The Day I Walked Away My Empire Began novel Chapter 231

Lucie’s heart hammered in her chest. She tried to scramble out of the car, desperate to get away. But she barely moved a few inches before Steven slid inside after her.

With a heavy thud, the door slammed shut. Steven’s hand shot out, grabbing her wrist and yanking her back toward him.

She struggled, fear twisting inside her, but he just pulled her closer. “Why are you acting like I’m some sort of monster? Weren’t you just texting me, saying how much you missed me?” His voice was tight, anger and hurt bleeding together. “I came all this way to see you. Now you’re running from me? What’s that supposed to mean?”

Lucie stared at him, confused and furious. “What are you even talking about? Steven, you’re delusional. We’re divorced. I want nothing to do with you.”

Steven’s jaw clenched as her words hit him like a slap. “So why have you been texting me every day? Flirting, asking for photos, telling me you can’t sleep because you miss me?” His eyes were wild. “Don’t play innocent with me.”

Lucie’s hands started to shake. “I never did that. Don’t make things up. I haven’t messaged you, Steven. Just stop this.”

He let out a bitter laugh and reached for his phone, ready to prove her wrong. “You really want to lie to my face?”

But Lucie was faster. While he dug for his phone, she fumbled in her pocket and grabbed the stun gun she always carried. She pressed it against his side and pulled the trigger.

A jolt of electricity surged through Steven, making his whole body seize. He let out a strangled grunt and jerked away, his muscles twitching uncontrollably.

Lucie didn’t hesitate. She wrenched the car door open, stumbling out in a rush.

Steven almost blacked out, a burnt smell rising from his hair. But years of training had made him tough. He shook off the shock, cursing under his breath.

In the split second before Lucie could escape, he lunged. His hand caught the back of her shirt, yanking her back into the car.

His face was twisted with rage. She’d humiliated him, toyed with him, and now she’d gone and tased him.

He wasn’t letting her go.

Lucie’s fear hit a new high as she screamed, “Let me go! Steven, stop!”

If Steven was calm, she could handle him. But when he was like this—eyes wild, teeth clenched—she knew what he was capable of. He’d shown her before, and each time it got worse. This was the angriest she’d ever seen him, and she was terrified.

He pinned her against the seat, his hand tight on her arm. “You really think I won’t hurt you?” His voice was low and rough.

Before she could react, he ripped off his tie and bound her wrists together, knotting them tight.

She fought against him, but it didn’t matter. He was stronger. “No! Help me! Please, someone!” Tears streamed down her face.

Elio’s eyes narrowed, his voice sharp. “I’m asking you where Lucie is.”

“I… I didn’t see her!” June stammered, glancing away.

Elio’s patience snapped. He grabbed her by the collar, forcing her to meet his eyes. “She came out here looking for you. How could you not have seen her? Tell me where she went. Now.”

June’s nerves shattered under his glare. She pointed shakily toward the exit. “She… she… went out there.”

Elio didn’t wait for more. Dropping her, he sprinted to the entrance.

Just as he burst outside, he saw a black Maybach tear off down the street.

“Lucie!” he shouted, breaking into a run, but the car was already gone. There was no way he could catch it on foot.

He scanned the street, quickly sizing up the situation. The car had to turn left at the end of the alley to reach the main road.

Without thinking, he sprinted for the wall, using it as a springboard to fling himself up. His hands caught the top, and he pulled himself up, adrenaline surging.