Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 26

Effie paused, caught off guard, and turned around. A tall man stood not far away, his tailored black suit fitting perfectly, sharp features set in an expression both cool and enigmatic, his gaze so deep it seemed to see straight through her.

Lyman.

Her heart skipped a beat-no, several. Of all moments, she hadn't expected to run into him looking such a mess.

"Lyman." Effie offered a small smile, trying to keep her voice steady and composed.

Nita, standing beside her, stared in disbelief.

Wait-what?

Was this really the infamous "prince" of Neo-Arcadia, Lyman Etheridge himself? The man who ran the entire Etheridge family? And he knew Effie?

This was unreal.

Before Nita could process it, Lyman was already at Effie's side. He took her hand, his brow creasing with concern. "What happened? Why are you soaked?"

hiding the truth; if she didn't tell him, he'd find

out, "Accident? Suzan pulled you into the pool

darkened. Someone dared to mess with her? Did they have

wanting anyone to learn about her relationship with Lyman, Effie brushed it off. "It's fine, really. I already gave her a piece

changed the subject. "This is my good friend, Nita. Nita,

meet you," Lyman greeted her

with refined features and a quiet nobility about him.

nice to meet you!" Nita managed,

to Effie.

"Aren't you supposed

at her dripping evening dress, his tone gentle but firm. “No, I'll take you home to change

down at her bedraggled state and agreed softly. "Okay. Let's

Effie's sleeve

come up with an answer, but Lyman spoke up before she

Nita nearly shouted, her eyes going round as saucers. Was she

furiously-she hadn't expected Lyman to just