re not going.”
“What? Are you really scared of Lucie?”
“I’m not scared. I’m just tired. I can’t control him anymore. And honestly, I don’t want to keep fighting.”
Shannon scowled. “You can’t be serious.”
“I told you, I’m not young anymore. I don’t have the energy to fight for these things. You’re young. If you want to fight, the chance is still yours.”
Shannon felt a stab of frustration. She knew Bria was right. She couldn’t compete with Lucie anymore.
Fine. If Aunt Bria was giving up, then Shannon would handle it herself.
“Hmph. Lucie’s grandpa is on this floor too. If I can’t find Lucie, I’ll just go to him. Let’s see how he reacts when he finds out what kind of person his precious granddaughter really is.”
With that, Shannon stormed out of the room, determined to make Lucie pay, one way or another.

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