Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 477

In Adeline’s mind, Effie had always been the sort of girl from a modest background—plain, unremarkable, and utterly lacking in class.

Yet now, with Suzan standing beside her as a glaring contrast, Adeline found herself surprisingly at ease with Effie.

Was there truth, after all, to the saying that money changes people?

Of course! Effie had changed because she was with Lyman now, living off his wealth. That had to be it. Lyman’s money had polished her rough edges.

Yes, that must be it!

Effie and Lindy, meanwhile, had both noticed Adeline’s lingering gaze.

Lindy leaned over to Effie, keeping her voice low. “She keeps staring at you. Is it making you uncomfortable? If you’d rather leave, we can go.”

Effie gave a small, unbothered smile. “Mom, it’s fine. I’ve got nothing to do with her anymore anyway. If she wants to stare, let her. I don’t care. If I get up and walk away now, she’ll just think I’m afraid of her.”

Lindy considered this, then nodded. “All right. Whatever you want.”

She glanced back at Adeline, then added, “Honestly, I think she regrets it. She must be kicking herself for losing such a wonderful daughter-in-law.”

Effie gave a quiet laugh. “Not a chance. People like her—even if they do regret it—would never let it show.”

Effie knew full well that Adeline and Mitchell were cut from the same cloth: too proud to admit even the smallest mistake, even if it meant making themselves miserable.

Lindy and Effie continued to enjoy their soufflé when someone approached their table.

“Mrs. Etheridge, this is...”

Lindy smiled graciously, wrapping an arm around Effie’s shoulders. “This is my daughter-in-law, Effie.”

The woman smiled, her gaze lingering on Effie. “Miss Bagnold, you must come from such a distinguished family. So elegant, so poised.”

Effie returned the smile, her tone warm. “Oh, I’m from a perfectly ordinary background.”