Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 356

While Lyman and Vinson Elliott were deep in conversation, Nita leaned in close to Effie and whispered, “Earlier today, when I went to meet a client, I suddenly spotted Vera and Suzan slipping into this really unusual store. I got curious and followed them inside.”

An unusual store?

Effie’s eyes flickered with suspicion. What kind of place could make Nita so hesitant to even speak its name?

“What kind of store was it?” Effie asked, lowering her voice.

Nita shot a quick, nervous glance at Lyman and Vinson Elliott before leaning closer to Effie’s ear, her voice barely audible as she finally explained.

Effie was so shocked her hand jerked, sending her fork clattering to the floor.

The noise was enough to draw Lyman’s and Vinson Elliott’s attention. Both men turned to look at her.

Lyman’s tone was gentle. “Is everything alright?”

Effie forced a bright smile and shook her head. “It’s nothing. Nita just dropped a bit of gossip on me, and I need a moment to process it.”

Nita caught Lyman’s gaze and offered him an embarrassed smile before turning back to Effie.

“You wouldn’t believe it,” she muttered. “Vera has no shame at all. She was right there in front of the sales clerk, teaching her daughter how to dress to lure in Mitchell. It was shameless—like she was prepping her for some sleazy business. Absolutely disgusting.”

“No wonder your dad and Mitchell both fell for those two women,” Effie replied wryly.

Nita licked her lips, watching Effie closely. “Are you okay?”

Effie shook her head. “I’m fine.”

But truthfully, a bitter discomfort twisted inside her. She and her mother had both lost to people like that. Was that really the kind of woman men preferred?

Sensing her mood, Nita tried to comfort her. “At least you have Mr. Etheridge. He’s the type who’s practically allergic to drama. No way he’d get involved in something like that.”

Effie nodded, barely managing a smile. “Yeah.”