Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 81

Now wasn't the time to dwell on it. Shepard quickly told a servant to fetch Effie.

At that moment, Effie was just coming in from the back garden.

As she entered the main hall, Lyman's gaze found her immediately.

His eyes were deep and hard to read, carrying a hint of concern that almost slipped by unnoticed.

"Effie," Lyman called softly, his voice low and resonant.

She'd told him before that she wasn't ready to go public yet.

Lyman understood-if others found out about Effie's true status, it would only bring her trouble.

Effie was startled to see him—had he come back from his trip already?

And how did he know today was her grandmother's birthday luncheon?

The surprise was plain on her face.

Lyman looked at her, his voice a low murmur. "Today's your grandmother's birthday celebration. Why didn't you tell me?"

on business. I thought

expression darkened just a touch, his tone tinged with displeasure. "We're married, Effie. How could

warmth bloomed in Effie's chest. Did this mean he was starting to care about

tone. "Alright. I'll tell you next

"Are you about

already paid her respects to the matriarch; she was prepared to

Lyman had shown up, if she lingered any longer, she'd probably just make things more complicated for

many guests eyed Lyman with

kept a notoriously low profile, rarely showing up

family's

him-none more so than Shepard, who

addressing Lyman with eager politeness. "Mr. Etheridge, it's such a rare honor to have you here

special day for your mother-of

was a polite but

then he recovered smoothly, nodding. "Of course, Mr. Etheridge. I won't keep you any

inclined his head

their goodbyes to the matriarch, Lyman led Effie out of the

seen her share of life, had

was something almost intimate about the way

Lyman's attention had