Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 202

Shepard was already seething with anger, but he managed to comfort Vera, murmuring softly, “I know, I know.”

Effie's expression grew even darker. Watching those two put on their little show in front of her grandmother made her stomach turn.

“Get out!” she snapped.

Snatching up a freshly broken branch, Effie swung it toward Shepard and the others.

Shepard barely dodged the blow, his face stormy as he barked at her, “You ungrateful girl! Is this how you treat your father? I order you to apologize to me and to your stepmother, right now!”

In his rage, Shepard had completely forgotten why he'd come in the first place.

Effie let out a cold laugh. “And when have you ever acted like a father? What gives you the right to play that role in front of me?”

She brandished the branch again, her eyes flashing. “If you don't leave, don't blame me for what happens next!”

“You—” Shepard was so furious he could hardly speak.

“Leave.” Lyman's voice cut through the tension, icy and commanding. His eyes were glacial, and it seemed as though the temperature around them dropped a few degrees.

A chill ran down Shepard's spine, as if he'd plunged into a frozen lake. Without another word, he gathered his people and made a hasty retreat.

“It's all right now, Grandma,” Effie said gently, crouching down to reassure her.

Her grandmother nodded, gripping Effie's hands tightly. “Yes, I'm okay.”

The visit to Adriana's grave had already weighed heavily on everyone's spirits; now, after the confrontation, no one felt like lingering any longer. They left in a hurry, silent and somber.