Lyman paused for a moment, then turned around.

Sigrid was utterly stunned by the sight of his impossibly handsome face.

Oh my god. This man is gorgeous.

She could actually hear her own heartbeat pounding in her chest.

At the same time, the jealousy she felt towards Effie reached its peak.

Why was Effie so lucky? How did she manage to meet such an extraordinary man?

Lyman caught the dreamy look in Sigrid’s eyes and frowned slightly. “Can I help you?”

Sigrid snapped out of her daze, her voice shrill as she blurted out, “Sir, don’t let Effie fool you! She’s not some society darling-she’s just an ordinary woman. My brother just broke up with her, and you’re her next poor victim! She’s vain, manipulative “

Before Sigrid could finish, Effie raised her hand and slapped her hard across the face. “Sigrid, you really have a filthy mouth. Did you eat garbage for breakfast?”

The slap rang out, sharp and clear.

In an instant, the entire ballroom fell silent. Every eye turned their way.

Sigrid clutched her cheek, utterly incredulous. “You… you actually hit me?”

Effie’s voice was cool and unruffled. “That’s right, I slapped you. So what? Who told you to spew such filth? Is this the famous Lloyd family upbringing? You just publicly slandered me I could sue you for that, you know.”

“You-!” Sigrid’s eyes filled with angry tears.

She had never been humiliated like this before.

Damn Effie. That wretched woman!

The more Sigrid thought about it, the more wronged she felt. She’d just been smacked in front of everyone, and accused of being uncivilized.

The Lloyds were a respected family, and now she’d lost all dignity.

Fury blazed in Sigrid’s chest as she glared at Effie. Suddenly, she lunged, reaching to grab Effie’s hair.

She was ready to fight to the bitter end.

But before Sigrid could touch her, Lyman stepped between them.

He pulled Effie protectively into his arms, his dark eyes cold as steel. “Enough. If

you lay a finger on her, you’ll regret it.”

His voice was icy, every word edged with warning.

Sigrid flinched, startled, but still unwilling to back down.

Mitchell had been watching the whole scene. He finally barked, “Sigrid, what on earth are you doing?”

How much more embarrassment did she want to bring on their family?

Bitterness twisted in Mitchell’s chest, especially after seeing how fiercely Lyman stood up for Effie.

What were they to each other? Why did they seem so close?

A confusing mix of jealousy and doubt flickered in Mitchell’s eyes.

Lyman’s arm stayed firmly around Effie’s waist, as if making a public declaration she belonged to him.

“Mitchell, how could you take her side?” Sigrid cried, stamping her foot. “I’m your sister!”

Having been scolded by her brother, Sigrid’s face turned an even deeper shade of red. She bit her lip, her eyes brimming with tears and resentment.

What had she done wrong?

All she’d wanted was for people to see what Effie was really like.

Suzan arrived just in time, gently soothing her, “Sigrid, your brother’s just upset

right now. Don’t let it get to you. Come on, let’s take a walk in the garden and cool off.”

Suzan sensibly led Sigrid away.

Mitchell shot her a grateful glance.

Once Sigrid was gone, Mitchell turned to Lyman, his tone respectful. “Mr. Etheridge, I apologize. My sister acted out of line and caused you trouble.”

Lyman looked at Mitchell with cold indifference. So this was the blind fool who couldn’t see Effie’s worth.

All the better for him.