Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 145

Effie stood to the side, watching Lyman's back. Her heart pounded so hard it might burst, a strange, indescribable feeling welling up inside her.

She had never seen this side of Lyman before-furious and ruthless, yet somehow, it made her feel safe.

Yes, that was it. He made her feel completely, utterly safe.

Lyman turned to face her then, the ferocity in his eyes vanishing in an instant, replaced by deep concern. "Are you alright? Has something like this happened before? Why didn't you tell me?"

Effie shook her head, but felt her eyes begin to sting. "I'm fine... Thank you for getting here in time."

She still felt shaken; her heart hadn't quite settled down.

Mr. Smith really was out of his mind.

Lyman reached out and touched her cheek gently, his voice softening. "I promise, this will never happen again."

Effie looked up at him, and for a moment, the man standing before her seemed more reliable than anyone she'd ever known.

She pressed her lips together, hesitated, then asked quietly, "What about the partnership...?"

eyebrow. "What

her voice. "That's a

a short, dismissive laugh. “A billion dollars isn't worth

warmth flooded Effie's chest. She

resist giving her cheek

threw her arms around his

first time, she

in surprise, then relaxed, wrapping his arms gently around her. "You silly thing. Taking care of you

then, Mrs. Smith hurried

her face flushed with apology. "Mrs. Etheridge, I am so sorry! I should have kept that animal on a

She never expected Rankin to go so far, to do something so

Rankin was dragged away, and recalling her earlier conversation with Effie, something inside Mrs. Smith seemed to

looked at Mrs. Smith in surprise. Despite her immaculate makeup, Mrs. Smith couldn't hide the

this isn't your

Lyman. "Mr. Etheridge, these are the records I've collected over the years-tax evasion,

Mrs. Smith had gathered so much

preparing for this