Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 257

Vinson Elliott and Randell were grinning smugly, completely oblivious to the sly look Effie and Nita exchanged—a shared glimmer of amusement in their eyes.

Then Vinson turned to Lyman. “Lyman, you're not allowed to get involved. Go do some work, will you?”

That move was ruthless. Imagine making someone work when they're supposed to be on vacation, just to keep them from interfering.

Vinson turned to Nita and said, “You probably think I'm being harsh, but honestly, work is the only thing that guy actually enjoys. He's a total workaholic—if he's not working, he's thinking about work. Nothing else interests him.”

“That's not true. There's one thing he likes,” Nita replied.

Vinson and Randell perked up, instantly nosy. “Oh? What's that?”

These two were absolute gossip hounds.

Nita grinned. “Our Effie, of course.”

For a moment, Vinson and Randell were stunned, then both burst out laughing. “You know, that actually makes a lot of sense.”

Effie's cheeks flushed pink. She squirmed in her seat and tried to deflect. “Oh, come on, don't tease me. Let's just play the game already.”

“Oooh, Effie's blushing,” Vinson teased, grinning wider.

Effie shot a shy glance over at Lyman, who was wearing headphones and looked deep in conversation—his expression serious, probably working. She decided not to disturb him.

The first round ended. As expected, Effie lost spectacularly.

“Effie, this is hopeless. With skills like that, people will think we invited you just to gang up on you,” Vinson said.

Nita couldn't help thinking: Isn't that exactly what we did?

Effie apologized, cheeks still pink. “Sorry, sorry, I'm just not used to it yet. Give me a little time—I'll get better.”

Really? As if someone's skills could magically improve in a snap.

But since Effie had said so, Randell and Vinson played along. “Alright, we'll wait. Take your time.”

Bullying her right in front of him? Unthinkable.

Vinson raised his hands in protest. “Come on, man, we wouldn't even dare!”

Lyman snorted. “Don't even think about it.”

He sat down beside Effie, his tone gentle. “Here, let me teach you.”

Randell waved him off. “No need—she's already wiping the floor with us. If you join her, we might as well just surrender.”

Lyman ignored Randell, turning to Effie as if seeking confirmation. “Are they giving you trouble?”

Effie replied, “They say it's bad that I'm counting cards.”

Randell forced a laugh, shooting her a pleading look. “No, it's great, really! Please, have mercy on us, princess.”

Lyman, unfazed, asked, “So, what were you guys playing for?”