Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 80

Effie offered a faint, unbothered smile. "Vera, right back at you," she replied coolly.

Vera's face turned a dangerous shade, but with so many eyes on her, she swallowed her anger and forced out a cold retort. "Don't get too comfortable. This isn't over."

Effie just shrugged, her lips curving into a dismissive grin before she turned and left the guest room.

"If they want to play games, I'll play along," she murmured to herself, a glint of icy determination flickering in her eyes.

At that exact moment, a sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom was gliding up the drive to Bagnold Mansion.

Lyman was back from his business trip.

He hadn't even gone home yet-he'd come straight here.

He'd tried calling Effie earlier, but she hadn't answered any of his calls.

Anxious, Lyman had Luther look into it, and only then discovered it was Selma's birthday celebration-Effie had returned to the family estate.

A heaviness crept into Lyman's chest.

Why hadn't Effie told him about Selma's birthday party? Weren't they married now?

as if she still didn't see herself

marriage was

thought made his expression

prepare an impressive array of gifts

the family matriarch, had always been kind to

the

strode directly into the

moment people saw him, the entire

Neo-Arcadia as one of its most influential men. And he had come to Selma Bagnold's

did

Selma herself was taken

people, ever come to be

but beaming. "Mr... Mr. Etheridge, what an

with polite formality. "Mrs. Bagnold, I wish you many

boxes-inside were rare and valuable health supplements, the kind reserved for only the most

but I hope you'll enjoy these," he said

hands trembled as she accepted the gifts. "Thank you! Your presence alone is the greatest gift. These are

do," Lyman responded, his tone measured

just caught sight of Lyman, practically lit

chance to meet such a powerhouse in person? Today was a stroke

over, grinning from ear to ear. "Mr. Etheridge, it's a real privilege to have you