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?

tell Grandpa likes you a lot. In the Etheridge family, we respect

broke into a smile. Was that his way

Lyman relaxed, his own

arrived at the

small parade of relatives, each carrying armfuls of care

Effie instinctively edged away to the side. Lyman, used to this kind of scene, knew Effie would rather keep her distance. Without a word, he

her look,

overflowing with fruit baskets, flowers, and boxes of vitamins, barely

the room-her grandmother's elegant laugh mingled with the lighter voices of Lindy and Friedman. The atmosphere

her spirits

He grinned at her and said,

walked in, still hand in

Granger spotted Effie