Chapter 177

The next morning, at the old Heath estate, Miranda could barely eat. She'd been so anxious lately that her cheeks were practically swollen from worry. Her son and daughter-in-law had actually gone through with the divorce, and even though she'd always found little things to nitpick about Lucie, she'd mostly been happy with her. Now that it was over, she was honestly at a loss.

"Marian, who do you think Steven's going to marry?" Miranda sighed, wringing her hands. "It's been days, and he still hasn't brought anyone home for me to meet."

Marian tried to keep things light, forcing a reassuring smile. "He knows what he's doing. If he's made up his mind, I'm sure he's already got everything figured out. You really shouldn't stress yourself out."

Miranda shook her head. "That's easy for you to say. How can I not worry? I have no clue what kind of woman he's picked this time!"

Marian's eyes darted back and forth. Deep down, she didn't care who Steven's new girlfriend was. As long as he was finally rid of Lucie, that so-called jinx, it was a win in her book. Who knows, maybe Steven would end up marrying Shannon after all, and even if not, anyone new had to be easier to deal with than Lucie.

Just then, Miranda's phone started ringing. It was Steven.

She snatched it up immediately. "Steven!"

His voice was steady, almost stern. "Mom, I need you to get ready. I'm bringing my girlfriend home this afternoon to meet you. And did you get the jewelry I sent over yesterday?"

Miranda frowned. "Oh, you mean that emerald set? Yes, I got it. The color and clarity are both top-notch-it's beautiful. I really like it."

Steven cut her off. "It's not for you. It's for you to give to my future wife. When you meet her, just say it's from you."

Miranda felt her heart skip a beat. “Wow, what a thoughtful son you are. Here I was thinking you finally wanted to show your mother some love."

Steven's tone got even more serious. "Mom, you already have enough jewelry. Anyway, just be ready. I'm bringing Bria home this afternoon."

Miranda pressed for details. "Wait, who is she? You have to at least tell me something!"

"Mom, you don't need to worry about that. All you need to know is I have to marry her, and you have to accept her. Treat her well-no cold looks, no judging. I mean it."

Steven knew his mother too well. Miranda was the definition of a snob. The

second she saw Bria, she'd probably have a million reasons to object. But Steven was stubborn. Once he made up his mind, no one could change that. Miranda would just have to deal with it.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Miranda snapped.

"It means just do what I say. I have to go now-I'm about to drive."

"Steven, wait-" But he'd already hung up.

Miranda turned to Marian, exasperated. "Can you believe this? Out of nowhere, he suddenly says he's bringing a woman home, and I don't even get a chance to prepare!"

Marian was just as stunned. "That's so sudden. She probably isn't from any decent family."

Miranda nodded, worry creasing her brow. “That's what I'm afraid of. But you know how Stevens-there's no talking him out of anything gues we'd better just get ready"

"Alright, I'll tell the butler to set up a proper dinner."

Marian gave a quick nod and hurried off, still feeling uneasy. As she made her way through the back garden, Shannon popped out from behind a hedge.

"Mom, what were you and Mrs. Heath talking about?"

Marian let out a long sigh. "Shannon, Steven is bringing a woman home this afternoon. He says he's going to marry her. Do you have any idea who it is?" Shannon's face twisted in frustration. "He's getting married again? Already?"

"I know, it's so sudden. I really thought he'd end up with you."

Shannon's disappointment was plain as day. "As if that was ever going to happen. He doesn't even like me."

Marian looked at her daughter, equal parts annoyed and disappointed. "Honestly, Shannon, why can't you be a little smarter about this? I've worked so hard for years, making everything perfect for you, and you stiff couldn't win him over." The truth was, the Duncan family was no longer struggling-in fact, they were better off than most middle-class families now. But Märtan had insisted they stay on as servants at the Heath estate, hoping that being close to Steven would give Shannon her big chance.

"For now, let's just wait and see what happens and who this girl actually is."

Shannon's eyes started to shimmer with angry tears. She'd tried everything to make Steven notice her, but he'd never shown any

she slept with that bodyguarda white back, and now he was

interest And to make things et

blackmailing her with photos and videos. She was constantly on edge, terrified he'd show up again.

***

By midday, a line of cars rolled through the front gates of the estate. Miranda, Marian, Shannon, and the butler were all waiting in the garden, nerves running high.

"They're here," someone whispered.

Inside one of the cars, Bria took a shaky breath, bracing herself for whatever came next.