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 as his

their marriage was just some kind of

thought made his

to prepare an impressive array of gifts and headed straight

that Selma, the family matriarch, had always been kind to

held the

arrived, he strode directly into

people saw him, the

echoed through Neo-Arcadia as one of its most

kind of clout did Selma have to warrant

Selma herself was taken

had she, of all people, ever come to be connected with someone

flustered but beaming. "Mr... Mr. Etheridge, what an honor! You're too kind to grace us

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

with an assortment of beautifully wrapped boxes-inside were rare and valuable health supplements, the

wasn't much time to prepare, but I hope you'll

trembled as she accepted the gifts. "Thank you! Your presence alone

do,"

who'd only just caught sight

chance to meet such a powerhouse in person? Today

privilege to have you here—our home is truly honored! Please,