Chapter 216

Steven stared at his phone, torn between laughing and shaking his head in

disbelief. She used to be so shy-painfully so. Even after four years of marriage, she'd still blush whenever she caught him shirtless. And now...

He bit back a grin and sent her a voice message.

"You're getting bold, aren't you, troublemaker?"

Almost instantly, her reply chimed in: "I just want a peek, that's all..."

Her teasing had his heart racing.

"Be good," he replied, voice low. "Wait until I get to Westbrook. I'll show you in person."

With that, Steven leaned back in his leather chair, looking out the massive window

at the glittering city. His thoughts wandered, heavy and conflicted.

Bria and Lucie... Was it really possible for them to get along?

New Amberton might not be the biggest city, but it had more rich people than anywhere else. Here, everyone was chasing after pleasure and luxury. Men- ordinary or not—often had more than one family. He'd seen it a hundred times.

He knew he couldn't let go of either of them. If Lucie stayed in Westbrook, that would be perfect. He could visit her whenever he wanted. But he couldn't rush things. He needed to slowly help Bria accept Lucie, one step at a time.

He promised himself: he'd be fair. He'd love them both equally. And aside from them, he'd never be with anyone else.

Meanwhile, over in Westbrook...

Lucie woke up feeling groggy, her body aching all over. Last night had been a mess, and now she was pretty sure she had a fever.

"Achoo! Achoo..." She sneezed again, feeling exhausted.

Click. Click.

June was busy snapping secret photos of her, quickly touching them up before sending them off to Steven-pretending to be Lucie.

Lucie frowned as she caught June aiming her phone at her. "June, what are you doing? Are you taking pictures of me?"

June and Elio were childhood friends from rich families, and Lucie had always let her guard down with them. She never expected anything weird.

June quickly hid her phone and gave her an innocent look. "No, of course not! Are you okay? You look like you've caught a cold."

Lucie nodded weakly. "Yeah, I think I did."

Elio, overhearing, hurried over and pressed his hand to her forehead. "Lucie, are you alright? Should I take you to the hospital?"

She shook her head. "No, it's fine. I'll take some cold medicine and rest. I should be okay."

"Are you sure?"

"I probably just caught a chill last night."

Elio didn't look convinced. "I'll go get you some medicine."

"You don't have to. I can ask my assistant."

"It's no trouble. I'll go myself," he said, already grabbing his coat and heading out.

June came closer, looking genuinely worried. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Lucie sneezed again. "Honestly,

June, I'm feeling awful today. I can't really hang out. You and Elio do whatever you like, okay?" She was trying to politely ask them to leave June could be a bit much and Lucie just didn't have the energy.

June grinned. "Don't worry about us. Go back to bed and rest!" "What about food?"

"We'll order something or eat out. Don't worry."

Lucie sighed. "Alright then. Just make yourselves at home."

"Got it," June said cheerfully.

Lucie was too sick to argue and headed back to her bedroom. She'd wanted to visit her grandfather at the hospital, but with a cold, she couldn't risk passing it on to him.

About twenty minutes later, as Lucie was drifting off to sleep, someone knocked softly on her door.

"Lucie, I've got the medicine."

"Come in, it's open," she called out.

Elio came in quietly, juggling a bag stuffed with cold remedies and a mug of warm water. "Sit up, take these."

Lucie blinked at the pile of medicine. "Why'd you buy so much?”

"I asked the pharmacist. He said these are the best." Elio carefully opened the boxes and handed her the pills.

She took them with the water, then managed a weak smile. "Thanks."

He looked at her with concern. "You need to rest. Take the medicine, get under the covers, and sleep."

"Yeah... Sorry I can't be a better host. You and June just do whatever."

"Don't worry about us. You just get better." He tucked her blanket around her and quietly left.

Warmth spread through Lucie's

chest. He still had that playful sidet

but he'd definitely grown up since four years ago. .net>