No Longer Yours to Break novel Chapter 17

From Zoe’s angle, Lucian suddenly stood, face cold, voice sharp.

That woman–Yvette–grabbed his wrist, clearly panicking.

Their skin touched. Something uncomfortable twisted in Zoe’s chest.

Back when Connor doted on Vicky, all she felt was hurt and guilt, like it was somehow her fault.

But now, watching Lucian this close with another woman…

Her mind flashed with moments from the past few days–his calm voice, those serious eyes in the car, the warmth of his arms at the wedding…

She stood and walked out.

Connor just stared, stunned.

***

Lucian looked surprised when Zoe showed up, but he stayed calm.

Yvette, not so much–she was straight–up glaring.

Lucian shot Zoe a quick, steady glance, then faced Yvette, voice colder now. “Ms. Camorra, our dads were close. I’ve been polite out of respect for that.

“But I’m married. Zoe Hertbert’s my wife–only her. If you keep acting like this, I’ll have to assume you’ve gotten the wrong idea about our families.

“And if that’s the case, maybe it’s time Lyttelton Group rethinks working with Camorra Corp.”

Yvette went pale. Her hand shook as she let go of his wrist, then she jabbed a finger at Zoe. “Her? She’s from some bottom–tier family–she’s not even wife material!

“And don’t lie! My mom told me–there’s no marriage license! Just a fake ceremony! She’s got no parents, no background–what could she possibly give you— ah!”

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Lucian’s calm cracked. Ice in his eyes, he yanked his arm free.

Yvette lost her balance and dropped hard onto the couch.

“Guess Mrs. Camorra didn’t just raise a brat–she’s sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong. I’ll make sure Mr. Camorra hears all about his family’s lack of discipline.”

Lucian’s voice was sharp, eyes locked on Yvette until she flinched.

Only then did she seem to remember–Lucian had taken over the Lyttelton family like a storm. One month in, the entire board fell in line. Two months, and he controlled every division.

Six months later, no one in the industry dared say his name without a chill.

Lucian wasn’t short on ways to crush someone. He just preferred manners.

He wiped his wrist with a napkin, like the touch disgusted him, then slid his fingers through Zoe’s.

He turned to settle the bill-

And saw Connor trailing after her.

***

Lucian’s frown deepened.

Zoe caught it and, feeling a weird flash of guilt, gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

Connor’s face said the rest–dark, furious, jaw so tight it looked ready to snap.

He was the one who’d tipped off the Camorras.

He figured there was no real bond between Zoe and Lucian. That if she caught Lucian slipping right after the wedding, she’d run straight back.

What he didn’t get?

Zoe wasn’t that girl anymore.

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Whatever was between them now–it was deeper than betrayal.

Even without Lucian, she’d never go back.

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