Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 171

Fidelia's eyes lit up with delight. "Thank you so much!" she exclaimed.

Graham stood off to the side, nodding with a cool detachment-a bare minimum of greeting.

The gifts for Uncle Healy and Uncle Fowler were expensive blends of tea, the kind that bespoke taste and tradition.

The old patriarch surveyed the scene with satisfaction, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "Alright, let's not just stand around. Dinner's ready—let's eat."

The dining table was all warmth and laughter on the surface, but beneath the facade, subtle tensions simmered.

Charis, feigning casual curiosity, asked, "Effie, I heard you grew up with your grandmother? Marrying into the Etheridge family must feel like quite the stroke of luck."

Before Effie could respond, Lyman interjected, voice calm but unmistakably protective. "You're too modest, Aunt Charis. Effie is gentle and kind, and she graduated from a top university. I'm the lucky one to have her as my wife."

thin, awkward smile. "We're all hoping you two will give us some good news next year-maybe a chubby little addition to the family?" Marcia teased with a

her gaze

this is life among the wealthy, she thought. Not as effortless as it looked

the subject. "Lyman, I heard the company has a new project going. How's

glinted with amusement. "You're well informed, Uncle Fowler. But the details

tightened for a split

satellite offices for ages, with nothing to show for it. He'd always resented being overshadowed by his ambitious nephew. This New Year's

the family

estate tonight-a long-standing New Year's tradition. The house was sprawling, with wings, balconies, and enough guest rooms

Across the country, towns and cities were decked out in lights and

year,

for their reunion; he rarely brought Effie along, knowing how large and cold his family gatherings could be. The relatives were sharp-tongued, and Mitchell