Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 8

"A minor issue?" Effie let out a soft, mirthless laugh, her eyes laced with sarcasm. "Mitchell, you really think this is nothing? Or do you think I'm just someone you can brush off whenever you please?"

Mitchell's brow furrowed, his tone turning cold and clipped. "Effie, don't push your luck. I'll let this go-just this once. Don't let it happen again."

Effie rose from her seat, meeting his gaze with calm determination. "Mitchell, I'm dead serious."

The tension between them thickened in an instant; it was as if the air itself could catch fire.

Mitchell's fists clenched at his sides, but after a moment, he let out a bitter chuckle and strode toward the door.

"Effie, I hope you think this through."

He tossed the words over his shoulder and left the office without looking back.

The door slammed shut behind him. Effie stood silently for a moment, drawing a deep breath, forcing herself to steady the turmoil inside.

beat, she turned her attention to her work. Soon she'd hand

Etheridge Manor

contrast to the stately brickwork of the historic

leather shoes hit the ground, and Lyman, with his impossibly

At the sound of footsteps, she looked up, her face

home! So, did you finish looking through

66

sharp features softening just a little with resignation. "Mom, that's actually what I wanted to ask you

her eyes, sounding exasperated. "What, I was just giving you more options! Who knows, maybe you'd prefer a nice young man. I don't care

between amusement and frustration. "Mom, I assure you, I'm perfectly straight. Can you please stop with all this matchmaking? Am I really such a lost

so uptight! It's the twenty-first century-boy, girl, it's all the same. Love is love, you

tugged at his navy-blue tie. "Mom, you don't have to worry. I've already found someone for you to meet your future

of pure disbelief. “Yeah, sure. If you're so confident,