The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 196

She almost wanted to give him a pep talk about working harder, but honestly, what was the point? He was born at the top—his whole life set up like some golden pyramid. All he had to do was go home, step into his family’s shoes, and keep things running smoothly. As long as he didn’t try to shake up the company or mess with the formula, he’d be set for life.

“Your burger is here.”

“Thanks.” Elio reached for his fork, clearly interested, and started eating.

“You should have some too,” he told her.

“I’m good. Not that hungry. Don’t worry about me.”

Elio smiled, eyes locked on her. She was still gorgeous. Even with a bare face, she got under his skin. He just didn’t get it. Was he really not as good as Steven? He’d chased her for three years, and she barely noticed him. Steven, though—three months and she was his. Elio honestly couldn’t figure out what he was missing.

He let out a heavy sigh. “Ugh…”

“What’s wrong? Don’t like the food?”

“No, it’s not that. There’s just something I can’t figure out.”

Lucie looked at him, curious. “Like what?”

Elio propped his elbows on the table, frustration written all over his face. “Lucie, what does Steven have that I don’t?”

Lucie froze.

“I spent three years trying to win you over. You barely gave me the time of day. Then Steven comes along, you know him for three months, and you marry him. What trick did he pull to make you fall for him so fast?” He laughed, but it was a little bitter. “Seriously, I still can’t let it go. I don’t get why I lost.”

Lucie’s chest felt tight, her eyes dimming. Steven and Elio were nothing alike. Steven was the type who knew exactly how to hide his sharp edges. He looked like a classic gentleman—calm, polite, reliable. He could read people like a book, always knew what you were thinking. If he wanted something, he always got it. It was almost too easy for him.

Elio, though, was just… too much. Too bold, too wild. One look at him and you could practically see the warning signs flashing:

I’m here to break your heart.

I’ll sleep with you and disappear.

Don’t fall for me. I’m juggling eight women at once.

No wonder anyone with common sense kept their guard up around him. Of course, with his looks and money, there were plenty of girls who wouldn’t mind being played.

Lucie’s face grew darker, and Elio tried to lighten the mood, forcing a smile. “It’s fine. If you don’t want to answer, don’t. I probably don’t want to know anymore anyway.”

“Elio! I knew I’d find you here, you jerk!”

A set of Ferrari keys clattered onto the table.

In strode a girl wearing a flashy fur coat and knee-high leather boots, her face done up with heavy makeup, long hair dyed a wild cherry pink. She crashed into the room like she owned the place.

Elio’s eyes went wide. “June? What are you doing here?”

June sauntered over, chewing gum with a cocky attitude. “What do you think? I called you a million times. Why didn’t you answer? Did you block me?”

She leaned into him, both fierce and a little flirty. Elio’s face twisted in frustration. “Stop getting handsy.”

“I’ll do what I want. What are you gonna do about it?”

Lucie stared, blinking, totally thrown by the scene.

Elio, looking desperate, pushed her arm away. “Alright, cut it out. I have company.”

June shot Lucie a sideways glance, sizing her up from head to toe before giving a cold little laugh. “So this is the Lucie you’re always talking about.”