Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 170

"Mom, don't worry about me. I know what I'm doing." Suzan was more anxious about the child than anyone else.

She mulled over her next steps, wondering what would be best.

...

Time flew by, and before anyone realized it, the holidays were here.

It was Effie's first Christmas since marrying Lyman.

She took it seriously-after all, she was the new wife in the family.

First, she visited her grandmother, bringing along a generous basket of gifts and staying to share a meal.

Lyman had wanted to invite her grandmother over to their place for the holidays, thinking it would be livelier with her there. But Grandma preferred the company of her neighbor these days, and politely declined the invitation.

Effie didn't push it-she visited often enough anyway.

After dinner, she and Lyman headed home together.

This year, they were having Christmas Eve dinner at the old family house.

and Uncle Fowler had

Charis and had a son named Graham; the youngest, Fowler Etheridge, was married to Marcia and had

out of town, so they only came back for major holidays and important

and Lyman hadn't held a wedding reception yet, she hadn't met the

of nerves in

smiled, offering reassurance. "Don't worry. Luther's already picked out the gifts for everyone. All you have to do is hand

a hint of anxiety in her voice. "I just hope everyone's easy

to worry about. I'll be right

Etheridge family seemed harmonious, but beneath

had long resented Lyman's control over the business, but out of respect for the patriarch, no one dared

Lyman's talent left them no room to

slipped her arm through Lyman's as they stepped into

bustling, with staff hurrying

the head of the room, Bancroft sat in his usual spot.

"There you are!

nodded and guided

and Lindy were already there, smiling as they

all seated. As Effie and Lyman entered, every