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 about

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

“A billion dollars isn't worth risking my wife. You matter more to me

of warmth flooded Effie's chest. She couldn't

look on her face and couldn't resist giving her cheek a

her trance, Effie suddenly threw her arms around his

the first time,

stiffened in surprise, then relaxed, wrapping his arms gently around

then, Mrs.

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

never expected Rankin to go so far,

away, and recalling her earlier 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 clutched a folder tightly

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

the folder to Lyman. "Mr. Etheridge, these

hadn't imagined Mrs. Smith had gathered so much

preparing for this day for a