Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 284

“This is outrageous! The Ames family—such a minor clan—has managed to intimidate all of you like this?” Bancroft's voice was cold and sharp. “Effie is Lyman's wife, which makes her part of the Etheridge family now. Lyman must go and get her back. If he doesn't, what will everyone think of us? Not just us, but even our children and grandchildren will be laughed at, drowned in shame for generations!”

“Dad, you don't understand. Things aren't the way they used to be. The Ames family isn't what it once was…”

Bancroft stomped his foot in frustration. “I don't care what the Ames family has become. The Etheridge family never backs down! If you're all so terrified, then say the word—I'll cut all ties, and you can tell everyone I'm no longer your father.”

Healy and Fowler panicked at that, rushing to protest. “Dad, that's not what we meant! We're just thinking of what's best for the Etheridge family, that's all—”

“Enough,” Bancroft snapped. “If you're against it, there's nothing more to discuss.”

His words rang out with finality, silencing the room. No one dared say another word.

Turning to Lyman, Bancroft said, “Go on, Lyman. Do what you have to do. Your grandfather and the Etheridge family will always have your back. Bring Effie home, safe and sound.”

Healy and Fowler exchanged glances, resentment simmering beneath the surface. Effie came from nothing, not a single relative had shown up to help—only the Etheridge family, left fighting this battle alone.

This was all Lyman's fault—they were paying the price for his choices.

Lyman looked at Bancroft, moved nearly to tears. “Thank you, Grandpa.”

Bancroft waved him off. “No need for thanks. We're family.”

Lyman hurried out. Lindy watched him go, worry etched across her face. There wasn't much she could do except silently pray that nothing bad would happen to Effie.

Lyman knew his family had never truly accepted Effie, but at least they hadn't made it too obvious—until now. This crisis had revealed everyone's true colors.

“They're them. I'm me,” Lyman muttered to Fenton as they headed to the police station.

Effie felt dizzy, her head heavy and throbbing. She was barely conscious, teetering on the edge of blacking out.

Suddenly, the interrogation room door creaked open again.

Her heart skipped a beat. Were they speeding things up? At first, they'd interrogated her every hour, demanding a confession. Then it was every thirty minutes. Now, not even half an hour had passed and they were back.

They really were trying to break her.

“Sweetheart.” Lyman's voice, thick with worry, cut through the fog.

Effie heard him and froze, unsure if she was dreaming.