Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Carole turned to Isabel. "Mr. Etheridge and the others have all left. I guess they had other things to take care of."

Isabel frowned, rubbing her eyes. "That's odd. How did I actually fall asleep?"

She glanced down at herself, suddenly noticing the jacket draped over her. "Wait -who covered me up?"

A hopeful smile broke across her face. "Was it Lyman? Did he tuck me in?"

Carole hesitated, not wanting to ruin Isabel's mood, but she had to speak up. "Actually, that was me. You just looked so cold, I thought I'd cover you up."

Isabel's face twisted into a scowl. "So I was freezing and Lyman didn't even notice?"

Carole gave an awkward laugh. "Honestly, I don't think anyone was paying attention over here."

Isabel felt a wave of irritation. She was a beautiful woman, stretched out on the sofa like some living fairytale, and they hadn't even spared her a glance? Infuriating.

She huffed, talking herself down. "Whatever. They're probably just busy. That's all. It's not that I'm not attractive enough for them to notice."

Carole, glancing nervously at her watch, urged, "Isabel, we should really head downstairs. Everyone's ready-we're all waiting on you."

shrugged. "It's fine. This is Lyman's company. I show up a bit late, and what's he going

believe Lyman would ever hold something like this

boss who called specifically to check where you are. If you

quickly answered,

through the line. "Is she up yet? Everyone's waiting for her, tell her not to

crew to milkshakes, and the event coordinator was going around asking everyone what flavor they

what can I get for you?"

for me. I don't drink

Annabel snorted, unimpressed.

I

us." Content

tone was sharp

than

makes you think

fine, thank you very

replied, "You know yourself better than

out. Effie tried desperately to