The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 172

**Chapter 172**

In a fleeting moment, the steaming coffee erupted from the cup, splattering across Steven’s face, neck, and the pristine white shirt that had once seemed so immaculate.

Zachary, his business partner, stood frozen, his eyes wide with shock, disbelief etched on his features. Gordon inhaled sharply, his breath hitching in his throat. “Mr. Lancaster,” he murmured, the words barely escaping his lips.

Only Steven maintained his composure amidst the chaos. His strikingly handsome face remained an impassive mask, as though the coffee shower had not ruffled him at all. With an air of calm authority, he turned to Zachary, a faint, almost mocking smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

“My apologies, Zachary. Let’s postpone our meeting for another time, shall we?” His tone was smooth, almost rehearsed, as if he were accustomed to wielding power over every situation.

Zachary scrambled to his feet, his demeanor shifting to one of forced politeness. “Of course, of course. Please, Mr. Lancaster, do take care of your business. We can discuss this later.”

Gordon, ever the epitome of professionalism, stepped forward with an understanding nod. “Zachary, allow me to escort you out.”

As their footsteps faded into the distance, Gordon thoughtfully closed the door behind them, leaving an oppressive silence in the room.

Steven remained seated on the sofa, his deep, cold eyes locked onto mine, the air thick with tension. It felt as if I were suffocating under the weight of his gaze.

“Did you come here to throw a tantrum like a spoiled princess? Apologize to me. And clean this mess up,” he said, his voice steady, devoid of any warmth or empathy.

Despite the physical disparity—him sitting comfortably while I stood towering over him—I felt as if I were the one being scrutinized, belittled by his commanding presence.

I let out a cold, humorless laugh, placing the empty cup back on the table with a deliberate clatter.

“Apologize? You must be joking. You’re the one who owes me an apology. What do you want from me? First, you bribe my lawyer, trying to manipulate me into staying by your side. Now, you’re coercing me into this business partnership, and the moment I hesitate, you threaten my livelihood. You are a failure as a husband and as a human being. Will it kill you to stop tormenting me?”

Steven’s dark eyes bore into mine, his voice a chilling whisper.

“Since you seem so self-aware, you should also know how to behave. You have two choices: either you apologize and clean this up like a good girl, or I will make sure Myron fires you.”

I held his gaze for three long, agonizing seconds, then reluctantly pulled a few tissues from the box, dabbing at the coffee stains on his face and neck. I understood the importance of avoiding confrontation with a rabid dog, and he was indeed a rabid dog, always ready to follow through on his threats.

A bright, defiant smile spread across my lips, though my voice dripped with sarcasm.

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