Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 137

As evening settled in, the group gathered for dinner at the resort hotel. Laughter and lively conversation filled the air; everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Lyman was especially attentive to Effie. Even while chatting with Mr. Smith, he kept an eye on her, making sure her plate was never empty. Whenever Effie reached for the fish, Lyman would carefully remove the bones for her.

His thoughtful gestures warmed Effie's heart. She turned her head slightly, giving him a gentle smile. "Thank you," she whispered.

Mrs. Smith, watching the exchange, grinned and teased, “Mr. Etheridge, you're spoiling your wife! It's really quite enviable."

Mr. Smith nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. Mr. Etheridge, you're young, successful, and blessed with a wonderful family. You really are living the dream.”

Lyman smiled calmly, though his gaze never left Effie. "I am," he said, "I'm very fortunate."

blushed and lowered her

engrossed in conversation-discussing business, policies, and future plans. Both men clearly knew their stuff. Effie hadn't been following the conversation closely, but even so, she couldn't help but marvel at how knowledgeable Lyman was. Mr. Smith, too, impressed her with his

With the two men deep in discussion, Effie found herself growing bored. After a while,

she noticed a small courtyard just beyond the corridor. Wanting some fresh air, she wandered over, letting the night

looked unsteady on his feet, likely from one too many drinks, and seemed liable

to approach—after all, there were boundaries to

Mr. Smith spotted her almost immediately, his gaze fixed intently on her. "Mrs. Etheridge! What a coincidence, stepping out

was just about to head

Mr. Smith's eyes unsettled her. She couldn't

made her skin crawl. Maybe

Effie offered a brief smile and started

grabbed her hand.