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.

she'd hand everything over, sell her shares, and finally cut

Etheridge Manor

to the stately

opened. A pair of polished leather shoes hit the ground, and Lyman,

looked up, her face lighting up as she called out in her

So, did you finish looking through all those photos I sent

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crossed the room, his sharp features softening just a little with resignation. "Mom, that's actually what I wanted to

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

and frustration. "Mom, I assure you, I'm perfectly straight. Can you please stop with all

a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, don't be so uptight! It's the

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

shot him a look of pure disbelief. “Yeah, sure. If you're so