Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 1

The upper-level lounge at Neo-Arcadia radiated extravagance-every surface gleamed, every corner hummed with the scent of money. It was the city's most notorious den of indulgence.

Effie Bagnold paused outside a private suite, her slender hand poised on the polished brass handle. Just as she was about to enter, a familiar voice drifted through the door.

"Effie Bagnold? Already bored of her," Mitchell Lloyd drawled, lighting a cigarette and exhaling a thin plume of smoke. His tone was tinged with careless arrogance.

A chorus of laughter rose from inside. "Can't blame you," someone chimed in. "Even the prettiest face gets old after a while."

"But, Mitchell, can you really let her go? You chased her for years-three years together, that's not nothing."

"And Effie's stunning. She could outshine any Hollywood star," another voice added.

Mitchell gave a dismissive chuckle, his blue eyes glinting dangerously, a hint of red at their corners betraying too much alcohol. "Why would I care? I'd rather have a girl who's soft and sweet, like Suzan. She's gentle as a summer breeze. I've had enough of this on-and-off thing with Effie. It's just... dull."

Someone whistled. "Wait-Suzan Bagnold? Isn't she Effie's stepsister? You're really taking the whole family tour, huh?"

"Suzan's adorable. She calls me 'Mitch,'

man. Women-they're just

"But she's still-"

teasing filled the room, echoes bouncing off the velvet walls. Outside, Effie's grip tightened on the handle. She heard every word, clear as

through her, cold and sharp

so low

steadying breath, Effie pushed the door

room stiffened, glancing at one another,

his feet and always the peacemaker, jumped up with a forced smile. “Effie! Glad you're here. Come,

her voice icy. "Mitchell, we're

glass of red wine off the table and flung it straight into Mitchell's face. Then she turned and strode

cold with anger.

sounded so sure of himself-after all, he'd always

women from his own company. Effie had always

this was just