Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 366

The butler had barely finished speaking when Fidelia suddenly swayed on her feet.

The truth was, Fidelia was already at her limit; she was just gritting her teeth and forcing herself to hold on.

Lyman noticed her wavering, but chose to ignore it. If she couldn't handle even this bit of family discipline, then perhaps she needed to accept her own limitations—and stop provoking Effie.

Lyman and Effie were about to go find Bancroft Etheridge when a figure hurried toward them.

It was Marcia.

Lyman had anticipated Marcia’s arrival and, as expected, instinctively stepped in front of Effie to shield her.

“Lyman, Fidelia is still just a child. She knows she was wrong—please, let her off this time,” Marcia pleaded, her eyes rimmed red, as if she might burst into tears at any second.

Lyman’s tone was ice-cold. “Aunt Marcia, everyone has to take responsibility for their actions. Without rules, a family falls apart. If we forgive every mistake without consequence, what would become of the Etheridge family?”

“But… she’s just so young…” Marcia’s voice trembled, on the verge of crying.

To her, Fidelia hadn’t done anything unforgivable—she’d only said the wrong thing. Did it really warrant such a harsh punishment?

Just then, Bancroft joined them, leaning heavily on his cane. He rapped it against the floor for emphasis. “Lyman is right. The Etheridge family has its rules, and we don’t bend them for anyone.”

“Sir…”

Marcia looked at Bancroft, words caught in her throat. In the end, she swallowed them, resigned.

Bancroft turned to Lyman and Effie, his stern expression quickly softening into a genial smile. “It’s not often you’re both home. Stay for dinner tonight, won’t you?”

Lyman glanced at Effie rather than answering right away.

Effie smiled. “We’d love to.”