Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 142

But the moment Mr. Smith pictured Effie's porcelain skin, her graceful figure, and above all, the faint, intoxicating scent that seemed to linger around her, he felt his heart stir with longing.

Desire crawled beneath his skin, itching like a swarm of ants, impossible to ignore.

He glanced over at Mrs. Smith, sitting quietly beside him. She was only in her thirties, but her complexion looked dull and tired, makeup barely masking the exhaustion etched into her features. Her clothes were plain, her style uninspired— nothing about her caught his interest anymore.

The more he looked, the more resentful he became. It was maddening, the way life turned out when you compared yourself to others.

What on earth had he been thinking, marrying such a dreary woman?

Mrs. Smith had grown accustomed to his constant criticism and belittling. Her expression remained unchanged, as if she hadn't heard a word.

If he refused to listen to reason, then he could face the consequences. People who overstepped their bounds deserved whatever punishment came to them.

A flash of malice flickered beneath Mrs. Smith's lowered lashes.

...

and flushed, Mr. Smith suddenly remembered an old acquaintance he hadn't seen in

up his phone and dialed her

and the sight of Mr. Smith's name on her screen made her heart skip

it, why would he call

of her past she'd rather forget-a chapter she had

Smith had taken a liking to her, and thanks to his influence, her career took off quickly. But that favor came at a price, leaving plenty of leverage in

dancer and A-list celebrity, she wanted nothing more than to sever all ties

end of the line, Mr. Smith's voice oozed with sleazy charm. "Isabel, long time no see. What have you been up

Isabel forced a polite tone. "Mr. Smith, what a coincidence. You're here for business? Where are you

steer the conversation elsewhere, she kept

up, and you just popped into my mind. What's the matter? Now that you're a big star,

skipped again. Mr.

Could he mean Lyman?

knew Mr. Smith dealt with some major players. If it was Lyman he was meeting, and if women came up

her approach, her voice softening. "Mr. Smith, don't be silly. I'd never look down on you. I do have an engagement tonight, by the way did

she's quite the looker," Mr.