Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 374

She would never allow something like that to happen.

Shepard said, “Let me think for a moment. We need a plan.”

The three of them huddled together, each offering their own ideas. Their goal was the same: they wanted to acknowledge Lionel as family, but couldn’t let Effie and the others find out.

…

Effie and Nita were out shopping together. Nita had just closed a major deal that day, earning herself a generous commission. Feeling elated, she insisted on treating Effie to a day out and a good meal.

Suddenly, Nita sneezed. She laughed, “Honestly, every time I have free time, I drag you out with me to shop or hang out. Isn’t your husband going to hate me for stealing you away all the time?”

Effie grinned. “You sneeze because your nose tickles, and now you’re blaming my husband for it?”

Nita rolled her eyes. “Listen to you! Always leaping to his defense! You’re not the same Effie you used to be.”

Effie looked at her helplessly. “I swear, I haven’t changed.”

Meanwhile, Jacques was trudging along behind his mother, Camilla, as she browsed one boutique after another. For him, being dragged out like this was pure torture.

Bored, he let his eyes wander around the mall—when suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of an unexpected face.

It was the girl he’d seen at the gates of the Etheridge family estate that day.

Fidelia!

Jacques muttered her name under his breath and immediately hurried in Effie’s direction.

His mother, Camilla, had just spotted a necklace she liked. She turned to ask, “Jacques, what do you think of this one?”

There was no reply.

Camilla spun around, only to find that her son, who’d been right beside her a moment ago, was already halfway to the entrance.

She called after him a few times, but Jacques didn’t seem to hear.

But when Jacques rushed outside, Effie was nowhere to be seen.

A wave of disappointment washed over him. Had he imagined it? Was he missing Effie so much that he’d started seeing her everywhere?