Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 284

"This is outrageous! The Ames family-such a minor clan-has managed to intimidate all of you like this?" Bancroft's voice was cold and sharp. "Effie is Lyman's wife, which makes her part of the Etheridge family now. Lyman must go and get her back. If he doesn't, what will everyone think of us? Not just us, but even our children and grandchildren will be laughed at, drowned in shame for generations!"

"Dad, you don't understand. Things aren't the way they used to be. The Ames family isn't what it once was..."

Bancroft stomped his foot in frustration. "I don't care what the Ames family has become. The Etheridge family never backs down! If you're all so terrified, then say the word—I'll cut all ties, and you can tell everyone I'm no longer your father."

Healy and Fowler panicked at that, rushing to protest. "Dad, that's not what we meant! We're just thinking of what's best for the Etheridge family, that's all—" "Enough," Bancroft snapped. "If you're against it, there's nothing more to discuss."

His words rang out with finality, silencing the room. No one dared say another word.

Turning to Lyman, Bancroft said, "Go on, Lyman. Do what you have to do. Your grandfather and the Etheridge family will always have your back. Bring Effie home, safe and sound."

Healy and Fowler exchanged glances, resentment simmering beneath the surface. Effie came from nothing, not a single relative had shown up to help-only the Etheridge family, left fighting this battle alone.

This was all Lyman's fault-they were paying the price for his choices.

moved nearly to tears. "Thank you,

off. "No need for thanks.

There wasn't much she could do except silently pray that nothing bad would

Effie, but at least they hadn't made it too obvious—until now. This

me," Lyman muttered to Fenton as

Lyman entered, everyone stopped

I want to see

according to protocol, you can't see

him off, his voice icy. "Are

that when Mrs. Etheridge asked for a lawyer, you all

looks. How did Lyman know Effie had asked for an

had spoken up on his own-after all, Lyman had always said Effie was smart. Of course she'd know to ask for

Lyman's words were cold as death, each syllable like a warning