I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 382

My heart inexplicably tightened, but I didn't turn around. My face was taut, my brow furrowed.

That deep voice, that cold tone—it was all too familiar. It could only be Steven.

I turned to see him standing there, dressed in a classic black trench coat over a crisp white shirt. Every inch of his attire, from the collar to the cuffs of his trousers, was impeccably pressed. He looked handsome, but his lips were pale and there were faint dark circles under his eyes, making him appear somewhat worn out.

He fixed me with an icy glare as he walked in, with the shorter Gordon trailing behind him.

Over by the table, Jacob, ignoring the sting of the slap, rushed to help Verna up. "Verna, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?"

Verna broke out in a cold sweat, biting her lip hard. "I sprained my ankle."

"I'll take you to the hospital," Jacob said at once.

Steven’s gaze shifted to Verna, assessing her condition before turning back to me. Even with the light behind him, the shadows couldn't hide the storm brewing in his eyes.

"Gordon, call the police. Have her arrested for assault."

His words hung in the air, sending a wave of shock through everyone present, including me.

I had only pushed her hand away. I never intended to hurt her, let alone assault her. And Steven wanted to call the police?

But at this point, with Verna injured and Steven being so fiercely protective of her, I had a feeling a trip to the station was unavoidable.

I sank back into my seat, a cold smile playing on my lips, my eyes filled with silent mockery.

Well played, Steven.

Jacob stared, dumbfounded, his brow creasing as he looked at me.

Verna showed a flicker of surprise but said nothing, her eyes fixed on Steven.

Only Gordon looked like he was about to have a heart attack. "Mr. Lancaster, call the police? And arrest... who?"

Steven shot him a sideways glance. "Who do you think?"

"So I'm just supposed to let him harass me, let him bully me? Besides, that was between him and me. What happened between you and me was you pushing me to the ground. Why are you dragging him into this? If you don't want to apologize, just say so. Stop making excuses."

Pushed her? I pushed her, my foot!

If I'd really pushed her, with my temper, she wouldn't be standing right now!

I rested my chin on my hand and looked up at her, her face a mask of defiance and grievance, as if she were the world's greatest victim.

"Don't give me that nonsense. Your man already called the police for you, right? So let them handle it. Bring out the evidence that I pushed you and that you're injured. Don't worry, high-end restaurants like this usually have security cameras. Have your man take you to the hospital for a medical evaluation. Whatever the police decide—whether I should apologize or pay compensation—I'll do it."

"You'd better make it look convincing. It would be embarrassing if your injury magically healed before the police arrived."

"You—you're too arrogant!" Verna seemed to flinch as if I'd hit a sore spot, her face flushed with anger and guilt. "Mr. Lancaster was just standing up for me! It's not the kind of relationship you're implying!"

Verna was trying to explain, and Jacob's expression flickered, but his face remained tense and grim, unable to muster a smile.

"Oh?" I scoffed. "But didn't you say last time that Steven proposed to you, that he even bought a house for you two abroad and you were going to accept? Seeing how he rushed to your defense just now, like you were the love of his life, I thought you two had already tied the knot. Why are you acting like strangers now?"