Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 23

The next morning, Effie had just arrived at the office when Mitchell came looking for her.

She assumed he was finally ready to sign the papers.

But Mitchell wasn't ready to agree yet he wanted to negotiate, and he had a condition: she had to accompany him to a business dinner that evening.

It wasn't out of the ordinary. Effie was usually his partner at these events. Many of the company's clients had a good impression of her; she was patient, steady, and reliable-qualities the clients respected. There were a few deals in the pipeline, and Mitchell didn't want to risk upsetting things. If he brought Suzan instead, clients might get the wrong idea and start speculating.

To keep the business running smoothly, Effie's attendance was essential.

She agreed easily enough. After all, it was just another dinner.

Effie texted Lyman in advance, letting him know she'd be at a business event that night.

When Lyman saw her message, he paused, the corners of his mouth lifting in a small smile.

it be the

newlywed bliss. But if his wife was going, maybe he should show up

told Luther he'd be attending,

decided on something, that was it. And to see Mr. Etheridge smiling at his phone -now

world was getting stranger

office. Mitchell's car

door swung open, revealing Suzan in the back seat, her face carefully made

do you?" Suzan asked, her voice sugary sweet. "Mitchell invited me along to get a taste of the business world. I'll need to get used to

in Suzan's practiced smile and couldn't help but laugh inwardly. She'd figured Mitchell would bring Suzan along-those

Suzan a cool glance, her tone calm. "Mind? Why would

response, her smile faltering. "Effie,

a short, derisive laugh. "Family? Suzan, did you forget? I have nothing to do with the Bagnold family anymore. Whatever

opened her mouth to retort, but before she could, Mitchell leaned over from the other side of the

word, Effie opened the passenger