Chapter 73

That stuff she'd put in the soup could knock out a tiger. Later, she'd act all sweet and ask him to drive her home. She was pretty sure things would happen right there in the car. Just in case, she'd picked out a thin silk dress, the kind that would be easy for him to tear off. She'd made sure she was fresh and clean too, even brushing her teeth a few extra times.

"Steven, have some soup. The last dish is almost ready," Shannon called out, cheeks pink as she darted back to the kitchen.

Steven took off his suit jacket and slumped into a chair. "Yeah," he replied, his voice low.

Shannon ladled out a big bowl of chicken soup for him, filling it to the brim. But Steven wasn't hungry. He was still stewing over his divorce with Lucie, and the thought of food just made him feel worse. He stared at the bowl, not sure if he could take even a single sip. But not drinking any would be rude.

He sighed, glancing at Shannon's spot at the table. Her bowl only had half as much as his. Without thinking, he switched them. No one had touched either bowl yet, so it didn't really matter.

He picked up his spoon and tried a sip. The soup was rich and savory, honestly not bad. But Steven was picky. Even five-star chefs couldn't always please him, so he definitely wasn't expecting to be impressed.

Miranda and Cody came in and sat down. Miranda glanced at Steven. "What's going on with Lucie lately? She hasn't come to the house for dinner in ages. I could understand if she's avoiding me, but ignoring her own kid? That's just not right."

Cody stuck out his lip. "Mommy doesn't care about me. She always says she'll take me to the amusement park, but she never does. Aunt Shannon always takes me, every Sunday. Daddy, why don't you just marry Aunt Shannon? She could be my mom."

Steven's expression darkened and he shot his son a warning look. "Enough. Say something like that again and you'll be in trouble."

Cody shrank back and muttered, "Okay." He wasn't scared of his mom, but when Dad got that look in his eyes, he knew better than to argue.

Shannon came out of the kitchen with a steaming clay pot. "Here's the last dish- sizzling mushrooms. Careful, it's hot."

Miranda beamed at her. "You really outdid yourself, Shannon. Come sit, you must be tired after cooking all afternoon."

"It's nothing, Godmother. I just hope you

Shan Steven like my cont

Shannon replied, sliding into her chat she stuck a glance at Stey

He was quietly sipping his soup.

Her heart pounded. Just thinking about what might happen later

made her blush and fidget. What

he really did it with her tongết

Would he be mad? No way. He'd always been so nice, so gentle he had to care about her too

she

cried a little, he'd definitely give in.

And if she caused enough of a scene, he'd have to take care of her. Even if she could only be his mistress, she'd take it, as long as she could be with him. With how much he spoiled her, it was only a matter of time before she replaced Lucie.

Miranda picked up her fork. "Let's dig in."

Shannon smiled and reached for her soup, picking up her own spoon.

"Wait,

weird," she mumbled,

bet

staring into her bowl. "Why is there so much soup? I could've sworn only gave myself half a bowl