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."

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

along, lowering her gaze

she thought. Not

"Lyman, I heard the

well informed, Uncle Fowler. But the details will have

a split second, but he quickly

the satellite offices for ages, with nothing to show for it. He'd always resented being overshadowed by his ambitious nephew. This New Year's gathering was his chance to curry favor with the patriarch and see if he could negotiate his return. After all,

the family

tradition. The house was sprawling, with wings, balconies, and enough guest rooms for everyone to have their own space. After the reunion

same each year. Across the country, towns and cities were decked out in lights and decorations, everyone welcoming the new year with

year, Effie felt

the holiday with her grandmother. Mitchell, her cousin, would go back to his own family for their reunion; he rarely brought Effie along, knowing how large and cold his family gatherings could be. The relatives