Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

"Samantha?"

A flicker of suspicion crossed Effie's eyes as she glanced at Lyman. Could it be

that the Samantha Angelo mentioned was the very same Samantha she was thinking of?

Lyman nodded, confirming her guess. "That's right. Angelo's girlfriend is Samantha-the Oscar-winning actress. But they're keeping their relationship under wraps, so it's a secret."

Angelo shrugged. "It's not like I want to sneak around. It's just that Samantha's career makes things... complicated. I'm just going along with what she needs."

Lyman gave Angelo's shoulder a knowing pat. "I get it."

Angelo eyed him, not quite convinced. Did Lyman really get it? Still, there was something about Lyman's expression that made it hard to doubt him.

Angelo wanted to ask more, but Lyman was already leading Effie toward the private dining room.

The room was one Angelo had set aside for Lyman, Vinson Elliott, and a few of their close friends—a sanctuary where the guys usually met for meals. This was the first time Lyman had ever invited a woman up here.

Next time Effie wasn't around, Angelo decided he'd have to ask about it. How had someone as indifferent to women as Lyman ended up married, just like that?

He grinned to himself. Lyman and Effie's story had to be something epic-nothing less would explain how Effie managed to win over a guy like him.

the kitchen -he insisted on handling every dish himself the meal stretched well past lunchtime. By the time Effie finally left for the

over.

a striking woman approached, all elegance and poise— black-and-white polka-dot dress, a chic little hat perched just so, and black lambskin heels

Samantha's tone was

froze for a second, stunned. In her mind,

than on screen, her presence putting most

Samantha rarely appeared on TV or at public events. She was in her forties now, already decorated with every award and accolade imaginable, and had long since stopped chasing the spotlight. Now, she was choosy with her roles, turning down anything that didn't meet her

abroad, and Angelo had gone along as her personal nutritionist, crafting healthy, low-fat

Lyman greeted her, "Samantha."

nodded back, her gaze curious as it landed

inside, beaming. "Hey,

me introduce

Effie, Lyman's wife."

is

meet you." Effie quickly reached out to shake her hand. "It's a pleasure, I'm Effie.” "You're really

real beauty here," Effie replied, cheeks flushing. Lyman chuckled. "Alright, that's enough mutual flattery.

exchanged an amused glance, both breaking

Samantha said. "I'm starving-I need

"Of course."