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...?"

raised an eyebrow. "What about

lowered her voice. "That's a billion-dollar

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

warmth flooded Effie's chest. She couldn't quite put the feeling into

the dazed look on her face and couldn't resist

threw her arms around his waist, hugging

the first time,

his arms gently around her. "You silly thing. Taking care

then, Mrs.

forward, her face flushed with apology. "Mrs. Etheridge,

rush. She never expected Rankin to go so far,

dragged away, and recalling her earlier conversation with Effie, something inside Mrs. Smith seemed to click into place. She

surprise. Despite her immaculate makeup, Mrs. Smith couldn't hide the weariness at the corners of her eyes.

Smith, this isn't your fault..." Effie said

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

imagined Mrs. Smith had gathered

Mrs. Smith had been preparing for