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?

she'd been so careful-no one could have seen her do it! How did

up to the curb beside

down, revealing Randell in the front seat.

the slight glance Randell shot toward the back seat. Understanding dawned on her-Lyman must be inside. She nodded, hurried to the car,

craned their necks, curiosity written plainly on their

was Randell riding up front? Who was sitting

could get a good look,

car sped away, leaving the two standing

then turned to Irving Butler, fuming. "Tell me, do

woman is

stayed silent, but Nelly's words gnawed at

wrong. Effie

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

had dazzled the Pattersons-discussing everything from art history to

imagined someone like Effie could be so well-versed

drawn to her,

into him. With Randell in her corner, Effie

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