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 delight as

looked at each

Had he

Lyman just pull a fast one on them, making

was he just afraid

they considered it, the more

hallway, Lyman suddenly felt a tickle in

rubbed his nose. "That's odd. Someone must be

“Maybe someone

wobbly figure toddled toward

But her eyes were enormous, framed by long, curling lashes, and

his eyes.

his side and

froze, glancing helplessly

started, but the child's lip wobbled, and she suddenly burst into tears, wailing as if her heart might

unsure whether to lift the

wiped

don't cry."