Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 241

The owner of Elliott's Cozy Room was Vinson Elliott, who also happened to be Randell's childhood friend.

Which meant, of course, that Vinson had probably sent the gift as a favor to Randell.

A flicker of something unreadable passed through Irving Butler's eyes.

Lunch wrapped up, and Effie's conversation with Mr. Patterson seemed to have reached a satisfying conclusion.

No one mentioned Nelly's abrupt disappearance halfway through the meal. It was as if they'd silently agreed to pretend it never happened-otherwise, they might have lost their appetite.

Effie and Irving Butler escorted Mr. Patterson outside.

Just then, Nelly suddenly reappeared, having composed herself—at least on the surface.

She stormed over to Effie, her voice a furious hiss. "Effie, you bitch! Why did you set me up?"

Effie sidestepped Nelly's lunge with ease, catching her wrist in a swift, practiced motion. "Those who hurt others will only end up hurting themselves," she said coolly.

Nelly's face went pale. She stared at Effie, panic flickering in her eyes. Did Effie somehow know about the pills she'd slipped earlier?

so careful-no one could have seen her do it! How did

then, a car pulled up to the curb beside

rolled down, revealing Randell in the front seat. "Effie, get

the back seat. Understanding dawned on her-Lyman must be inside. She nodded, hurried to the car, and slipped inside before

Butler craned their necks, curiosity written plainly on their

were close, why was Randell riding

before either of them could get a good look, Effie slammed

sped away, leaving the two standing there in a cloud of

glared after them, then turned to Irving Butler, fuming. "Tell me, do you think Effie's going to take your place

woman is way too

silent, but Nelly's words

wasn't wrong. Effie was

up a conversation with Randell, using that connection like a trump card in

obvious that, once back in the private lounge, Effie had dazzled the Pattersons-discussing everything from art history to

could be so well-versed in so many

he found himself drawn to

into him. With Randell in

the chance to climb even higher, he'd be the one packing his