Mitchell was left speechless by Effie''s words. For a moment, he lookedpletely thrown, regret flickering in his eyes.


    He opened his mouth, as if to defend himself, but nothing came out.


    Without another nce, Effie turned and walked away, leaving Mitchell standing there alone, his expression clouded with uncertainty.


    She had no desire to get tangled up with Mitchell anymore.


    Whatever feelings she once had for him had long since vanished. Now, all she wanted was to focus on her new life.


    "Effie..." he murmured under his breath, his voice tinged with a regret he could barely hide.


    As Effie stepped out of the café, she drew in a deep breath.


    Seeing Mitchell again, she realized how calm she felt. The old hurt from their breakup was gone.


    Just then, her phone began to ring.


    ncing at the screen, she saw Lyman''s name. A small, involuntary smile tugged at her lips as she answered.


    "Hey, darling." Her voice was warm and sweet.


    Ever since their rtionship had grown closer, Lyman had asked her to call him "darling." At first, Effie had felt shy about it, but she''d agreed.


    Soon, Lyman''s deep, velvety voice came through the line. "It''s lunchtime. Have you eaten?"


    Effieughed lightly, her tone rxed. "Yeah, I have. What about you?"


    "I''ve got a business lunch. Just stepped out for some air," Lyman replied with a chuckle.


    "Make sure you eat something, and go easy on the drinks," Effie reminded him gently.


    "I know, boss," he replied with an affectionate note in his voice.


    Her heart fluttered at his words.


    Clutching her phone, Effie couldn''t help but smile even more.


    If what Mitchell said about Lyman was true-if he was only toying with her-then


    so be it. The truth was, she realized she was falling for him, too.


    "When you''re done,e home early. I''ll be waiting," she said softly, a note of anticipation in her voice.


    "I will," Lyman promised, then added, "If you think of something you want for dinner, just let Mrs. Taylor know. I''ll be home as soon as I can."


    Effie thought for a moment, then grinned. "Got it."


    Lyman''s lowugh rumbled through the phone, yful and teasing. "So obedient today? I might have to reward you tonight."


    Effie''s cheeks flushed as she immediately understood what he meant. She feigned a scolding tone, "Stop it! Get back to work before someone wonders where you are."


    "Whatever you say, sweetheart," he replied, his voice warm and indulgent. "See you tonight."


    After hanging up, Effie felt lighter than ever.


    She looked up at the sky-the sun was shining, a gentle breeze brushed across her face, and even the air seemed sweet.


    Meanwhile, Lyman returned to the private dining room after his call.


    The atmosphere had been a bit stiff, but as soon as he walked in, everyone could sense the change in him—he seemed much more at ease, a gentle smile ying at the corners of his mouth.


    "Mr. Etheridge, you look like you''ve got some good news," one of the business partners teased, raising his ss. "Come on, let''s have a drink."


    Lyman smiled and shook his head lightly. "Go ahead, but my wife just called and told me to take it easy on the wine."


    Despite his casual tone, the pride and affection in his voice were impossible to miss.