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.

afraid Effie might snatch it

offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry-I overheard your music while passing your room during the holidays, so I guessed you were a fan. I love them too, actually-I've collected a bunch

stunned. She'd never expected to find

members were barely out of their teens, but now the oldest had to be pushing

around her

thinking Effie's words sounded a little too calculated, like she was trying to win them over on

really scheming, Fidelia thought, going

But she shouldn't think that a few thoughtful gifts could erase everything she'd done in

secret, satisfied smile.

in high spirits, called everyone to the table. They took

set aside for mealtime; the Etheridge family kept strict traditions, and the dining room fell into

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

the table felt less like

for a moment. When she looked down, she saw