Chapter 407
Hearing Effie call someone “darling,” Mitchell’s breath quickened.
How could Effie call another man that? Effie was supposed to be his.
Just then, Lyman stepped out from the kitchen, drying his hands with a towel. “Let me drive you,” he offered. “It’s not safe to be out on the road alone at night.”
Before Effie could respond, Mitchell’s voice crackled through her earpiece with a sharp order. “Turn him down!”
Effie turned to Lyman. “No need, really. It’s just a girls’ night. It’d be a little awkward if a guy showed up. If she sees you, it’ll just make things uncomfortable.”
Mitchell’s chest swelled with satisfaction as he listened in. The sense of control over Effie was intoxicating.
Lyman nodded. “Alright then. Drive safe, okay?”
“I will,” Effie replied.
Lyman walked her to the door himself. As Effie slid behind the wheel, she glanced
at him, hesitating as if wanting to say something more.
He noticed. Leaning down, he rested his arms on the open window, grinning. “What’s wrong? Can’t bear to leave me?”
Effie gave a small, affirmative hum.
Lyman reached in to ruffle her hair. “It’s not like we won’t see each other soon. Go on, hurry up and come back safe.”
Effie nodded, her voice soft. “Bye, darling.”
“See you soon.”
She pulled away, the car disappearing into the night.
Barely a moment later, Mitchell’s icy, furious voice rang in her ears. “Effie, do you have any idea how nauseating your cutesy act sounds?”
Effie’s reply was cold, her tone edged with steel. “Mitchell, did you really think I’d go along with everything you say? I’m only cooperating to keep my grandma safe. But I don’t have to put up with your constant jabs and mockery.”
“Oh? Aren’t you afraid I’ll do something to your precious grandma?”
“If you lay a finger on her, I won’t hold back,” Effie shot back. “If you want to go down, I’ll make sure I go down swinging.”
Mitchell hadn’t expected her to keep her composure, even with her grandmother’s safety hanging in the balance.
He sneered. “I guess your grandma would be so disappointed, having a granddaughter like you who doesn’t even care if she lives or dies.”
Effie didn’t
none of your business. Just sendes ch. “Our relationship is Now shut your mouth.” Contime.
address. I’ll be there on time.
Mitchell slammed the call off, seething. He sent her the address a moment later.
He’d done his homework-he knew
Ryan’s travel plans and wanted to corner him at the airport. So,
Vel plans and wanted to
naturally, the address he sent Effie was for the airport. fo
When Effie arrived, Mitchell was already waiting.
He watched her approach, a sly, possessive smile curling on his lips.
As she drew closer, he reached out to grab her hand-but Effie sidestepped him without hesitation.
Being near Mitchell made her skin crawl. Even the air felt suffocating.
“I’ll help you find Ryan,” Effie said flatly, “but keep your hands to yourself. Otherwise, I won’t hesitate to break them.”
Mitchell pressed on, unwilling to give up. “If you don’t act close to me, why would Ryan ever believe it?”
He moved toward her again, but Effie only stepped further away, keeping a careful distance.
Mitchell’s temper flared. He ground his teeth and hissed, “Effie, do you even know what you’re doing?”
“I know exactly what I’m doing,” she replied coolly. “Maybe you’re the one not thinking straight. Did you really believe that blackmailing me into helping you-just this once-would magically fix what’s broken between us?” sŵnovel
Mitchell’s face went red, then pale, warring emotions flickering across his features.