Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 34

It was all Effie's fault-damn her. If it hadn't been for her, none of this would've happened. She'd never have made such a rookie mistake.

Effie stood off to the side, watching the scene unfold with icy detachment. Not a flicker of emotion crossed her face.

She knew perfectly well that Suzan's tears were nothing but an act.

This was always Suzan's go-to move-turn on the waterworks and play the victim. And Shepard always, always took her side.

"Effie..." Vera turned, her voice tinged with desperate pleading. "Could you put out a statement? Help Suzan clear things up? Just say it was all a misunderstanding, that you two were just messing around-sisters being sisters..."

"A misunderstanding? Just messing around?" Effie let out a sharp laugh, unable to contain herself. "Do you really think everyone's that stupid? Suzan dragged me into this mess, and now she's getting roasted for it. She's just reaping what she sowed."

Vera's face flushed a deep, angry red. She was momentarily speechless, so stunned by Effie's bluntness she looked as if she might choke.

Shepard, seeing Vera's humiliation, snapped. “Effie! Don't forget, you're a Bagnold too!"

Effie met his furious glare, her voice cold and unwavering. "Honestly, I wish I wasn't. And if you dragged me back here for this circus, sorry-I'm not interested in helping."

knives. "And one more thing. Don't ever

on her

reason to make

the same Effie they could

barely controlled rage.

shrank back, not daring to

did Suzan let out an angry huff. "Mom, I wish Effie would

today—every humiliation—was all

gone white. Veins stood out

and dangerous. "Don't worry. I won't let that bitch off so

harmless-not worth worrying about. She never expected Effie to be so resourceful, to actually manipulate

Impressive, really.

just finish this? Kidnap her, bring in a couple of thugs, snap some compromising photos-naked, humiliated. Let's see how high and mighty she is then. Mitchell will drop her in a heartbeat.

idea. The thought of Effie being broken and ruined made her pulse race

downright sinister. "I agree. It's a good plan. Leave

to play nice,