Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 172

"Enough!" Healy slammed his palm on the table. "Do you really think things are the same as before? You're not ignorant of Lyman's methods. Have you already forgotten how Fowler's people got kicked out of the company last time?"

Charis's expression shifted at the mention of that incident.

Last year, Fowler's confidant in the accounting department had been publicly fired by Lyman over a questionable transaction-so quickly and decisively that even the old man couldn't protect him.

"So... what do you want me to do?" Charis's bravado faded.

Healy narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice. "Right now, what matters most is making sure Graham secures his place in the company. Starting tomorrow, I want you to be polite to Effie-better yet, try to get close to her. Word is, Lyman dotes on her. Maybe you can get to him through her..."

Meanwhile, in the Fowler family's suite, the atmosphere was entirely different.

Fowler yanked off his tie in frustration, pacing restlessly across the floor.

Marcia approached quietly, offering him a cup of tea. "Don't worry," she soothed, "we just need to take things one step at a time. The project hasn't even started yet."

"One step at a time?" Fowler let out a mirthless laugh. "If we go any slower, there won't be a place for us in the company at all! Lyman's getting bolder by the day. You saw it yourself-he wouldn't even share the project details with us."

Marcia's eyes. "I actually think our breakthrough might be that

Marcia noticed things

different

barely left her. He kept serving her food, attentive

always wore

at his wife with growing

special. And she's just joined the Etheridge family—she'll need allies. She might be

nodded thoughtfully, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "You're right. Isn't Fidelia about her age? Have Fidelia spend more time with her, get

Meanwhile, in the garden-

by the hand, strolling

night sky, casting fleeting light

are you thinking about?" Lyman's voice was

head with a gentle smile. "Just thinking how special this New

her face in his hands, and gazed at her with a tenderness that seemed to glow in the moonlight. "Mrs. Etheridge, remember this: As long as I'm here, every New Year's Eve

began to count down