Chapter 25

"Lucie's actually a wonderful person," Shannon said quickly, seizing the chance to defend her. "She's strong and successful—a real self-made woman. Of course her personality's a bit assertive.

"She's much better than me. I only have a good life because of you and Steven. I could never do what she does."

Mrs. Heath smiled, her gaze lingering on Shannon. "The stronger a woman is, the more likely she is to neglect her family. The Heath family doesn't need a daughter- in-law who's always in the spotlight. She just needs to take care of the home, and that's enough.

"Shannon, you are just perfect. Gentle, thoughtful, always so sweet. You are my little darling. If I had the chance to choose again, I'd wish for you to be my daughter-in-law."

"Mom, don't say things like that." Steven's voice was tight as he pushed away from the table. "I'm done. You all go ahead and eat."

Shannon's cheeks flushed, a warm, secret thrill blooming in her chest.

She needed to win godmother's approval.

With Mrs. Heath on her side, she'd be one step closer to getting everything she wanted.

"I can still take care of you you, even as your goddaughter.”

"That's true," Mrs. Heath replied, lips curving in a faint smile.

But it was all empty words.

If Shannon ever truly became her daughter-in-law, Miranda would be the first to object.

The Heaths were one of the elite families, and their daughter-in-law had to be a lady, someone who could uphold the family's name. If her son married a servant's daughter, the whole city of New Amberton would laugh them out of town.

For the next two days, Lucie stayed inside. Her phone remained off.

Finally, she could rest.

On the third day, she woke early, washed up, dressed, and drove straight to the DNA testing center.

"Hi, I'm here to pick up my results."

"Ms. Anderson, your husband just collected them," the receptionist said politely.

Lucie froze. "What?"

"Your husband said you sent him."

A jolt of rage shot through her.

"When did he leave?"

"Just now. If you hurry, you can probably catch him.”

"Thank you!" Lucie spun around and

hurried toward the parking garage,

as she

dialing Steven's number as she rushed down the hallway. .net>

The call connected almost instantly.

"Hello."

"Where are you?" Lucie demanded, her voice sharp with anger.

"In the car," Steven replied, calm as ever.

"Steven, why did you take my results?"

He shot the question back at her.

"Lucie, what are you really after net

What are you so

She barely listened as she hurried into the underground garage.

Steven's car was still there, engine idling.

Lucie strode over, pounding on the window. "Give me the results!"

Steven unlocked the doors.

She yanked the door open, breathless. "Hand them over. Now."

Steven sat in the driver's seat, the file clutched in his hand, but he didn't move.

"Get in."

Lucie clenched her jaw, slid into the passenger seat, and lunged for the

own Give it to me! Now!

Steven leaned back, holding the envelope high, just out of reach.