The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 214

Elio was about ready to lose it. “You’re insane. Just shut up already.”

A sharp smack echoed through the room as he slapped her, finally snapping.

June staggered back, almost losing her balance. “Elio, are you serious right now? You hit me? I swear, I’m not letting this go!” She lunged at him, wild with anger.

Elio’s patience was gone. He pinned her to the floor, his voice tight with frustration. “Quit acting crazy.”

June struggled, but she couldn’t get free. She twisted around, calling out to Lucie, “Lucie, are you seeing this? He’s totally attacking me!”

Lucie felt her chest tighten. She rushed over, grabbing Elio’s arm. “Elio, let her go! She’s a girl, you can’t just hit her like that.”

Elio glared, still fuming. “Lucie, she’s nuts. Don’t treat her like she’s some delicate flower.” He shot a warning at June. “Get out of here. If you don’t, I’ll throw you out myself.”

June started to cry even louder. “Lucie, help me!”

Lucie yanked at his arm. “Come on, just let her go already!”

With an annoyed sigh, Elio finally released her. June scrambled up and threw herself into Lucie’s arms, sobbing. “He actually slapped me, Lucie! Can you believe it?”

Lucie’s head was pounding. She had no idea how to handle this. Deep down, she was already regretting ever agreeing to let them come over.

“Stop crying. Just go back to your room and get some sleep, okay? You barely have anything on. You’ll catch a cold.” Even with the heat on, the place was still drafty.

June clung to her, looking as pathetic as possible. “But… I want to sleep with you.”

Lucie tensed. “Sorry, I’m just not used to sharing my bed with anyone.”

June pouted. “I don’t care, I just want to stay with you tonight.”

Worried she’d gotten the wrong impression, Elio called after her. “Lucie.”

She stopped, looking back at him with a tired, blank expression. “Yeah?”

A mix of regret and worry flickered in his eyes. “You’re not mad at me, are you?”

Lucie shrugged. “No. Why would I be?”

Elio hesitated, his voice softening. “I… I did date her for a while, a long time ago. But we broke up ages back. There’s nothing going on between us now.”

Lucie barely paid attention, already halfway checked out. “That’s your business. Just handle it yourselves.” She yawned again. “Seriously, it’s almost dawn. Let’s all get some sleep.”

Her total indifference hit him harder than any argument ever could.