Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 427

Grace could feel Effie's gaze lingering on her, and she frowned in displeasure. "Hello, and you are?"

Lyman stepped in. "This is my wife, Effie."

Effie nodded politely. "Nice to meet you."

Grace gave a slight nod in return, her tone tinged with quiet pride. "Hello, I'm Grace McCloud. My name comes from an old poem-'Grace was in all her steps, Heaven in her eye, In every gesture dignity and love..""

Grace McCloud? Another McCloud... Effie suddenly recalled how Annabel McCloud had once introduced herself with a similarly poetic touch. A memory surfaced: Annabel, at some point, had taken a phone call and shouted angrily, "Grace, are you an idiot?" Effie hadn't listened closely-she found eavesdropping rude—so she'd only caught the beginning before walking away. But now, it seemed clear: Annabel and Grace must be sisters.

"Are you Annabel's sister?" Effie blurted.

Grace's expression changed at the mention of Annabel. She glanced at Lyman, suddenly realizing that he must've already introduced Annabel to Effie.

"What brings you back? Weren't you and Clay living abroad?" Effie asked.

her tone gentle. "I missed home. Missed everyone. Andie wasn't adjusting well

of his name, Andie suddenly piped up, "Daddy... I

eyes. She reached out to Andie, coaxing, "Come here,

Andie snuggled deeper into Effie's arms, clinging

brow furrowed

as young as Andie, it was natural to cling to the people who

BUT

mother. Why, then, would he rather stay with someone who was practically a

to Effie, her voice gentle but firm. "Thank you for looking

a response, she reached out, determined to pull Andie away. But Andie whimpered in pain at her grip, bursting into tears.

clear: Andie clung to his father even

Grace's patience snapped. She scolded, "Andie, you're a boy! Stop crying all the time-it's

child pressed against her shoulder. She'd always assumed Andie was a girl, with those delicate features and long,