Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 440

Clay scooped Andie up from the floor, just as Lyman rushed over and punched Clay hard in the shoulder. “When did you get back?”

Clay looked absolutely exhausted—dusty from travel, hair a wild mess, his face drawn and weary.

“Just now…”

Suddenly, pain twisted Clay’s features. His body crumpled to the ground, shattering like glass.

“Clay!”

Lyman jolted awake, cold sweat on his brow. For a moment, he was disoriented—then he realized it had all been a dream.

Beside him, Effie stirred, startled by his sudden outburst. She blinked sleepily at him. “What’s wrong?”

Lyman pressed his lips together and shook his head. “Nothing. Just a bad dream.”

Effie pulled him into her arms. Lyman let himself relax against her, breathing in her soft scent and the warmth of her body. In that moment, he couldn’t help but think—maybe it feels good to let himself be vulnerable, just a little.

Effie, barely awake, drifted right back to sleep.

When morning came, Lyman was just waking up too.

“Good morning,” he said.

Effie stretched like a lazy kitten. “Morning.”

Lyman’s gaze followed her movement, lingering on her chest. He swallowed, eyes darkening.

His hand shot out, pulling Effie closer by the waist. With a gentle tug, she tumbled against him.

Just as Lyman was about to take things further, his phone rang.

A jolt of unease shot through him for reasons he couldn’t explain.

He answered, every muscle suddenly taut.

But as soon as she caught sight of Effie at his side, a surge of irritation flared up inside her. Something about Effie just rubbed her the wrong way—her voice, her presence, everything.

“What’s going on? How is he?” Effie asked gently.

Grace shook her head, looking lost. “I… I don’t know…”

Lyman figured she was just overwrought. “Try not to worry. If you’re feeling faint, Effie can keep you company in the waiting room. It might help to sit down and rest.”

The last thing Grace wanted was to be alone with Effie, but she couldn’t say that with Lyman there.

Distracted, she stumbled, nearly tripping over her own feet.

Effie caught her arm. “Are you okay?”

Grace’s expression tightened, and she subtly pulled her hand free. “I’m fine. Thanks,” she replied, her tone polite but distant.