The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 29

“Don’t touch me,” Lucie snapped, shoving him aside. “Until you settle things with Shannon, we’re living apart.”

Steven’s face darkened. “Fine,” he said stiffly, barely bothering to hide his resentment.

Lucie didn’t look back. She climbed into her own car and drove off to work, her mind set.

One last chance.

If he failed her again, she wouldn’t force it anymore.

She’d also decided. It was time to scale back at work, to pour her energy back into her family where it belonged.

…

The very next day, Shannon was handed her transfer notice.

Afraid she’d take it the wrong way, Steven made sure to explain it was a special opportunity abroad. It’s professional training, and a chance to grow. He even doubled her salary and benefits.

Lucie had braced herself for a fight.

Unexpectedly, Shannon accepted the overseas assignment without a flicker of hesitation.

The news traveled quickly.

“Shannon leaves next week. You can move back home now, right?” Steven called Lucie that evening, his voice heavy and uncertain.

Lucie couldn’t hide her surprise. “She agreed so easily?”

“I told you, Shannon’s not what you think. She’s simple. Don’t overthink it,” Steven insisted.

“Just come home. Mom’s been asking about you every day. Tonight, after work, let’s have dinner with her.”

“…Okay. Fine.”

That afternoon, Lucie left the office early, planning to meet Steven for dinner at her mother-in-law’s.

When she walked in, Steven was already there.

But so was Shannon.

The moment Lucie stepped through the door, Shannon greeted her with a syrupy smile. “Lucie, you’re home! We’ve been waiting for you.”

A sly, mocking smile twisted Shannon’s lips. “Scared I’ll steal Steven from you. Scared I’ll take your place. Scared I’ll become the mistress of this house.”

The words hit their mark. Lucie’s pulse quickened, but not with fear.

No, what she felt was revulsion. How could anyone be so brazen? To stand here and taunt the wife, as if she’d won some twisted game?

Did Shannon know no shame at all?

Lucie’s voice turned icy. “Shannon, being the other woman isn’t something to brag about. Trying to steal a married man isn’t just shameless. It’s pitiful.”

Shannon laughed, a brittle sound. “So you admit it. You’re threatened by me, aren’t you? You think sending me overseas means you’ve won?”

“How are you so sure you’ll win?” Lucie challenged.

Shannon’s smile sharpened. “Because I have his heart. I know his weak spots. I know how to make him care. Can you say the same?”

Lucie regarded her with cold pity. “If you really had his heart, why didn’t he marry you?

“Was it your background? Or something else?”