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.

attention to her work. Soon she'd

Etheridge Manor

old cobblestone drive, its sleek, modern lines a stark contrast to the stately brickwork of the historic estate. The car

hit the ground, and Lyman, with his impossibly

looked up, her face lighting up

did you

66

actually what I wanted to ask you about. Why were there

exasperated. "What, I was just giving you more options! Who knows, maybe you'd prefer a nice young man. I don't care who you bring home-man, woman, cat, or dog-just give me a daughter-in-law

twitched, torn between amusement and frustration. "Mom, I assure you, I'm perfectly straight.

mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, don't be so uptight! It's the twenty-first century-boy, girl, it's all the same.

bridge of his nose and tugged at his navy-blue tie. "Mom, you don't have to worry. I've already found someone for

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