Chapter 74

Shannon glanced around, a little curious. Miranda's soup wasn't full either. Maybe she'd mixed up the bowls earlier.

"I think I grabbed the wrong one. There's way too much in this for me."

Miranda smiled. “Well, I already drank a couple sips from mine. Why don't you just scoop some into my bowl?"

"Okay, sure."

Shannon picked up the ladle and poured a spoonful of her soup into Miranda's bowl. She was careful not to waste even a drop as the ingredients were crazy expensive. To keep the soup strong and nourishing, they couldn't water it down, so each person only got one precious bowl.

"This soup is super good for you."

Miranda took another sip and grinned. "You're right. It tastes amazing way better than what our chef usually makes."

Shannon beamed. "Steven, what do you think?"

"It's good," Steven said, sounding distracted.

As she sipped her soup, Shannon couldn't help sneaking glances at him. He was so hot, it almost hurt to look at him. She could never get enough, no matter the angle. But it wasn't just his looks. He had this king-like presence, a confidence that came from surviving tough times. Most men couldn't fake that kind of power- just talking to him, you could tell he was in control.

She adored him. She obsessed over him. Day and night, he was all she thought about.

"Come on, eat something! Try what I made," she urged.

"Okay." Steven picked up a piece of broccoli and took a bite, barely tasting it.

He couldn't focus on anything. His mind was weighed down, only thinking about Lucie. Nothing else mattered.

"I'm sure your wife will be fine. You don't need to worry."

Steven frowned, obviously annoyed. He put down his fork. "I'm done. Please excuse me."

He stood up, ready to leave.

Shannon panicked. "Wait, where are you going?"

"I just remembered something urgent at the office. I have to go."

ehet

He grabbed his suit jacket and car keys, striding out. At the door, he paused and turned to Miranda. Oh, and Mom don't go to Canada yet. Hold off for now."

Miranda froze, confused. "Steven, what's going on? You were pushing us to leave

a few days ago. Now that we're all packed, you want us to wait?"

"We'll talk about it later," Steven said, not bothering to explain. He was out the door in seconds.

He'd been running things since he was barely twenty. Every big decision went through him, and even his parents listened to him. He was sharper, tougher, and more decisive than his dad-when he wanted something done, it got done.

Shannon stood there, stunned for a second, then scrambled after him. "Wait up! Let me go with you, give me a ride!"

By the time she reached the door, she heard the engine roar. Steven's car shot out of the driveway and disappeared down the street.

"Brother, wait!" she shouted, but it was pointless. Either he didn't hear her, or he just didn't care.

Shannon froze, then stomped her foot in frustration. "Great. Now what? Once that drug kicks in, who

e'

knows which tramp will get lucky with him? Fcan't believe all this effort went to waste..."