The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 51

Shannon put on her most innocent face. “Oh, this?” she said, flashing the bracelet. “It’s a birthday present from Steven. He calls it Moon and Stars.”

All four women went silent.

She was totally showing off in front of Lucie, daring her to say something. Shannon would never be so bold if Steven didn’t always let her get away with it.

Shannon pouted, her voice syrupy sweet. “Lucie, when I’m gone, promise you’ll take good care of him. His stomach is sensitive, so don’t let him drink too much. And make sure he doesn’t stay up all night working.”

Mira rolled her eyes. “Why are you acting like it’s your job to fuss over him?”

Shannon didn’t even look at her. She kept her gaze fixed on Lucie. “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m just worried about him. I can’t be here to look after him, so I have to count on you.” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “He’s terrible at taking care of himself. You’ll have to put in extra effort.”

She sounded more like Steven’s wife than Lucie did.

Lucie felt her chest tighten with irritation and anger. Did Shannon think she could just walk all over her?

Mira’s temper snapped. “Lucie, are you really going to let her talk to you like that? If you let this little drama queen treat you like dirt, I’m not gonna be your friend anymore.”

Angela shot Shannon a look of pure disdain. “Who do you think you are, coming in here and trying to stir up trouble with the real wife?”

Shannon’s face went pale. “Excuse me, could you be a little more polite?”

“Polite?” Angela scoffed. “You don’t deserve that.”

Yolanda just laughed, her eyes cold. “If some side chick ever tried to show off in front of me, I’d strip her down in public. Maybe throw in a handful of hot peppers for good measure and sew her up so she’d never forget what happens to homewreckers.”

Shannon’s eyes filled with tears. “You’re all awful! So rude and mean.” She sniffled. “Who are you calling a homewrecker? There’s nothing between me and Steven. Don’t make things up.”

Mira and Angela pounced, pinning Shannon to the floor. One yanked her hair, the other slapped her across the cheek.

Lucie tried to step in. “Enough already! Stop it!”

But Yolanda, full of righteous anger, grabbed the trash can and jammed it down over Shannon’s head.

Seriously, what was Shannon thinking, picking a fight when Lucie’s whole squad was here? She had a death wish.

“Help! Somebody help me!” Shannon’s voice was muffled, her hair a mess, eyes wide with panic.

That’s when the door creaked open.