I Walked Away And He Lost His Mind (Zephyra and Steven) novel Chapter 781

Uncle Julian’s expression remained cold. “Rest assured, the Lopez family can afford its own housekeepers and staff. You don’t need to worry about that. As for you,” he said, turning back to Steven, “as long as I’m alive, you’ll never set foot through the Lopez family’s door again.”

“You know full well how much Zephyra suffered under your family’s roof. I won’t let this go.”

With that, Uncle Julian turned to me. “Zephyra, go pack your things.”

I nodded and quickly stood up.

Steven rose with me, but Uncle Julian stopped him with a sharp command. “You, sit down!”

Steven glanced at me, his lips tightening into a thin line, but after a moment’s hesitation, he sat back down.

I went upstairs with Tess and packed my sketchbooks and art supplies into my suitcase, adding just a few changes of clothes.

As Tess helped me, she asked, “Ma’am, will you be coming back?”

I paused. I hadn’t really thought about that.

I just knew my state of mind had been off lately, and I needed to get away from Steven. I hadn’t considered what would come next.

Seeing my silence, Tess seemed to understand.

“Ma’am, I don’t want you to go. Couldn’t you stay? Besides, Mr. Lancaster… you can feel how much he loves you, can’t you?”

I… I could feel it.

That was why my once-firm resolve was wavering. But I knew I couldn’t be with Steven.

Besides, I’d grown accustomed to her cooking. I wasn’t sure I’d like anyone else’s.

In just a few minutes, Tess went from dejected to elated. She carried my suitcase as we went downstairs together.

The living room was dead silent. The men sat on the sofa, none of them speaking. At the sound of our footsteps, they all turned their heads in unison.

Uncle Julian stood up, a kind expression on his face. “All packed?”

I nodded, then looked at Steven. “I prefer Tess’s cooking, so she’s coming with me. I’ll be paying her salary.”

Steven stared at me, and whether it was my imagination or not, I thought his eyes looked a little red.

Ryan’s voice dripped with sarcasm. “Someone ought to take a good, long look in the mirror and figure out what’s wrong with him. Zephyra would rather take a housekeeper than spare him a single glance.”