The Rejected Luna (Avery and Kaden) novel Chapter 212

“So, you resent being married to me this much he said, his voice dangerously low. “You feel that wronged. But what if I refuse?”

I laughed, a cold, mocking sound. “Let me remind you, this trending topic was a warning. If you still won’t agree to a divorce, the next story will be the real thing. And don’t think I’m bluffing. I have a real talent for self–destructive, spiteful acts. If I get angry enough, I might just bring some random guy to your office and cause a scene. When Aether Studio’s reputation takes a hit and your public image is ruined, don’t blame me.”

I just didn’t get it. I could understand his reluctance before, assuming he didn’t want to pay a settlement. But now that I was offering to walk away with nothing, what reason did he have to drag this out?

Steven’s long, elegant fingers clenched around his phone, his handsome face hardening into a sharp, unforgiving mask. He didn’t have to say a word; I could already feel the fury radiating from him.

“If you can actually pull that off, I’ll be impressed,” he finally said, his voice laced with ice. “But for now, I’m only asking you one thing. Are you going to issue a joint statement with me, or are you going to divorce me?”

Was that even a choice?

Without a moment’s hesitation, I answered, my voice firm and clear.

“Divorce.”

The atmosphere in the car instantly became charged, thick enough to cut with a knife. I watched as Steven’s composure shattered, his breathing growing heavy and ragged with rage. He suddenly unbuckled his seatbelt.

My heart leaped into my throat. I had no idea what he was about to do, and I gripped my own seatbelt tighter. Just then, his phone rang, and I caught a glimpse of the screen: it was his mother calling.

Steven froze, then hung up the call without a second thought, his face a thunderous scowl. But another call came through immediately.

He was silent for three long seconds before answering, his voice a tightly controlled, emotionless monotone that betrayed none of the rage simmering just beneath the surface. If I weren’t sitting right next to him, watching the fire dance in his eyes, I would have never guessed he was on the verge of exploding.

“Dad.”

“Yes, I saw the news. That’s not Zephyra. The PR team is already working on a statement, and the topic will be taken down soon. It won’t cause any real damage to the company.”

1/2

20:18

Chapter 212

“We’re out right now, so we won’t be coming back for a bit. If you have something to say, just tell me.”

“This is between her and me. Don’t interfere. I know what I’m doing.”

Even without hearing his father’s side of the conversation, those four short sentences painted a clear picture. His father was a man who only cared about appearances and his bottom line. He never got involved unless his reputation or profits were at stake, and when they were, his only solution was to assign blame, demand accountability, and eliminate the problem.

I guessed he was reprimanding Steven for failing to control me, demanding to know what he was going to do about my supposed “affair and offering his own solution: get rid of

1. me.

But Steven’s response…

I raised an eyebrow as he ended the call, tossing the phone aside. He reached up and loosened his tie, as if he were struggling to breathe.

Just then, my own phone rang. It was Rachel. She must have seen the news, too. This whole stunt was a risky move, and I had kept it a secret from everyone.

As I reached to answer, Steven snatched the phone from my hand, hung up the call, and threw it onto the console with his own.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify