I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 693

Steven’s eyes were cold as he looked at Ryan. “The only reason I’m being civil with you is because of Zephyra. Without that connection, you wouldn’t even have the chance to speak so disrespectfully. You’re nothing but a pampered young master of the Lopez family. I don’t even see Leonard as a threat. Crushing you would be effortless.”

As Ryan’s face contorted with anger, Steven’s gaze shifted to Julian, and he dismissed them both. “Uncle Julian, regardless of what rumors you’ve heard, I will not let her go. The last time I left her on her own for a few days, she was drugged and lost her memory. If I let her go again, who knows what might happen? Here with me, I can at least guarantee her safety.”

The landslide, the car crash… Steven had been the only one seriously injured. That alone spoke volumes.

Julian’s eyes narrowed as he sensed something more. “Zephyra’s amnesia… was it deliberate?”

Ryan shot back angrily, “Even if it was, he’s the one who did it! Everyone knows he’s obsessed with my sister, constantly harassing her. With her amnesia, who benefits the most? He’s the prime suspect!”

Steven gave a wry smile. “Am I the only one pursuing her? If Horace had been able to keep her, would she have been leaving the country in the first place?”

“You!” Ryan was speechless, but then he found his voice again, defending Horace. “At least he’s better than you! Don’t act like a gentleman, I know you’re not!”

Steven ignored him and turned back to a frowning Julian. “Uncle Julian, if you don’t wish to return to Baxo, I can arrange accommodations for you. You don’t need to worry about Zephyra. When she’s a bit better, you won’t have to ask; I’ll bring her to visit her family myself.”

“But if you insist on playing hardball,” he continued, folding his hands, his commanding presence overwhelming them even as he sat, “then I am more than happy to play along.”

Ryan was about to erupt again, but Julian held him back. They left, escorted by Gordon.

Once outside, Ryan was fuming. “Why did you stop me? I should have smashed his head in! He’s holding Zephyra hostage, and who knows what he’s doing to her behind closed doors! We have to rescue her!”

“You can dismiss some of what he says, but when he says he won’t hurt Zephyra, he’s not lying. He loves her. He couldn’t bring himself to harm her.”

Noah chuckled. “Mr. Spencer, I thought this was a simple rivalry over a woman. I didn’t realize it involved Mr. Lancaster Sr. If I continue working with you, I’m afraid I’ll be Steven’s next target.”

Horace’s expression shifted. Noah hung up.

He tossed his phone aside and leaned his head back against the chair, closing his eyes.

Rachel, who was sitting nearby, saw his distress and couldn’t help but ask what was wrong. Horace opened his eyes and handed her a folder. “It’s nothing. When two unequal parties compete, the weaker one is bound to lose. I’ll be fine. The project can continue. But this file contains records of some of the terrible things Steven has done. He’s very clever and covers his tracks well, so it’s hard to find concrete evidence. I don’t need to bring him to justice, I just want Zephyra to see it. Can you help me?”

Since their last argument and reconciliation, Rachel had avoided mentioning certain people and subjects. She pursed her lips, took the file, and began to read. Her eyes widened in shock. “Is all of this… real?”

“Steven actually did things like this? How could he? How dare he! This is monstrous. If Zephyra knew, there’s no way she would stay with him—”