Chapter 230

Lucie grinned as she explained, "You guys have to try these pastries. They're rumored to be made from old royal recipes."

"Sure, let's have some," Elio said, and he and Mick each grabbed a piece of almond cake to taste.

June, though, couldn't care less about the food. She was glued to her phone, waiting for Steven to text her back.

[Why haven't you replied?]

Fifteen minutes passed. Her phone started buzzing.

Steven was video calling her.

June's heart shot up to her throat. She immediately declined the call.

[I'm eating dinner right now. Can't talk.]

A minute later, his text popped up.

[Come outside. I'm at the restaurant entrance.]

June stared at the message, totally stunned.

Oh my god. What am I supposed to do now? How did he get here so fast?

She started panicking.

Lucie looked over, totally clueless. "June, are you okay? Why aren't you eating?"

June was sweating bullets, practically bouncing in her seat. "Uh... my stomach hurts. I need to use the bathroom. Don't wait for me, you guys eat."

She jumped up and hurried out of the private room.

Elio rolled his eyes. "Always something with her. Ignore it."

Lucie just gave him a look, but said nothing. The three of them went back to their food.

A little while later, June snuck out to the restaurant entrance.

She pressed herself against the door and peeked outside.

A sleek black Maybach was parked right out front.

She could see someone sitting in the driver's seat.

It had to be Steven.

Crap, what do I do now?

Her phone buzzed again—another video call from Steven.

There was no way she was answering, and definitely no way she was going out there to face him.

Then a voice message came in, Steven's tone low and icy. "Didn't you say you missed me? I'm here now. Why are you hiding from me? Are you playing games again?"

June felt her panic spike. This was bad. Really bad.

She was desperate, so she texted Lucie.

[Lucie, I just got my period. Can you come outside and bring me a pad? Please?]

Lucie frowned at the message, but got up right away. She always kept a spare in her bag-just in case. You never knew when you might need one.

Elio looked up, confused. "Where are you going, Lucie?"

Lucie didn't want to explain, so she just mumbled, "I'm going to look for June." "Why? Leave her alone."

"Keep eating, we'll be right back," she said, grabbing her purse and heading out. Outside, she didn't see June anywhere, so she called her.

"Hey, June, where are you?"

June's voice was barely above a whisper. "I'm by the entrance. Come out."

"Is there even a bathroom over there?"

"Don't worry about it—just come here. I'll explain."

"...Okay," Lucie said, not thinking much of it, and walked toward the entrance.

She'd barely made it through the door when she saw Steven get out of his car. His face was dark and stormy.

Their eyes met.

Lucie gasped and instinctively stepped back. "Steven? What are you doing here?"

Steven's eyes narrowed as he strode toward her, each step slow and deliberate. His shoes crunched on the gravel, and his glare was sharp enough to cut.

"Why are you hiding from me? Didn't you say you missed me?" He grabbed her wrist, his grip tight and unyielding. "You're out here eating with other guys but can't even look me in the eye?"

Lucie stumbled and dropped her phone.

"Let go of me! What's your problem?"

The air was thick with tension.

Steven's pupils shrank as he grabbed her jaw with his other hand and pulled her into his arms a twisted smile on his lips What's wrong? Not happy to see me?"

Lucie was totally thrown. "You're crazy! Let go! Get out of here—I don't want to

see you!"

Steven's brow furrowed. He looked at her like he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

Of course. Her attitude had changed in a heartbeat.

A minute ago, she was calling him baby over text, saying she wanted to hug and kiss him. Now that he was actually here, she was acting ice-cold.

"Lucie, what do you want from me? How long are you going to keep messing with me?"

Lucie struggled, trying to kick him away. "Let go! If you don't let go, I'm going to scream!"

"Help! Mmph-”

Before she could finish, Steven spun her around, clapped a hand over her mouth and wrapped his arm around, her waist, lifting her up like she weighed nothing.

Lucie tried to yell for help, but it came out as muffled whimpers. She was no

match for him.

Steven held her tight and marched her over to his car.

He yanked open the door and stuffed her inside.