Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 11

Effie stood there, cold and unyielding, watching as Mitchell helped Suzan up off the floor. Suzan practically melted into his arms, leaning against him as if she had no strength left to stand on her own.

“I’m fine, Mitchell,” Suzan said in a small, trembling voice. “Really, I just tripped. It wasn’t my sister’s fault, but she seemed really upset. I think she misunderstood. And... I broke her lucky charm, so she’s angry at me, too…”

Effie observed the scene, the corners of her mouth curling into a mocking smile. Suzan’s performance was as flawless as ever—so delicate and pitiful that anyone watching would feel compelled to pity her.

Mitchell glanced down at Suzan, concern flickering in his eyes. Suddenly, his expression hardened. “What happened to your face?” he demanded.

“Mitchell, please don’t blame my sister…” Suzan’s meaning was clear, even if she didn’t spell it out.

The light above cast shadows across Mitchell’s face, making the sharp lines of his features stand out even more. The play of light and shadow made Effie feel momentarily dizzy, as if the whole scene were a dream.

Then Mitchell’s voice rang out, strong and commanding, leaving no room for argument. “Effie, apologize to Suzan now. No matter what, you can’t just hit someone.”

Effie let out a cold laugh, her gaze as sharp as a blade as she looked at Mitchell and Suzan. “Apologize? And why should I?”

Mitchell’s frown deepened, his tone growing colder. “Effie, what’s happened to you? I’m really disappointed. I’ll say it one last time—apologize to Suzan.”

“Apologize?” Effie scoffed, her eyes flashing with icy defiance. “Mitchell, let me make this clear—I will never apologize. Not even if it kills me.”

Her unwavering tone pushed Mitchell over the edge. Without thinking, he raised his hand and slapped her across the face.

Effie stared at him in shock, unable to believe what had just happened. She pressed her hand to her burning cheek, her fingers trembling. The disbelief in her eyes quickly hardened into a cold, simmering hatred.

Effie jerked her arm free and glared at him. “Don’t touch me.”

Mitchell’s hand hung helplessly in the air, his eyes clouded with confusion and regret as he watched Effie’s retreating figure. For the first time, panic prickled in his chest. Maybe this really was the end.

Suzan stood quietly to the side, watching the standoff unfold. A flicker of satisfaction flashed in her eyes, but she quickly masked it with a look of concern.

She tugged gently on Mitchell’s sleeve, her voice soft and fragile. “Mitchell, please don’t blame my sister. She was just too upset, that’s all…”

Mitchell nodded absently, a hint of confidence returning to his voice. “Maybe I’ve spoiled her too much. Give it a couple of days—she’ll come back and apologize. When she does, I’ll make sure she apologizes properly to you.”

Sure enough, he thought, women just get worse the more you indulge them.