Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 171

Fidelia’s eyes lit up with delight. “Thank you so much!” she exclaimed.

Graham stood off to the side, nodding with a cool detachment—a bare minimum of greeting.

The gifts for Uncle Healy and Uncle Fowler were expensive blends of tea, the kind that bespoke taste and tradition.

The old patriarch surveyed the scene with satisfaction, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. “Alright, let’s not just stand around. Dinner’s ready—let’s eat.”

The dining table was all warmth and laughter on the surface, but beneath the facade, subtle tensions simmered.

Charis, feigning casual curiosity, asked, “Effie, I heard you grew up with your grandmother? Marrying into the Etheridge family must feel like quite the stroke of luck.”

Before Effie could respond, Lyman interjected, voice calm but unmistakably protective. “You’re too modest, Aunt Charis. Effie is gentle and kind, and she graduated from a top university. I’m the lucky one to have her as my wife.”

Charis was caught off guard by his rebuttal and forced a thin, awkward smile.

“We’re all hoping you two will give us some good news next year—maybe a chubby little addition to the family?” Marcia teased with a laugh.

Effie played along, lowering her gaze and blushing shyly.

So this is life among the wealthy, she thought. Not as effortless as it looked from the outside.

Sensing the tension, Fowler changed the subject. “Lyman, I heard the company has a new project going. How’s it coming along?”

Lyman’s eyes glinted with amusement. “You’re well informed, Uncle Fowler. But the details will have to wait until the board meets after the holidays.”

Fowler’s expression tightened for a split second, but he quickly masked it.