Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 12

A short while later, Mitchell left as well, Suzan on his arm.

Suzan's smile was irrepressible, even for herself. When it came to Mitchell, she was determined to win him-no matter what.

Effie returned from the restroom, only to find a new bank notification on her phone.

The string of zeros left her stunned.

She hadn't even had time to register the full amount before her phone started

ringing.

Seeing the caller ID, Effie's heart skipped a beat.

She took a moment to compose herself before answering.

"Mrs. Etheridge, did you get the money?" The deep, smooth voice on the line sent a shiver down her spine.

The sound of "Mrs. Etheridge" startled her so much, she thought her heart might leap right out of her chest.

of my own. I don't need this," Effie stammered, trying

But from now on, you're Mrs. Etheridge. That means my money is yours too. And, of course, so am

in her cheeks. She could hardly imagine someone as cold and reserved as Lyman saying

different feeling from the sting

Effie felt a rush of warmth, a sense that she truly mattered to

few days, you'll be meeting my family. If there's anything you want to buy, go ahead and get it. Don't worry about the price," Lyman added, as thoughtful as

"Okay, I understand."

was left with a lingering sense of

to the present-she really was about to meet his

to prepare a

Effie headed back to the restaurant's main

dinner, she planned to

returned, Nita looked up with a puzzled frown. "What took you so long? I was about to go looking for you. Wait-what happened to

casual. "It's nothing. I just ran into Mitchell and Suzan. Got held up a

they hit you? Where are they?

worry, I slapped Suzan back-I'm not letting them get the upper

sat down, still fuming. "Ugh! Next time I see those two, I swear I'll tear them

let them ruin your appetite. Eat up. Afterwards, come with me to the mall-I need to buy a gift,"