Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 505

Lyman couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation. Was it really that strange if he wasn’t into celebrities?

“I’m a fan, too, you know,” Lyman said.

Effie gave him a curious look, clearly intrigued. She wondered, who could Lyman possibly be a fan of?

“Who is it?” Effie pressed, her eyes sparkling with interest.

Lyman’s gaze lingered on her for a moment, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face. “That’s a secret,” he answered slowly.

Effie pouted. “Fine, keep your secrets.”

“Are you mad at me?” Lyman teased, pinching her cheek. He just couldn’t resist; her face was so soft, so tempting to touch.

Effie shook her head, feigning annoyance. This guy—he was getting bolder the more familiar they became.

“No, I’m not mad.”

“Someday, I’ll tell you,” Lyman promised, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Alright,” she agreed easily.

As soon as Effie returned to the office, Shirley slipped in, glancing around as if expecting someone to jump out at her. “Effie, thank goodness you two didn’t get caught! I was on the verge of a heart attack back there!”

“Thanks for covering for me,” Effie replied gratefully.

“I owe you a coffee,” she added.

Shirley offered an exaggerated bow. “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your boundless generosity.”

“Oh, get lost!” Effie burst out laughing.

…

The next day, Effie got a call from Nita inviting her and Maurice out to dinner.

“What’s the occasion?” Effie asked, grinning. “Did something good happen?”

Nita’s voice came through the phone, mock-offended, “Do I need an excuse to take my friends out? Are we even friends if I can’t treat you to dinner?”

“Of course we’re friends,” Effie replied quickly.

Nita continued, “But tonight is a friends-only dinner, okay? Leave your plus-ones at home.”

Nita went up to the host. “Hi, I’m a friend of Mr. Elliott. We spoke earlier—do you have our table ready?”

“Yes, our manager let us know you’d be coming,” the host replied, ushering them inside.

“Thank goodness it’s not peak hours yet,” Nita murmured as they settled in. “Otherwise, this could’ve gotten messy.”

Nita smiled. “Word gets around fast. The food here is amazing—everyone says it’s the real deal.”

Nita’s eyes lit up. “Now you’re making me even hungrier.”

She nudged Maurice. “What about you? Anything you’re craving?”

Maurice didn’t answer, his eyes fixed on Effie.

It was only then that Effie realized—Maurice didn’t seem too happy.