I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra) novel Chapter 83

Martin’s face was a contorted mask of fury as he pointed at me, his words a relentless barrage of insults. He spoke to me not as a daughter, but as an enemy.

I let out a sharp laugh, my expression suddenly hardening. The charade was over. “Martin, don’t be so delusional. You and I both know that without me, the Jones family wouldn’t be where it is today. If we’re being precise, half of this empire is mine.”

A collective gasp went through the room. They were shocked by my audacity. Martin’s chest heaved with rage. “You defiant girl! What are you trying to say? That you’re staging a coup before I’m even cold? In your dreams!”

I snorted. “This family built its fortune by sucking the blood of me and my husband. What’s wrong with me taking back what’s mine? It’s better than leaving it for you to spend on your mistress.”

Martin and Janice’s faces paled. Then, in a soft, sweet voice, I delivered the coldest blow. “Your mistress of over twenty years. I get it when a rich old man goes bad, but you were rotten even when you were poor. You’re like a dung beetle rolling in shit—utterly disgusting. Of course,” I added, turning my gaze to Janice, “the most disgusting one of all is your mistress. The kind of cheap tramp who moves in while the wife is still alive. Isn’t that right, Aunt Janice?”

Their already frozen expressions turned black with fury.

“You wretched girl!” Martin exploded, his control finally snapping. I had no doubt that if I weren’t still valuable to him, he would have killed me right then and there. “Say that one more time, and I swear I’ll beat you senseless!”

Janice couldn’t keep up her act any longer. “Zephyra, what are you talking about? Are you calling me… a mistress? That’s utter nonsense!”

I leaned back, a lazy, cruel smile on my face. “It’s not nonsense at all. Your darling daughter told me herself.”

Suddenly the center of attention, Antonia flinched and frantically waved her hands. “I didn’t! Mom, I didn’t say anything!”

I just watched their little performance and shook my head with a smile.

“The recording is gone. What are you smiling about?” Antonia demanded, her voice trying for bravado but her expression betraying her terror.

“I’m smiling because you’re all so stupid,” I said cheerfully. “Did you really think I’d only have one copy of something so important?”

The brief moment of calm shattered. The three of them tensed up again. Beads of sweat popped out on Martin’s forehead, his face turning ashen with rage. He raised his hand to strike me.

I met his gaze without flinching. “If you dare lay a hand on me today, I guarantee that within three minutes, everyone in your company will know about your filthy little secret with Janice. You’ve worked so hard to hide this scandal because you’re afraid it will cost you your position, right?”