Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Adeline could hear the strain in Mitchell Lloyd's voice, and her nerves instantly tightened. "What's wrong? Who's in trouble?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Mitchell's reply came quick and anxious. "It's me."

A chill ran through Adeline; an ominous premonition seized her.

After Mitchell finished explaining what had happened, Adeline couldn't help but snap, “You little... sweetheart!" Her words were sharp but laced with anxious affection.

Mitchell was too desperate to care about her scolding. "Mom, please, you have to help me. I... I don't want to go to jail."

Adeline's mind raced. She would never let Mitchell end up behind bars. If he went to prison, she'd lose every bargaining chip she had left.

"I know what to do. Don't move, just stay where you are and wait for the police to find you," she instructed, her tone urgent.

If Mitchell ran, it would look like he was trying to flee from his crime.

She hung up, ready to rush out the door, but Mitchell's father blocked her path.

looked at Adeline with a steely, almost threatening gaze. "As long as

shouted, "Are you even human?

a smirk and that shameless air he always wore. "My

Adeline was cornered now, certain she'd come

seeing there was no room to negotiate, Adeline stormed out, slamming the

watched her go, the corner of his mouth curling into a smug smile. He was

Bagnold followed Lyman Etheridge out of the

grandmother's car at the curb, she broke away from Lyman's hand and

voice trembling with relief.

weighed on her heart

arms, hugging her tight, just like she used

voice soothing and warm. "There, there, sweetheart. It's all right now. Everything's

was swollen from holding back the emotion,

so long since she'd let herself cry. Ever since losing her mother she'd learned one harsh lesson tears win no sympathy. They only show weakness, making you

grandmother, it felt like she'd gotten back something precious she thought she'd lost forever.