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

voice.

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

She couldn't

on her face and couldn't resist giving her cheek a gentle pinch. "What's

out of her trance, Effie suddenly threw her arms around his

the first time, she felt

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

then, Mrs.

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

in a rush. She never expected Rankin to

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

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

your

to Lyman. "Mr. Etheridge, these are the records I've

hadn't imagined Mrs. Smith had gathered so much

been preparing for this day for a long