Chapter 224

"I'm getting old, you know. There are just some things I can't handle anymore. I'm so much older than Steven, and my health isn't great. I'm sure I'll go before he does. And when that happens, the only person I'll be worried about is Cody."

"You love Cody so much, and he's crazy about you too. That's why I want to ask you to look after both of them."

Shannon stared at her aunt, completely stunned. "Wait... what? Aunt Bria, are you serious? You can't be! And besides, my brother would never agree to that..."

Bria pressed a finger to her lips. "Shh, keep it down. I'm being completely honest with you right now. Don't let anyone else hear."

Shannon blinked, her heart pounding so hard she could barely breathe. "Aunt Bria... do you really mean that?”

If her aunt was serious, Shannon would be forever grateful. She wouldn't even care about titles or status.

Bria just smiled. "Why would I lie to you?"

"But you know how it is. He still can't let go of Ms. Anderson. And I... I'm just not able to do much anymore, even if I want to."

"However, you're young and smart. You can really do something with that, you know?"

Shannon's eyes sparkled with understanding. "Aunt Bria, don't worry. As long as I'm here, there's no way Lucie is going to have it easy."

"That's not what I mean. What I want is for you to really win Steven's heart..." Shannon cut her off. "You don't have to say another word, Aunt Bria. I get it." Bria's smile softened, a look of relief on her face. "Good. Now I can relax."

Shannon was no match for Bria's years of experience. With just a few gentle pushes, Bria had her completely convinced. There was no way Bria would dirty her own hands with Lucie. If Steven ever found out, it would be over for her, too. Now, though, she had the perfect tool right in front of her. Why not use it?

If something happened to Lucie, all the blame would land on Shannon, not her.

Just then, Steven came out of the bathroom.

He was dripping wet, his expression dark as he walked over.

"Aunt Bria, Steven's back," Shannon whispered.

Bria quickly composed herself and looked at him with concern. "Steven, what happened? Why are you all wet? Shannon told me you got hurt-is it bad?"

Steven frowned. "It's nothing, just a little accident. I'll be fine."

"How about you? Did you finish your tests? What did the doctor say?"

Bria looked at the cut on his hand, her eyes full of worry. "Don't worry about me. You need to get that injury taken care of. If it gets infected, you'll be in trouble. And it's freezing outside-why are you soaked? Have your assistant bring you some dry clothes, quick."

"Really, I'm fine..."

"Please, Steven, just listen to me. Don't make me worry," Bria pleaded, her voice tight with anxiety.

Steven just frowned and didn't say anything else.

"Shannon, go get a doctor, and ask one of the bodyguards to bring Steven some clean clothes," Bria said.

"Okay, I'll go right now," Shannon replied, hurrying off.

"Bria, I'm sorry, I-"

།

Bria smiled gently at him, her voice soft and understanding. "Steven, you don't need to say anything. I get it. You and Ms Anderson were married for four years. It's normal you can't just forget her overnight."

Her words only made Steven feel worse. He reached out and pulled her into a

hug. "I'm sorry. I've put you through so much."

Bria hugged him back, her voice

warm and soothing, just like an older

sister. "Don't say that. I really do understand. You've done so much for me already, and I'm grateful. As long as you're happy fa you're hurting, it hurts me even more. You know you matter more to me than I do to myself."

foropy, I'm

Steven looked at her, his eyes full of guilt and tenderness.

She was right.

No one in the world loved him, understood him, or accepted him the way she did.

How could he have been so blinded by looks and fleeting feelings?

Lucie... she never really loved him at all.

Why was he still hung up on her?

"Bria, I won't let you down. I promise."

Bria's eyes shone with unshed tears as she looked at him, her voice trembling with emotion Steven just hearing you say thats enough for me."

They held each other close.

They were still the dearest, most trusted people in each other's lives. Their connection had long since moved beyond romance—it was something deeper, like family.

A little while later, a doctor hurried in.

After checking Steven over, he quickly cleaned and bandaged his wounds.

"Don't get these stitches wet until they're out," the doctor reminded him.

"Got it."

"Doctor, what about my wife's legs? Is there any hope?"