Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

"You really have the nerve to give away something made by a tiny no-name company?" Adeline scoffed.

Suzan froze, staring at Adeline in disbelief.

That was hardly what Adeline had said before. She used to rave about those face masks-how soothing they were, especially when her skin acted up at the change of seasons. She'd claimed they worked wonders.

In truth, Adeline had only praised them to be polite. Did Suzan honestly believe some cheap, locally made face mask could ever compare to the expensive, famous European brands?noveldrama

Suzan's face flushed with indignation. "Aunt Adeline, my dad's factory may be in the States, but several of our ingredients are exported. Even those big luxury brands overseas have to buy from us."

"Enough." Adeline cut her off with a wave of her hand. "I don't want to hear another word of your nonsense. Why are you here today, anyway?"

"Aunt Adeline, why are you and Mitchell both ignoring me? I—" Suzan's voice cracked, and it looked like she might burst into tears at any moment.

Adeline didn't seem the least bit moved; she just looked at her in disgust. "Oh, so now you want to cry? Really? Do you have any idea how much you've hurt Mitchell? Because of your cheating, his company lost a fortune. The jewelry batch you sabotaged was returned, and everything we spent making it is now worthless just gathering dust in storage!"

Suzan swayed as if the ground had been pulled from under her and nearly lost her balance.

Just then, Effie and Lindy Etheridge happened to walk by.

Effie was keeping Lindy company on a little outing for soufflé. The café's soufflés had quite a reputation—the sort of treat you had to queue up for, every day, no exceptions. Effie had heard Lindy loved them, so she'd arranged a reservation, planning a cozy afternoon with coffee and dessert.

Suzan caught sight of Effie and rushed over, grabbing her arm in desperation.

Effie hadn't expected it, but she wasn't one to be messed with. She immediately shook Suzan's hand off.

Suzan let herself fall, collapsing onto the floor. With tears streaming down her cheeks, she looked up at Effie and, voice trembling, pleaded, "Effie, I've already apologized to you. Why are you still out to ruin me?

Effie folded her arms, coolly looking Suzan up and down. "Suzan, if you really think you're losing your mind, can recommend an excellent

psychiatrist. Or if it's something].ne

more serious, I know some

specialists. But please, spare me your theatrics. Don't go having a breakdown in front of me."

She paused, then added coldly, "If you keep acting crazy around me, I'll shred that letter of leniency and make sure you spend the rest of your days rotting in a cell."

"You-"

Panic flashed across Suzan's face. She stammered, "Effie, do you have to be so ruthless?"

Effie shrugged. "You're the one who'd suffer, not me. Why should I care?"

"Fine. Fine!"

Suzan practically fled, stumbling away in disgrace.

Effie watched her go, shaking her head. Running into a lunatic was enough to ruin anyone's day.

When she looked back, she found herself meeting Adeline's gaze.

Effie turned away nonchalantly, found a table with Lindy, and placed their order

with a calm, elegant grace, her voice gentle and demeanor poised.

Something unspoken stirred in Adeline's heart as she watched.