I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 198

“He’s a busy man,” I replied. “How could he possibly come to a party? He’s on a business trip today.”

My father exploded. “You didn’t tell him it was my birthday? I ask you to do one thing, and you can’t even get that right. What are you good for?”

In my past life, his casual insults would have cut me to the core, making me feel worthless. But now, I just smiled faintly.

“I did tell him. He said he was too busy. Shall I call him again and ask?”

With that, I pulled a large butcher knife from my purse. Janice flinched and stumbled backward. I shot her a knowing look.

“It’s just a phone case. To scare off the bad guys.”

Janice’s face grew even paler. I knew she would take the hint. Satisfied, I made a call with my butcher knife phone—not to Steven, of course, but to Rachel.

“Steven,” I cooed into the phone, “it’s Dad’s birthday today. If you don’t come, he’ll yell at me, and in front of all these people. I’ll be so embarrassed.”

“Mhmm, okay. You tell him.”

I handed the phone to my father. He took it nervously, his tone instantly becoming sycophantic.

“Mr. Lancaster, ah, it’s my birthday today. We have quite a crowd here. If Mr. Lancaster could just…”

His face fell. He handed the phone back to me. “He hung up.”

I took the phone, my face a mask of pitiful disappointment.

“See, Dad? It’s not that I didn’t try. He just doesn’t want to come. Do you get it now?”

I knew how much effort my father and Janice had put into this party. The guest list was a testament to that. With both Mary and Steven absent, he was a laughingstock.

My father’s brow was furrowed with anxiety. “But the investment for that project I told you about… we can’t delay it any longer. We need to finalize it.”

“What’s the rush?” I said, trying to soothe him. “We have so many distinguished guests here. Let’s enjoy the party first. We can talk business later.”

She shot me a triumphant smirk. “See, Zephyra? Every eye in the room is on me. This is the power of beauty. I told you I would outshine you, and I have.”

I glanced down. It was true; nearly every man in the room was staring at her. I looked back at Antonia, at her exposed shoulders, collarbones, and thighs, and clicked my tongue.

“It’s almost winter. Aren’t you cold?”

The indoor temperature was in the low forties at best. Dressed like that, she was bound to get arthritis.

Antonia’s face froze. She seemed to suddenly feel the chill, goosebumps prickling her skin.

She rubbed her arms, about to say something, when her eyes suddenly lit up. She looked toward the door and, gathering her skirt, hurried down the stairs, her voice dripping with honeyed sweetness.

“Steven, you’re here!”

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