Chapter 127
Effie smiled at the sound of his voice, her tone light and easy. “Yeah, I just finished. Where are you?”
A warm chuckle came through the line. “Turn around. I’m right behind you.”
Startled, Effie spun on her heel-and there he was, leaning casually against his car, watching her with that gentle look in his eyes.
He wore a perfectly tailored black suit, every inch the picture of elegance and charm.
Effie hurried over, surprise and delight mingling in her voice. “What are you doing here? Didn’t you have a business dinner tonight?”
Lyman slipped his arm gently around her waist, his tone tinged with playful affection. “Nothing’s more important than you. I wrapped things up early-I didn’t want you out here alone.”
Effie’s heart warmed at his words. She looked up at him, her eyes shining softly. “Thank you… darling.”
Even after all this time, saying “darling” made her blush. But Lyman insisted on it, even when they were out in public.
Every time Effie called him that, he couldn’t help but smile, the corners of his mouth turning up, his mood visibly brightening.
He leaned down and pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, his voice low and gentle. “Come on, let’s go home.”
Effie nodded, following Lyman into the car.
The car pulled away from the event hall, disappearing into the night.
Meanwhile, Mitchell and Suzan stood at the entrance, having witnessed the whole exchange.
A wave of tension gripped Mitchell’s chest, tightening with every affectionate gesture between Lyman and Effie. His fists clenched unconsciously as he watched the car drive away.
Suzan, fuming, couldn’t resist a jab, her words laced with mockery. “Well, looks like your ex wasted no time finding her next catch. She certainly doesn’t mess around.”
Mitchell’s expression darkened instantly. His gaze stayed fixed on the road where Effie and Lyman had vanished, a storm of frustration and anger brewing inside him.
His voice was cold and flat. “Let’s go.”
Suzan was taken aback by his icy tone and fell silent, stifling her complaints.
She bit her lip, her resentment toward Effie intensifying.
Inwardly, she swore she would make Effie pay for this.
Mitchell took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
He turned and strode to his car, his tone still distant. “I’ll drive you home.”
Suzan quietly slipped into the passenger seat.
Somewhere along the way, Suzan realized that whenever Effie was involved, Mitchell became moody and unpredictable.
A chill ran through her. Maybe it was time to pay closer attention.
The car sped along the quiet streets, reaching her place in no time.
Suzan didn’t get out right away. Instead, she turned, voice low and sultry, trying to tempt Mitchell. “Mitchell, want to come up for a drink? I bought… a new pale green lace set…”
Little things like that usually worked on him.
That trick had certainly won him over in the past.
But Mitchell kept his eyes on the road ahead, his voice devoid of emotion. “Not tonight. It’s late. You should get some rest.”
Suzan saw there was no changing his mind. Disappointment washed over her, but she forced a smile. “Alright. Drive safe, okay? Call me if you need anything.”
Mitchell answered with a noncommittal “Yeah,” barely glancing her way.
Suzan stepped out and stood by the curb, watching his car disappear down the street, a fierce hatred burning inside her.
She clenched her fists so tightly her nails dug into her palms, but she didn’t feel a thing.
“Effie, what makes you think you can always take what’s mine? I won’t let you get away with this,” she muttered under her breath, eyes flashing with cold determination.