Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 189

Uncle Healy couldn't help thinking that Effie must be kicking herself with regret right now. She didn't recognize the true value of what she had, mistaking a pearl for a pebble, and that's why she gave such a precious ink set to Bancroft at this kind of occasion.

It wasn't that Effie's gift to the old man was a bad choice-it was that she'd picked the wrong moment.

But Effie herself wasn't burdened with such complicated thoughts. She simply thought the ink was nice, so she gave it away.

The gifts Effie gave afterward were all quite impressive, though. Everyone ended up with something they genuinely loved.

Fidelia looked at Effie, half-grumbling, half-incredulous. "How in the world did you know I liked The Stormriders? And this album's been out of print for years!"

Effie had gifted Fidelia the debut album from The Stormriders-a band whose first record came out a decade ago and disappeared from the shelves long since.

These days, an original copy was practically a collector's holy grail, selling for thousands at auction-if you could even find one.

But Effie's gift went beyond that: the record was signed by all five band members, with the lead singer's autograph right in the center.

if afraid Effie might snatch it

your room during the holidays, so I guessed you were a

never expected

Stormriders were old news by now; when they'd started out, the band members were barely out of their teens, but

name around her

help thinking Effie's words sounded a little too calculated, like she was

going to all this trouble just

that a few thoughtful gifts could

in a secret, satisfied smile. Just wait-things were about

spirits, called everyone to the

kept strict traditions,

extra care, feeling a little on edge. But with Lyman beside her, she didn't feel

mind wandered. The peace at the table felt less like

for a moment. When she looked down, she saw Lyman had placed a