Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 393

Some of the guys gambled themselves into a frenzy, always thinking the next round would be their chance to win it all back. But the more they played, the deeper they sank, until the debts they owed were far beyond anything they could

actually pay.

That's when Irving Butler finally showed his true colors. He started hounding them for the money and threatened to report their gambling to the company if they didn't pay up-meaning they'd lose their jobs, too.

On top of that, Irving Butler had contracts they'd signed when they borrowed money from him. There was no way out. Any hope of backing out was gone-they were trapped, completely at his mercy.

After Irving Butler's maneuvering, he suddenly had a pack of obedient lackeys. They started abusing their company positions, stealing design drafts and secretly selling them to small-time manufacturers for a quick profit.

That explained why, over the past couple of years, Etheridge & Co. Jewels kept seeing their new releases copied by tiny companies. Lyman had even launched an internal investigation, but Irving Butler was always a step ahead, covering his tracks so well that the investigators never found anything useful.

Effie, who had joined the company under a false identity, managed to gain their trust-which made everyone lower their guard. Now, with her help, they'd finally rounded up the whole lot.

Everyone was singing Effie and Shirley's praises, calling them brave and clever. Some even joked about what a convincing act the two had put on, pretending to fall out with each other-most people genuinely believed their rivalry was real.

Shirley grinned. "You have no idea how hard it was not to burst out laughing. But when I checked myself in the mirror, I realized I looked so pitiful trying to keep a straight face that it made the whole thing even more believable."

Her words set off another round of laughter.

...

he was having

wine and said to Lyman, "I have to admit, I always thought your wife was just a pretty face. Who knew she'd be the one to take down Irving Butler and his

"Though to be fair, she

was always blunt, never one to worry about

his own glass,

cold. "Balfour? That

sides a long time ago Irving Butler

hi

into his own weapon."

let out a short laugh. "Here I was thinking he was just playing the long

the end, the person Effie found was

to admit it was a miscalculation on

position is open. Lyman, got anyone in mind to fill

Lyman was silent.

eyes lit up. "Hey, Lyman, why not mix a little business with

raised an eyebrow. "Business

excuse to call her into your office all the

words were still hanging in the air when Fenton gave him a

soft?"

did you get