Chapter 190
Just as Effie had predicted, after dinner Bancroft suggested everyone move to the living room for some tea and conversation.
Fidelia glanced over at Effie, a flicker of hope in her eyes.
But, unexpectedly, the evening passed without Bancroft bringing up anything important.
Fidelia was growing restless.
Isabel had already messaged her earlier, asking for updates, but with Bancroft keeping quiet, Fidelia had nothing to report.
She was just about to speak up when Marcia gently pressed her arm, silencing her.
Confused, Fidelia looked at Marcia, lips parting as if to protest, but Marcia only shook her head, saying nothing more.
Despite her temper, Fidelia always listened to Marcia.
Finally, Bancroft stood up. “It’s getting late. Everyone should head home and get some rest.”
He paused, then added, “Lyman, you and your family, come with me to the study.”
“Alright,” Lyman replied.
Effie’s heart clenched. Instinctively, she tightened her grip on Lyman’s hand.
He squeezed her hand in return, and the anxious pounding in her chest began to settle.
A gleam of excitement flashed in Fidelia’s eyes. She automatically started to follow Effie and the others, only for Marcia to pull her back.
If Bancroft had told everyone else to go rest, it clearly meant he didn’t want them hearing what came next.
If Fidelia insisted on tagging along now, she’d only end up angering Bancroft.
Marcia was annoyed, but she knew better than to disobey.
Once the study door closed, Uncle Healy and his family drifted over, curiosity written all over their faces. Fidelia thought-this is my chance!
She hurried after them.
This time, Marcia didn’t bother stopping her she followed, too.
But the old man’s study was soundproofed to perfection. No matter how hard they strained, they couldn’t hear a thing from inside.
Inside, with the door closed, Effie felt the mood shift instantly. Her palms were clammy with nervous sweat.
Bancroft handed her his phone. “I’m sure this is just a misunderstanding. Just explain, and I’ll believe you.”
Effie glanced at the photo on the screen, her face registering pure shock.
When had she and Granger ever embraced like that?
Then it clicked-the hospital. The garbage truck that had come barreling out of nowhere!
She’d tried to get out of the way, but Granger had pulled her aside at the last second.
Effie explained everything, then looked over at Lyman.
She didn’t care what anyone else thought; she just needed to know what Lyman believed.
Lyman frowned slightly, taking the phone from her hand.
He enlarged the photo, staring at it for a long moment, as if he were seeing it for the first time.
Effie didn’t realize that, in fact, this *was* the first time Lyman had seen the picture.
Her heart clenched again, her breath coming shallow and slow. Did he not trust her?
Life had finally started feeling normal, and now this.
Who was trying to mess with her?
Suddenly, Lyman pointed at the photo. “Grandpa, why didn’t you look at this more closely before jumping to conclusions? And why keep it from me and my wife? If this nonsense leads to a fight between us if we end up divorced-I’ll just stay single for the rest of my life!”
“You-you-” Bancroft was stunned. He’d never heard Lyman speak so forcefully before.
Ever since Effie had come into his life, Lyman had changed.
Lyman shot him a look. “Why are you looking at me? Look at the photo.”