The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 61

Their eyes locked and the air between them sparked with a thousand tangled emotions.

For a moment, time just stopped.

Steven’s voice came out rough, full of frustration and command. “Come on, be good. Come home with me.”

Lucie shook her head, her jaw set. “No. I’m not going back, Steven, and I’m not changing my mind. I told you before we even got married—if you ever fell for someone else, I’d let you go. I meant it.”

Steven’s frown deepened, his face dark and serious. “I’ve told you already. I’m not interested in anyone else. I would never cheat on you. Why do you keep thinking I would?”

The truth was, cheating had never even crossed his mind. He’d been mixed up in the underworld of New Amberton since he was barely more than a kid. Twenty years ago, the city was crawling with gangs—everyone wanted a piece of the gambling business because it was easy money. Only the most cunning and ruthless managed to survive and thrive. The Heath family climbed to the top, controlling the industry and keeping all the other sharks in line. That kind of power didn’t come without a price.

As the only son, with his father’s health fading, Steven had been forced to step up early. Before he turned twenty-six, his life was a nonstop cycle of meetings, parties, and backdoor deals. He had to rub shoulders with shady characters and high society alike. Every night was a blur of bright lights, champagne, and beautiful girls—celebrities, models, pageant winners—throwing themselves at him. If he wanted anyone, they’d be delivered straight to his hotel room before midnight.

He’d gotten sick of it all ages ago. To him, girls were just after money or status. They were nothing but pretty distractions.

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