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.

have enough money of my own. I don't need this," Effie stammered,

from now on, you're Mrs. Etheridge. That means my money is yours too. And, of course, so am I." Lyman's tone was playful, a teasing warmth she'd never expected from someone as

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

a completely different feeling from the sting

warmth, a sense that she truly mattered to someone. "Alright," she replied

go ahead and get it. Don't worry about the price," Lyman added, as thoughtful as ever, covering even the

"Okay, I understand."

was left with a lingering

her back to the present-she really

needed to

Effie headed back to the

planned to go shopping

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

I just ran into Mitchell and

indignation. "What? Those two jerks showed up here? Did they hit you? Where are they? I'll go give them a

Don't worry, I slapped Suzan back-I'm not letting them get

"Ugh! Next time I see those two, I swear I'll tear

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