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.

be the same one

planned to skip it-he was still basking in newlywed bliss. But if his wife was going, maybe

he'd be attending,

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

world was getting stranger by

work, Effie stepped out of the office. Mitchell's car was parked a

revealing Suzan in the

sugary sweet. "Mitchell invited me along to get a taste of the business world.

inwardly. She'd figured Mitchell would bring Suzan along-those

gave Suzan a cool glance, her tone calm. "Mind? Why would I mind? I'm not the one interfering in other

momentarily thrown by Effie's icy response, her smile faltering. "Effie, come on, don't say that. We're family, after

to do

hit home. She opened her mouth to retort, but before she could, Mitchell leaned over from the other side

another word, Effie opened the passenger door and slid