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.

her voice. "That's a

“A billion dollars isn't worth risking

warmth flooded Effie's chest. She

look on her face and couldn't resist

of her trance, Effie suddenly threw her arms around his waist, hugging him

the first time, she felt

his arms gently around

Mrs. Smith hurried

before her, then quickly came forward, her face flushed with apology. "Mrs. Etheridge, I am so sorry! I should have kept that

out in a rush. She never expected Rankin to go so far, to do

conversation with Effie, something inside Mrs. Smith seemed to click into place. She

head from Lyman's chest and looked at Mrs. Smith in surprise. Despite her immaculate makeup, Mrs. Smith couldn't hide the weariness at the corners of her eyes. She

Smith, this isn't your

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

Mrs. Smith had gathered so

Smith had been preparing for this