Chapter 22

Steven drew a shaky breath, his voice softening ever so slightly. "Get in the car. We'll talk at home."

"Let go." Lucie wrenched her hand free, darting behind Officer Lawrence in one

swift move.

"Officer Lawrence, I have reason to suspect Steven intends to harm me. I need your assistance—I'm requesting a police escort home."

"Uh..." Officer Lawrence glanced instinctively at Steven.

Steven's temper snapped-he lunged forward, desperate to take her away by force. "Lucie, don't push me."

Officer Lawrence quickly stepped between them, his tone urgent but low. "Mr. Heath, please calm down. Mrs. Heath has asked for our help. We can't just stand by. If this gets out and the press shows up, it'll be a disaster for everyone- especially your family."

Steven clenched his jaw, the officer's words finally piercing through his anger. Today was humiliating enough.

If the media caught wind of this, the Heath family's business and reputation would be on the line.

Officer Lawrence tried to smooth things over, voice gentle. "Couples fight, but it always blows over. Give her some space. Say something sweet. She'll come around."

Steven's rage ebbed, leaving only a simmering frustration.

Officer Lawrence was right.

If he put in the effort, Lucie was always easy to coax back.

"Mr. Heath, we have to follow procedure. We'll escort Mrs. Heath home. You both

need some time apart. After you've calmed down, you can talk."

"Alright. Thank you, Officer Lawrence."

"You're welcome."

"Mrs. Heath, please get in the car. We'll make sure you get home safely."

"Thank you."

Lucie slid into the waiting police car. Officer Lawrence shut the door, then took the driver's seat himself.

Shannon had watched everything from the sidelines, silent and tense.

She'd never seen Steven so furious before.

For the first time, she realized just how much he cared for Lucie. Forcing Lucie

out, taking her place—it wouldn't be so easy after all.

He treated her well, even spoiled her in some ways. But when it came down to it, Lucie still held the real power in his heart.

If only...

If only her background wasn't such a stain. If she wanted to become his wife out in the open, she'd have to fight for it and use every ounce of cunning she possessed.

"Steven, please calm down. Let's just go home," Shannon said softly.

But Steven barely looked at her, his face still dark with anger. "I have something to

deal with. Take Cody back to the main house."

He turned away, climbed into his Rolls-Royce, and drove off alone-leaving her standing there, calling after him.

"Steven! Steven!"

The moment he disappeared,

Shannon's composure shatteredet

Her whole body trembled with fury. Returning that multi-million-dollar ring was a twisting knife in her heart.

"Lucie, just wait." Her nails dug into her palm. "I'll reclaim everything that's rightfully mine. I'll defeat you. I will become the true Mrs. Heath."

She'd loved Steven since childhood.

He'd always been good to her, always made her feel special.

But their worlds were too far apart. In families like theirs, appearances were everything. His wife had to be a socialite, born to match his status.

Four years ago, Steven had no choice but to send her away, marrying Lucie instead, who ticked every box.

Inside the police car, Officer Lawrence tried his best to comfort her.

"Mrs. Heath, sometimes a woman needs to be a little softer," he said gently. "Especially in public-you have to protect your husband's dignity. That's how you keep his heart..."

Lucie knew he meant well.

But none of it could reach her.

When it came to love, she was uncompromising.

It's all or nothing.

If Steven's heart belonged to another woman, she'd step aside completely. She'd

rather spend her life alone than share even a sliver of her husband.

"Officer Lawrence, could you please pull over at the next corner?"