Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 197

Lyman caught Effie's gaze, set his tablet aside, and reached for her hand, giving it a gentle, reassuring pat. "What's on your mind?" he asked softly.

Effie hesitated, then said, "Do you think-Grandpa's getting on in years, but he's sharp as ever. Has he figured it out?"

Figured out that she could swim all along, but pretended she couldn't-and had nearly pushed Fidelia into the water.

Effie had sensed it earlier. There had been a sudden, piercing look in Bancroft's eyes when he glanced her way. She'd been wondering ever since if he'd seen through her act.

Lyman patted her hand again, his touch comforting. Effie was right-Bancroft had indeed noticed. No matter how well she'd covered her tracks, the old man was not one to be easily fooled.

He said nothing, but that silence made Effie's heart sink. This might be it for her.

Lyman noticed her anxiety and leaned in to reassure her. "It's alright. If Grandpa didn't call you out on the spot, it means he's letting it slide. We don't need to bring it up again."

Effie gave a quiet nod. That made sense, but still-would Bancroft think she was too calculating?

you a lot. In

in surprise, then broke into a smile. Was that his

relaxed, his own

long, they arrived at the

hopped out of the car, trailed by a small parade of relatives, each carrying armfuls of

kind of scene, knew Effie

over at him. Lyman caught her look, flashed a private smile, and his

finally reached the hospital room, it was practically overflowing with fruit baskets, flowers, and

the lighter

felt her spirits

He grinned at her and said, "See?

together they walked in, still hand

Effie and started to greet her. But