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.

...

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

phone and dialed her

and the sight of

would he call

she'd rather forget-a chapter she had no desire

when she was just breaking into the industry, Isabel had done what she had to in order to get noticed. Mr. Smith had taken a liking to her, and thanks to his influence, her career took off

and A-list celebrity, she

"Isabel, long time no

tone. "Mr. Smith, what

elsewhere, she kept her voice

the resort. I'm here meeting with Mr. Etheridge. We've almost wrapped things up, and you just

heart skipped

Could he mean Lyman?

it was Lyman he was meeting, and if women came up in their talks, would Mr. Smith mention

changed 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

she's quite the