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

at each

Bancroft... actually happy? Had he lost his

Lyman just pull a fast one on them, making everyone wait for

he just afraid of

it, the more convinced they

Effie walked down the hallway, Lyman suddenly felt a tickle in his

nose. "That's odd. Someone must be

“Maybe someone really is. Who

figure toddled toward them, chanting

thin she almost looked fragile. But her eyes were enormous, framed by long, curling lashes,

eyes. Where had he seen this little one

he could place her, the girl reached his side and wrapped her skinny arms around

smile vanished. He froze,

explain, I-" Effie started, but the child's lip wobbled, and she suddenly burst into tears, wailing as if her heart might break. She seemed crushed that Lyman

to lift the little girl or

wiped away the girl's tears.

don't cry."