Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 119

Effie replied coolly, "I probably won't be free tonight. There's a project at work that needs to be rushed."

Shepard didn't seem the least bit surprised by her refusal. Still smiling, he pressed on, "What about tomorrow? Or the weekend? You have to make time for your old man at some point, right?"

Effie cut through the pretense. "If you have something to say, just say it. And if you're lonely, you can always have your darling daughter keep you company. I'm sure Suzan would be delighted."

Shepard's face darkened instantly.

Ungrateful girl!

But now that Effie might know Lyman, he forced himself to swallow his anger.

"You're my daughter too. Blood ties aren't so easily broken," he said through gritted teeth.

Effie gave a cold, mirthless laugh. "You didn't call just to talk about blood ties, did you? If that's all, I'll hang up. I'm busy."

for you. You must come back." Shepard's tone

could respond, he

him, but she knew Shepard all

back and see

out for a dinner engagement, Effie made her way back to

at the entrance of Bagnold Mansion, took a steadying breath, and

in hand, looking relaxed. When he heard the front door, he looked up, set his cup down, and

Effie frowned.

he been possessed by a

he welcome her back like

she wasn't careful, she'd probably get sold off

her expression exaggerated and her voice shrill. "Effie! Come in, sit down. I just made some nourishing soup for you- I'll bring it out in

nearly shivered at the

on earth was going on with