Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 426

Lyman shook his head. "No, thanks. Effie's been playing for ages—she must be exhausted."

"Chess takes a lot out of you," he added.

Bancroft leaned forward, a playful glint in his eye. "Just one game. What do you say, Effie?"

He turned his gaze to Effie, clearly hoping she'd be easier to sway than Lyman. Everyone knew Lyman was hard to budge, but Effie... she might just go along with it.

Lyman hesitated. “Grandpa..."

Of course, Bancroft wasn't fooled by Lyman's reluctance, but he played along, acting oblivious.

While everyone waited for Lyman and Effie to start their match, Lyman suddenly reached out and pulled Effie up from the couch. "Let's get out of here," he whispered.

Effie shot a nervous glance in Bancroft's direction, but Lyman shifted, blocking her line of sight. "I'm wiped out. I need to unwind for a bit."

"Huh?" Effie blinked. Unwind how, exactly?

Lyman didn't elaborate-he just took her hand and led her away.

beamed with

looked at each

Had he lost his

just pull a fast one on them, making everyone wait

just

they considered it,

the hallway, Lyman suddenly felt a tickle in his nose and

"That's odd. Someone must be

“Maybe someone really is. Who

small, wobbly figure toddled toward

girl had tousled, golden curls and was so thin she almost looked fragile. But her

eyes.

side and wrapped her skinny arms around

He froze, glancing helplessly at

child's lip wobbled, and she suddenly burst into tears, wailing as if her heart might break. She seemed crushed that

the little

crouched down and gently wiped away the girl's tears.

don't cry."