Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 37

Suzan asked the waiter to bring over some tea, intercepting the tray at the door before anyone else could see.

With a quick glance over her shoulder, she rummaged through her purse, pulled out a small packet, and discreetly emptied its contents into one of the cups.

Finally, her little insurance plan was about to pay off. Perfect.

Carefully, she set the tray down on the table herself, making a point to hand out the cups personally.

First, she offered a cup to Mr. Horace, then handed one to Effie.

As she did, Suzan shot Effie a pointed look, the corners of her mouth curling up ever so slightly.

Effie instantly picked up on the meaning in Suzan’s gaze, every alarm in her head going off.

Wherever Suzan was involved, letting her guard down was simply not an option.

Suzan had just been trending for all the wrong reasons—a pariah overnight, with everyone gunning for her.

Yet here she was, instead of lying low at home, boldly joining the dinner as if nothing had happened.

What was she really after?

Effie accepted the cup, feeling the gentle warmth through the porcelain as she mulled it over.

She stared down at the amber liquid, watching wisps of steam curl up, carrying with them a faint, unfamiliar scent.

Masking her suspicion, Effie set the cup back on the table and pretended to smooth her dress.

“Designer Bagnold, aren’t you going to have some?” Mr. Horace asked, his eyes crinkling with a smile. “It’s a wonderful Darjeeling.”

“Please, after you, Mr. Horace.” Effie looked up, giving him a perfectly poised smile.

Mr. Horace laughed and tossed back his tea in one easy motion.

Spotting this, Suzan’s eyes flashed with satisfaction as she took a small sip from her own cup.

Effie reached for her tea, lifting it to her lips—but just as she was about to drink, her hand suddenly trembled. A splash of hot tea spilled onto her fingers and dripped down her dress.

A bright red blotch flared up across the back of her hand, the pain sharp and immediate.

Effie gasped, then hurriedly apologized, “I’m so sorry—I’ll just go clean this up.”

She stood and quickly excused herself, heading for the restroom.

Suzan watched her leave, brow furrowing ever so slightly.