I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 345

"No problem, Mr. Lancaster. You want to speak with your wife, right? I must say, your wife is quite a looker, just has a bit of a temper."

He winked at me. "Ma'am, you really did a number on Mr. Lancaster's face. Maybe go a little easier on him next time. Mr. Lancaster, I'll see you shortly."

Before I could react, Ryan craned his neck, trying to get a better look at Steven's bruised face. In a voice only I could hear, he whispered, "When did you hit him? How come I didn't know?"

It was better he didn't know about Steven forcing a kiss on me. Otherwise, Steven would probably have another handprint on his face.

I quickly shushed him with a vague excuse.

Steven nodded to the man and then turned to me. His tone was natural and casual, as if we were a long-married couple.

"What is it? What did you want to talk about?"

He was still dressed in a long, black coat, his handsome, scholarly face framed by his short hair. The only thing marring his appearance was the faint red marks on his right cheek.

Ryan let out a snort of laughter, clearly enjoying the sight.

I quickly cleared my throat and looked up at Steven.

"I heard you acquired an auction item, the Gilded Jade Go Set. I was wondering if you would be willing to part with it. Whatever you paid, I'm willing to offer double."

My tone was distant and businesslike, devoid of any emotion. Ryan nodded in agreement beside me.

Gordon immediately looked at Steven and reminded him softly, "Mr. Lancaster, the Gilded Jade Go Set is the one I'm holding. It's what Hugh wanted."

His voice was too low for me to hear clearly. Steven's dark, deep eyes stared at me, listening to my detached words. A mocking smile touched his lips.

Now that we were divorced, his words were baffling. He had said 'wife', not 'lover'. If he had suggested I be his lover, I wouldn't have been so confused.

After all, men were creatures who thought with their lower halves. I was the only woman he had ever been with, so it was normal for him to feel the occasional urge to reconnect.

Ryan was also incredibly annoyed. His youthful defiance flared as he lifted his chin and glared at Steven.

"Steven, are you just trying to cause trouble? My sister is divorced from you, so how can she be your wife? Are you trying to have your cake and eat it too? Acting like some sleazy tycoon with a mistress in every port, collecting women to satisfy your sick fantasies?"

"I'm telling you, as long as I'm here, you can forget it!"

Steven's handsome face remained as cold as ever. He shot a dismissive glance at the chattering Ryan before his gaze returned to me.

"Zephyra, we can remarry. Then you'll still be Mrs. Lancaster. And whatever my wife wants, I will—of course—offer it with both hands."