The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 25

“Lucie’s actually a wonderful person,” Shannon said quickly, seizing the chance to defend her. “She’s strong and successful—a real self-made woman. Of course her personality’s a bit assertive.

“She’s much better than me. I only have a good life because of you and Steven. I could never do what she does.”

Mrs. Heath smiled, her gaze lingering on Shannon. “The stronger a woman is, the more likely she is to neglect her family. The Heath family doesn’t need a daughter-in-law who’s always in the spotlight. She just needs to take care of the home, and that’s enough.

“Shannon, you are just perfect. Gentle, thoughtful, always so sweet. You are my little darling. If I had the chance to choose again, I’d wish for you to be my daughter-in-law.”

“Mom, don’t say things like that.” Steven’s voice was tight as he pushed away from the table. “I’m done. You all go ahead and eat.”

Shannon’s cheeks flushed, a warm, secret thrill blooming in her chest.

She needed to win godmother’s approval.

With Mrs. Heath on her side, she’d be one step closer to getting everything she wanted.

“I can still take care of you you, even as your goddaughter.”

“That’s true,” Mrs. Heath replied, lips curving in a faint smile.

But it was all empty words.

If Shannon ever truly became her daughter-in-law, Miranda would be the first to object.

The Heaths were one of the elite families, and their daughter-in-law had to be a lady, someone who could uphold the family’s name. If her son married a servant’s daughter, the whole city of New Amberton would laugh them out of town.

…

For the next two days, Lucie stayed inside. Her phone remained off.

Finally, she could rest.

On the third day, she woke early, washed up, dressed, and drove straight to the DNA testing center.

“Hi, I’m here to pick up my results.”

“Ms. Anderson, your husband just collected them,” the receptionist said politely.

Lucie froze. “What?”

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify