The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 171

**Between the Wings of Twilight Lies the Memory of You**
**by Liren Ava Roen**
**Chapter 171**

A knot of anxiety twisted tightly in my stomach, a sensation I was all too familiar with. My mind immediately drifted back to Antonia’s words from earlier that day. She had mentioned that Steven had been absolutely furious the night before, and that he wouldn’t let me escape without facing the consequences.

Oh, how I could picture Antonia, her voice dripping with drama, embellishing the tale to make it sound more harrowing than it truly was. And that fool, Steven, probably lapped it up, adding his own flair to the narrative in his mind. The so-called “business collaboration” was likely just a thinly veiled attempt to trap me and settle a score he had concocted.

“I’m not going,” I declared firmly, my resolve unwavering.

Myron’s face turned pale, panic flashing across his features. “You have to, Zephyra! This is a company project! Steven was looking for Somania, but you wouldn’t admit it was you, so I had no choice but to give him a fake number. He said he couldn’t get through, and now the collaboration in Europe has fallen apart. But the project still needs to move forward, and you’re the only one who can make that happen.”

I couldn’t help but scoff. “So, I’m the sole designer in your entire company? Is that really what you’re saying?”

Myron looked as if he were on the verge of tears, his voice trembling. “Zephyra, I’m being completely honest with you. Even if I had a hundred other designers at my disposal, Steven would still choose you. He gave me an ultimatum: if you don’t go, he’ll make me fire Jacob.”

The coffee cup in my hand met the desk with a forceful thud, the sound echoing in the tense silence that followed. A cold, steely glint shone in my eyes, but I forced my voice to remain deceptively calm.

“He’s using Jacob to intimidate me? How utterly laughable. Does he think I’m Verna?”

Yet, in the end, I found myself agreeing to go—not for any reason other than the weight of Myron’s next words.

“He also said that if Zephyra doesn’t attend, he’ll have her fired as well. And then he’ll ensure she’s blacklisted from the industry.”

“Honestly, Zephyra, he’s not joking. He’s made his demands clear, and he won’t relent until he sees you. The Lancaster family has the power to obliterate ‘Kardia’ without breaking a sweat. Sure, dealing with ‘Somania’ might present a challenge, but it’s not insurmountable. You may be a prominent figure, but you haven’t officially returned as ‘Somania.’ The public isn’t paying attention to you right now. Without the backing of fans and the public, you stand no chance against him. Unless, of course, you have a powerful ally—someone with resources comparable to the Lancaster family.”

Damn it. Each word was a stark reminder that I was just a girl from humble beginnings, lacking the privilege to refuse the demands of a man wielding such power.

My gaze shifted to the man beside him. Steven was reclined in his seat, his long legs crossed casually, draped in a custom-made black trench coat over a crisp white shirt. Every strand of hair on his head was meticulously styled, and as he turned his gaze toward me, he exuded an aura of undeniable authority. His cold eyes locked onto mine, as if I were mere prey ensnared in his trap.

“What are you doing here? I’m in a meeting. Leave,” he commanded, his voice laced with irritation.

Gordon stood right behind me, a silent witness to the unfolding drama. “I apologize, Mr. Lancaster. I couldn’t prevent her from entering,” he admitted, his tone apologetic yet cautious.

He gently grasped my arm, careful not to exert any force. “Mrs. Lancaster, please, let’s step outside.”

I shook him off, my gaze fixed on Steven. I took in his innate air of nobility, his flawless features that could charm anyone. He appeared so calm and collected, as if he weren’t the one who had just issued a threat against me.

A fire blazed within me, igniting my resolve. I strode boldly toward him, snatched the cup of iced coffee from the table, and hurled it right in his face.