The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 164

Steven just stood there, silent. The raw anger in his eyes slowly faded, replaced by something numb and empty.

“Say something. Why did you do it?” Lucie’s voice cracked, desperate for an answer.

He took a slow breath. “Because I’m awful. I lost my mind. I’m worse than scum, Lucie.”

At that, her tears finally broke free, sliding down her cheeks. Well, at least he was honest. But she realized her question was pointless. No matter what she asked, he’d never tell her the real truth.

“Fine. If that’s how it is, then I’ll let the law handle it. I’m going to report you for attempted murder.”

Steven’s face remained shattered as he looked at her. “Go ahead. Call the police. I’ll confess to everything.”

Lucie stared at him, completely stunned. She honestly couldn’t understand him at all anymore.

“If that’s what you want, I’ll do it.” She pulled out her phone, hands shaking as she punched in the numbers.

Steven hesitated for a moment, then reached out and grabbed her wrist, his reflexes taking over. “Lucie, please. Don’t call the police.”

“Oh, now you’re scared?” she snapped.

He let out a bitter laugh, brushing a stray lock of hair from her cheek. “Yeah, I’m scared. Please, just let me go this once.”

But it wasn’t jail he was afraid of. He knew that if he ended up behind bars, no one would be able to stop Bria. Her grandfather—and Lucie herself—would be completely defenseless.

That thought made Lucie’s chest twist with pain and disgust. The man she’d loved for four years was nothing but a coward. A selfish, shameless coward.

“Steven, I was so wrong about you. I never imagined you’d be this kind of person. You make me sick.”

She yanked her arm away. “Don’t touch me. You’re filthy to me now.”

Steven flinched, the tears he’d tried so hard to hold back threatening to spill over again. He stumbled a step closer, his voice tight and raw. “Lucie, maybe meeting me was just karma.

“If you promise not to call the cops, I’ll sign the divorce papers tomorrow. I’ll stay out of your life. I swear.”

Lucie’s throat clenched. She watched him with nothing but contempt. The man she once thought was strong and righteous had crumbled before her eyes. He didn’t deserve her love. Loving him felt like a stain she’d never wash out.

“Me going to prison won’t do you or your grandfather any good,” Steven said quietly. “You’re smart enough to know what could happen.”

She scoffed. “Was that a threat?”

“Call it whatever you want.”

Her grip tightened on her phone, nails digging into her palm.

“If you agree to let this go, I’ll have my lawyer draw up the divorce agreement tomorrow. You’ll be free. Isn’t that what you want? You can go back to your ex-boyfriend once this is over.”

“Lucie, I’ll print the divorce papers tomorrow. We’ll end this on good terms. I won’t do anything to you.”

She looked at him, hollow. “You really mean it? You’ll sign tomorrow?”

His face was broken but resolute. “I promise. If I hesitate, call the police.”

“Fine. As long as you sign the papers, I’ll let you go.”

Steven managed a sad, complicated smile. “Thank you. You’re more generous than I deserve.”

Lucie’s voice was cold. “You’re done here. Leave. And don’t even think about hurting my grandfather again. I’ve already given evidence of your crimes to a friend. If anything happens to me or him, you’ll rot in prison.”

“Alright. Take care of Mr. Anderson. I’m leaving now. Tomorrow, I’ll bring the divorce agreement.”

“You better not back out this time.”

“I won’t. Not this time.”

“That’s it, then.”

Lucie turned away, not sparing him another glance as she walked down the hallway, her heart finally turning to stone.