I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 422

With that, I handed the gift I had designed to Mr. Lopez Sr.

He remained as stern as ever, taking it and slipping it into his pocket. “Let’s eat.”

Seeing his cold expression, I thought he didn't like it and couldn’t help but glance at Julian.

Julian winked at me, signaling for us to sit down for dinner.

I looked at Horace, who was just as tense as I was. The old man hadn't even looked at him, making him more nervous than me.

Ryan sidled up to me conspiratorially. “Don’t worry, Grandpa’s thrilled. If he didn’t like it, he would’ve thrown it on the floor. Not just anything gets to go in Grandpa’s pocket.”

Really?

I didn’t say anything and sat down, ready to eat.

Just then, the butler hurried over. “Sir, Mrs. Lancaster is here with gifts. She says she’d like to get acquainted with the Lopez family and build a connection.”

Horace’s expression didn’t change, but I couldn’t help but smile. “She actually came.”

She really was unhinged, daring to show up at the Lopez estate. But with Steven still in a coma, she was probably just saying she wanted to “get acquainted” instead of proposing a marriage alliance.

Ryan’s face instantly darkened. “Gifts? We don’t want her useless gifts! After bullying you, she has the nerve to show her face here? Grandpa, I’ll go throw her out! As long as I’m here, she won’t set foot in this house!”

Mr. Lopez Sr. looked displeased. “Hold on. What’s with all this blustering?”

Ryan pouted. “Grandpa.”

Mr. Lopez Sr. ignored him. Sitting majestically in his chair, he glanced at me. “She’s your mother-in-law?”

I pressed my lips together. “We’re divorced now. She’s Steven’s mom.”

Julian chimed in, “Dad, she’s the one I told you about. That petty woman with the foul mouth who was always insulting Zephyra.”

My eyes instantly welled up with tears, but he only grew harsher. “If your uncle hadn't called you home, were you planning to live the rest of your life on your own? Like a stray cat that anyone can kick around?”

His harsh words filled me with a warmth I hadn’t felt in years, and tears streamed down my face. “Grandfather, I was wrong. I’ll stay home from now on. I won’t be a stray anymore.”

I threw my arms around him. He tried to push me away, ever the clean freak. “You’re getting tears all over my shirt.”

But I held on tight, soaking in the warmth of family. “So what! I’ll wash it for you! I’m great at laundry!”

Both my uncles and Cousin Leonard burst out laughing. Leonard’s lips curled into a smile. “Grandpa, don’t be so hard on her. Girls scare easily.”

Mr. Lopez huffed, his mustache twitching. “Hard on her? This is as gentle as I get!”

He finally hugged me back, patting my head. Seeing my pitiful, tear-streaked face, the affection in his eyes was unmistakable. He raised a weathered hand and wiped away my tears.

“You stubborn girl, just like your mother. Stop crying. If that ex-husband of yours ever dares to show his face here and bother you, I’ll break his legs—”