Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 306

“Lyman, I need an iced Americano. Stat.” Annabel rubbed her temples, her voice edged with exhaustion.

Out of nowhere, she felt the unmistakable burn of someone’s gaze. She looked up—and locked eyes with Fenton, whose stare was as dark and unreadable as ever.

Annabel froze, muttering under her breath, “Shit.”

“This isn’t a coffee shop, you know.” Fenton’s voice was dry.

Annabel snorted and lifted her chin, meeting his gaze head-on. “And what’s it to you? I’m here to grab a coffee with my brother. Problem?”

“Wouldn’t dare,” Fenton shot back, jaw clenched. “After all, you’re the princess around here.” His eyes bored into Annabel, as if he might devour her whole if she said one wrong word.

Annabel refused to back down. She glared right back at him. “That’s right. I’m definitely better off than you, wage slave.”

She spun on her heel. “What a buzzkill.”

Fenton called after her, “Funny, guilty people always seem to be in a hurry.”

Annabel stopped dead, whipping around so fast her glare could have cut glass. “If anyone here has a guilty conscience, it’s you.”

Fenton’s eyes narrowed. “Say that again?”

“I’d love to.” Annabel grabbed the ashtray from the coffee table, brandishing it.

Isabel jumped in, desperate to play peacemaker. “Annabel, don’t. Don’t let your temper get the best of you.”

“Quiet.” Lyman’s voice was sharp as he shot Isabel a look. Then he turned to Fenton. “You too. Enough.”

Fenton shrugged. “Only because you asked.”

Annabel tossed her hair. “Yeah, same here.”

She sighed. “This place is dead. I’m leaving.”

“Lyman, would you mind if I stay here for a bit? I barely slept last night and I’ve been running from one shoot to another. I’m exhausted—just need to rest for a while.” Her eyes were hopeful.

“Fine. You can use the couch.” It was as much hospitality as he could muster.

Isabel knew better than to ask for more. Lyman’s reputation for being a neat freak was practically legendary; there was no way he’d let her near his private lounge.

She curled up on the sofa and closed her eyes.

Lyman and Fenton went right back to their meeting, paying her no attention.

Isabel couldn’t help but smile to herself. Soon, she’d find an excuse to get Lyman alone—maybe play up how nervous she was about the shoot and ask him to come along.

With her plan set, Isabel let herself relax, sinking deeper into the cushions until, before she knew it, she’d drifted off.

Meanwhile, Effie was busy at her desk when someone popped their head in to say she had a visitor. Puzzled, she hurried out to see who it was.