Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 425

Seeing that everyone had finally calmed down, Bancroft turned to Lyman. “Lyman, how do you think we should handle this?”

Lyman replied, “What’s done is done. No matter how angry we are, if we go all out to retaliate, we’ll only end up hurting ourselves. In the end, the only ones who benefit will be outsiders, and nothing good will come of it.”

Bancroft nodded approvingly. “You’re always the level-headed one.”

Fowler couldn’t help but grumble inwardly—of course it’s easy for you to keep your cool when none of this really affects you.

But then again, he realized he was being selfish—he’d nearly forgotten Effie was caught up in this too, even though she’d just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Bancroft continued, “So, Lyman, do you have a plan?”

Lyman said, “Actually, the Chamber of Commerce just announced they’re releasing a prime piece of land. The Etheridge Group wants to bid on it, and the Crawford family is our biggest rival. Before, I knew I’d have to put in some extra ‘effort’ because the Crawfords have significant influence with the Chamber. But now, the situation’s changed, hasn’t it?”

Fidelia’s heart sank. “So you’re planning to step over me to get ahead?” she thought bitterly. Was this just because she wasn’t family by blood—did that give Lyman the right to use her like this, to ignore her feelings?

Lyman glanced at Fidelia with cool indifference. “Don’t put it like that. I’m just making use of the situation. Or would you really rather see our family and the Crawfords tear each other apart over your mess?”

“I… That’s not what I meant…” Fidelia stammered, looking wounded.

But deep down, it was exactly what she’d wanted—she just didn’t dare say it aloud. She was so miserable she almost wished the whole world would go down with her.

Lyman pressed on, “As a member of the Etheridge family, Fidelia, the family’s interests come first. Isn’t that right?”

Backed into a corner, Fidelia could only nod stiffly. “Yes.”