Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 197

Lyman caught Effie’s gaze, set his tablet aside, and reached for her hand, giving it a gentle, reassuring pat. “What’s on your mind?” he asked softly.

Effie hesitated, then said, “Do you think—Grandpa’s getting on in years, but he’s sharp as ever. Has he figured it out?”

Figured out that she could swim all along, but pretended she couldn’t—and had nearly pushed Fidelia into the water.

Effie had sensed it earlier. There had been a sudden, piercing look in Bancroft’s eyes when he glanced her way. She’d been wondering ever since if he’d seen through her act.

Lyman patted her hand again, his touch comforting. Effie was right—Bancroft had indeed noticed. No matter how well she’d covered her tracks, the old man was not one to be easily fooled.

He said nothing, but that silence made Effie’s heart sink. This might be it for her.

Lyman noticed her anxiety and leaned in to reassure her. “It’s alright. If Grandpa didn’t call you out on the spot, it means he’s letting it slide. We don’t need to bring it up again.”

Effie gave a quiet nod. That made sense, but still—would Bancroft think she was too calculating?

Lyman seemed to read her mind. “Actually, I can tell Grandpa likes you a lot. In the Etheridge family, we respect people who are clever, not the clueless ones.”

Effie blinked in surprise, then broke into a smile. Was that his way of saying she was smart?

Seeing her smile, Lyman relaxed, his own mood brightening.

Before long, they arrived at the hospital.

Lindy hopped out of the car, trailed by a small parade of relatives, each carrying armfuls of care packages and gifts.

The commotion was so over the top that Effie instinctively edged away to the side. Lyman, used to this kind of scene, knew Effie would rather keep her distance. Without a word, he slowed his pace and stuck by her side, steering them away from the crowd.