Chapter 27
Lyman’s chauffeur had already pulled the sleek black Maybach up to the hotel entrance, its understated luxury blending into the shadows of the night.
With effortless grace, Lyman stepped out and opened the car door for Effie. He waited until she was settled inside before circling around to the other side and getting in himself.
The car glided away from the bustle of the hotel, the city’s noise fading behind them.
Effie leaned back against the seat, turning her head just enough to watch the neon lights flicker past the window, their colors painting fleeting patterns across her face.
Sensing her mood, Lyman spoke gently, reassuring her, “Don’t worry. You can leave everything to me.”
Effie snapped out of her thoughts and forced a small smile. “It’s nothing. I’m just a little tired, that’s all.”
Lyman’s gaze darkened, his tone turning icy. “I’ll take care of what happened at the party. If she dared lay a hand on you, she’ll face the consequences.”
Without another word, Lyman called Luther, instructing him to secure the security footage from the business gala-specifically, the moment Effie was pushed into the water.
Effie was momentarily stunned.
She hadn’t expected Lyman to pick up on that, let alone stand up for her so openly. Truth be told, dousing Suzan in red wine earlier had already soothed some of her anger, but Lyman’s protectiveness warmed her in a way she hadn’t anticipated.
The feeling of being trusted and cared for-she realized-was deeply comforting.
…
Back at the business gala, anticipation hung thick in the air.
Most of the guests were here for one reason: Lyman. Every so often, eyes would dart to the entrance, no one wanting to miss his arrival.
Mitchell had initially planned to take Suzan to the hospital, but remembering his father’s instructions, he sent his assistant with her instead. He remained at the event, hoping to seize an opportunity.
Standing in the corner of the ballroom, champagne flute in hand, Mitchell kept glancing at the door, growing increasingly restless. He’d expected to use tonight as a chance to get closer to Lyman, but the man was nowhere to be seen.
“Was the information wrong?” he muttered under his breath, frustration creasing his brow.
Others around him were whispering as well.
“Didn’t someone say Mr. Etheridge already arrived? Where is he?”
“Yeah, I heard he left with some woman.”
“With a woman? That can’t be right. Mr. Etheridge is never seen with women.”
But Lyman never showed.
Disappointed, Mitchell had no choice but to head home. He thought of visiting Suzan, but his father called, summoning him back.
When Mitchell returned to the Lloyd family estate, the house was still brightly lit. As he pushed open the front door, he found his father and Adeline waiting for him in the foyer.
“Dad, Mom, why are you still up?”
Mitchell’s father didn’t bother hiding his anger. “What were you thinking, bringing two women to a business gala? The two of them fighting-now the entire Lloyd family is a laughingstock among the city’s elite.”
He had hoped Mitchell would have matured after these last two years. Clearly, his judgment was still lacking.
“There’s a time and place for everything! That was a business event, not some social playground!”
“Dad, it was Effie. She pushed Suzan into the water,” Mitchell tried to explain. His father cut him off sharply. “Enough! Don’t be so reckless next time.” Adeline quickly tried to smooth things over. “Darling, don’t be upset. Suzan is a lovely girl, and the Bagnolds are a respectable family. I’ve met her before, and honestly, that Effie is just too much. But now that they’re breaking up, perhaps it’s for the best.”
Mitchell’s father grunted, his anger ebbing slightly.
“Did you see Lyman tonight?” he asked, finally turning to what mattered most to him.
“No, I didn’t. He must’ve been held up. He never made an appearance all evening.”