I had seen Steven’s gentle, protective side with Verna. Once they got together, his thorns would be smoothed away. He was meant to be saved by his first love, not to be locked in a bitter struggle with someone just like him.
Mr. Lancaster Sr. studied my earnest expression and, likely realizing he couldn’t change my mind, let out a long sigh and patted my hand.
“I understand. You’re a good child. Go get that boy and bring him in here.”
I took a couple of deep breaths, stood up, and opened the door. Gordon was standing guard like a sentry, while Steven sat in a chair, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as I came out.
“Finished?”
Gordon also looked at me expectantly. I nodded at Steven. “You can go in. Grandfather wants to talk to you.”
Steven’s eyes flickered. He stood up and followed me back into the room.
The old man had managed to sit up on his own and was sipping some water. When he saw his tall, handsome grandson, the gentle, loving expression on his face hardened. It was clear he was not happy with Steven right now.
“I’ve already spoken to Zephyra about your divorce. I have no objections, and I won’t interfere. But after you divorce, I’m going to adopt Zephyra as my honorary granddaughter.”
My eyes widened in shock. I stared at Mr. Lancaster Sr. “Grandfather…”
I had wondered how he would help me—whether he would help me get money or something else. I never imagined he would offer me a place in the family.
An honorary granddaughter of the Lancaster patriarch. If that became official, I would have the same status and access to resources as Steven. He was backing me up all the way to the top.
Steven’s face immediately darkened, his tone turning frigid.
“No.”
“And why not?” Mr. Lancaster Sr. retorted. “I’m fond of Zephyra, not just as a granddaughter-in-law. You weren’t good enough or lucky enough to keep her as your wife, but I’m capable enough to keep her as my granddaughter. What’s wrong with that?”
Steven’s expression was thunderous. “I said no. She cannot be my sister.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven)