Chapter 150
His deep, mesmerizing eyes were just inches from hers, and the warmth of his breath brushed softly across her cheek.
Effie’s heart skipped a beat, her face flushing hot. “I… I was only joking…”
Lyman let out a low chuckle and brushed her lips with a gentle kiss. “Mrs. Etheridge, you’d better remember-“
His voice grew quiet, laced with a dangerous edge. “From now on, there’s only room in your heart for me.”
Effie, her cheeks still burning, pushed him away. “Come on, just drive already!” Honestly, he could be so childish sometimes!
The reunion was set to begin.
Magee, their class president back in university, had arranged for everyone to meet for dinner at a five-star hotel.
Their class had always been filled with high achievers; many had gone on to impressive careers, so a fancy venue seemed only fitting.
Effie and Nita arrived together, and only then did Effie realize the dinner was being held at a hotel owned by The Etheridge Group.
She’d been here before-and if she recalled correctly, Lyman had a business engagement tonight at this very hotel as well.
He’d mentioned it that morning before she left, but she hadn’t given it much thought.
When Nita saw Effie’s outfit, she grinned and gave her a thumbs-up.
No doubt about it-Effie was going to turn heads tonight.
She wore the elegant beige dress she’d bought a few days ago. It was simple but refined, paired perfectly with a delicate silver necklace that made her fair skin glow and enhanced her graceful poise.
Her softly curled hair fell naturally over her shoulders, giving her an air of effortless charm-gentle, yet confident.
Nita looped her arm through Effie’s and teased, “Effie, you look absolutely stunning tonight! I guarantee you’ll be the star of the show.”
There was no denying Effie’s poise. And ever since she got married, love had given her an even more captivating glow.
Effie rolled her eyes at the compliment. “You’re such a tease.”
The two of them chatted and laughed as they entered the grand hotel lobby, where a polite attendant stepped forward to greet them. “Which room will you be joining?”
Effie nodded. “V6.”
“Right this way, please,” the attendant replied with a friendly smile.
She led them through the glittering hall, past sparkling chandeliers and polished marble, toward the private rooms in the back.
Just then, a group of men in tailored suits entered from the main doors-Lyman at the head of the pack.
He was dressed in a perfectly fitted black suit, his usual stern expression softening ever so slightly when he caught sight of Effie.
He raised an eyebrow, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, the faintest hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
What a coincidence-so Effie was here for her class reunion.
Even better. On his own turf, nothing could go wrong.
Lyman paused, then turned to Luther and gave instructions in a low voice. “Find out which room my wife’s in for her reunion. Have the kitchen send over some of our signature dishes, and make sure they get the freshest seafood tonight. Oh, and remember to take care of the bill.”
Luther, by now used to these requests, replied without missing a beat. “Of course, Mr. Etheridge.”
Internally, Luther couldn’t help but marvel-he really ought to stay on Mrs. Etheridge’s good side.
Mr. Etheridge was definitely smitten.
Lyman cast one last lingering glance in Effie’s direction before leading his team away.
Effie and Nita, still chatting, made their way to the private room. When they pushed open the door, they were greeted by a lively scene-old classmates clustered in small groups, catching up on life, the room buzzing with excitement. Magee, their old class president, spotted them and hurried over. “Effie, Nita- finally! Two of our brightest stars! Come on in and grab a seat!”
Effie smiled and greeted everyone, her eyes drifting briefly across the room as she took it all in.