Chapter 145
Effie stood to the side, watching Lyman’s back. Her heart pounded so hard it might burst, a strange, indescribable feeling welling up inside her.
She had never seen this side of Lyman before-furious and ruthless, yet somehow, it made her feel safe.
Yes, that was it. He made her feel completely, utterly safe.
Lyman turned to face her then, the ferocity in his eyes vanishing in an instant, replaced by deep concern. “Are you alright? Has something like this happened before? Why didn’t you tell me?”
Effie shook her head, but felt her eyes begin to sting. “I’m fine… Thank you for getting here in time.”
She still felt shaken; her heart hadn’t quite settled down.
Mr. Smith really was out of his mind.
Lyman reached out and touched her cheek gently, his voice softening. “I promise, this will never happen again.”
Effie looked up at him, and for a moment, the man standing before her seemed more reliable than anyone she’d ever known.
She pressed her lips together, hesitated, then asked quietly, “What about the partnership…?”
Lyman raised an eyebrow. “What about it?”
She lowered her voice. “That’s a billion-dollar deal…”
Lyman gave a short, dismissive laugh. “A billion dollars isn’t worth risking my wife. You matter more to me than any contract.”
A rush of warmth flooded Effie’s chest. She couldn’t quite put the feeling into words.
Lyman caught the dazed look on her face and couldn’t resist giving her cheek a gentle pinch. “What’s gotten into you?”
Snapping out of her trance, Effie suddenly threw her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. “Thank you, Lyman.”
For the first time, she felt truly safe.
Lyman stiffened in surprise, then relaxed, wrapping his arms gently around her. “You silly thing. Taking care of you is my job.”
Just then, Mrs. Smith hurried over.
She stopped short at the scene before her, then quickly came forward, her face flushed with apology. “Mrs. Etheridge, I am so sorry! I should have kept that animal on a tighter leash.”
Mrs. Smith’s apology tumbled out in a rush. She never expected Rankin to go so far, to do something so vile and reckless.
Watching as Rankin was dragged away, and recalling her earlier conversation with Effie, something inside Mrs. Smith seemed to click into place. She was done living like this.
Effie lifted her head from Lyman’s chest and looked at Mrs. Smith in surprise. Despite her immaculate makeup, Mrs. Smith couldn’t hide the weariness at the corners of her eyes. She clutched a folder tightly in her hand.
“Mrs. Smith, this isn’t your fault…” Effie said softly.
“No, I have a responsibility.” Mrs. Smith gave a bitter smile and handed the folder to Lyman. “Mr. Etheridge, these are the records I’ve collected over the years-tax evasion, bribery, and… other things best left unspoken.”
Effie was stunned-she hadn’t imagined Mrs. Smith had gathered so much evidence.
Clearly, Mrs. Smith had been preparing for this day for a long time.
People really weren’t always what they seemed.
Up until now, Mrs. Smith had always struck Effie as gentle, even a little timid, especially when Mr. Smith berated her. She always endured it quietly, never talking back.
Who would have guessed she’d been working behind the scenes all along?
Lyman accepted the folder, his gaze thoughtful. “Mrs. Smith, what’s this for?”
“I’m divorcing him,” she said resolutely. “I hope this evidence helps you. As for the partnership…”
She hesitated, then added, “My father is actually the chairman of Luminara Corporation. Our company can take over the project.”
Effie’s eyes widened in astonishment.
Who would have thought that the unassuming Mrs. Smith would have such a powerful background?
Lyman nodded slightly. “Luminara is a much stronger partner, and we’ve been interested in working with you. If that’s possible, all the better. Still, my biggest concern is…”