The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 230

Lucie grinned as she explained, “You guys have to try these pastries. They’re rumored to be made from old royal recipes.”

“Sure, let’s have some,” Elio said, and he and Mick each grabbed a piece of almond cake to taste.

June, though, couldn’t care less about the food. She was glued to her phone, waiting for Steven to text her back.

[Why haven’t you replied?]

Fifteen minutes passed. Her phone started buzzing.

Steven was video calling her.

June’s heart shot up to her throat. She immediately declined the call.

[I’m eating dinner right now. Can’t talk.]

A minute later, his text popped up.

[Come outside. I’m at the restaurant entrance.]

June stared at the message, totally stunned.

Oh my god. What am I supposed to do now? How did he get here so fast?

She started panicking.

Lucie looked over, totally clueless. “June, are you okay? Why aren’t you eating?”

June was sweating bullets, practically bouncing in her seat. “Uh… my stomach hurts. I need to use the bathroom. Don’t wait for me, you guys eat.”

She jumped up and hurried out of the private room.

Elio rolled his eyes. “Always something with her. Ignore it.”

Lucie just gave him a look, but said nothing. The three of them went back to their food.

—

A little while later, June snuck out to the restaurant entrance.

She pressed herself against the door and peeked outside.

A sleek black Maybach was parked right out front.

She could see someone sitting in the driver’s seat.

It had to be Steven.

Crap, what do I do now?

Her phone buzzed again—another video call from Steven.

There was no way she was answering, and definitely no way she was going out there to face him.

Then a voice message came in, Steven’s tone low and icy. “Didn’t you say you missed me? I’m here now. Why are you hiding from me? Are you playing games again?”

June felt her panic spike. This was bad. Really bad.

She was desperate, so she texted Lucie.

[Lucie, I just got my period. Can you come outside and bring me a pad? Please?]

Lucie stumbled and dropped her phone.

“Let go of me! What’s your problem?”

The air was thick with tension.

Steven’s pupils shrank as he grabbed her jaw with his other hand and pulled her into his arms, a twisted smile on his lips. “What’s wrong? Not happy to see me?”

Lucie was totally thrown. “You’re crazy! Let go! Get out of here—I don’t want to see you!”

Steven’s brow furrowed. He looked at her like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

Of course. Her attitude had changed in a heartbeat.

A minute ago, she was calling him baby over text, saying she wanted to hug and kiss him. Now that he was actually here, she was acting ice-cold.

“Lucie, what do you want from me? How long are you going to keep messing with me?”

Lucie struggled, trying to kick him away. “Let go! If you don’t let go, I’m going to scream!”

“Help! Mmph—”

Before she could finish, Steven spun her around, clapped a hand over her mouth, and wrapped his arm around her waist, lifting her up like she weighed nothing.

Lucie tried to yell for help, but it came out as muffled whimpers. She was no match for him.

Steven held her tight and marched her over to his car.

He yanked open the door and stuffed her inside.