Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 386

Given Irwin's current position, plenty of people were tripping over themselves to curry favor with the Lawrence family these days.

Old Mrs. Lawrence had once thrown herself a birthday party, and the whole thing had dissolved into a parade of gift-givers-every last one of them there for Irwin's sake. The whole affair reeked of pretense and boredom.

After that, she'd vowed never again to host one of those tedious gatherings. For years now, she'd kept her birthdays simple: just quiet family time, nothing more. This year, though, for the first time in ages, she was inviting someone over. "Thank you," Effie said quietly.

"Oh, come now, we're hardly strangers. No need for all that," Old Mrs. Lawrence waved her off with a smile, then turned to Effie's grandmother. "Old friend, why don't you join us?"

Her grandmother shook her head. "I'm too old for all that excitement. I'll let you young people have your fun."

Effie was here with a request and had brought Lyman along for that reason; it wouldn't be right for her grandmother to tag along too.

But Old Mrs. Lawrence was sharp-she saw right through it. She didn't push, either. In truth, she'd never cared for those formal celebrations and the polite small talk that came with them. This-sharing a meal and a real conversation- was infinitely better.

Her grandmother felt much the same.

Old Mrs. Lawrence had the staff prepare dinner, using the fresh produce Effie had brought from the countryside to make a simple, home-cooked meal.

immensely, showering Effie with compliments about the delicious vegetables

a bit longer before Effie and her grandmother

grandmother. "I'm sorry for dragging you into this

there's no need for apologies. If I hadn't helped you kids

Lawrence isn't

After a moment, she hesitated, then added, "Grandma, please don't mention any of this

get it. This is between you

will," Effie

was already there,

casual clothes and chattinge

living room. As soon as he saw them come in, he ended

"You're back?"

Grandma's old friend, had dinner, caught up a bit. Grandma drove the

then relaxed and gently stroked her hair. His voice softened. "You should take

got her own car now. She can

slightly. "Didn't I give you my bank card this