Irwin Lawrence started to make his way over to greet Lyman Etheridge, but one sharp look from Lyman stopped him in his tracks.


    Left with no choice, Irwin forced a casual, awkward smile and pretended nothing had happened.


    Old Mrs. Lawrence swept over, her face glowing with delight as she greeted Effie Bagnold and Lyman. Her eyes lingered on Lyman, taking his measure, and she nodded approvingly. "Well, aren''t you the picture of a gentleman."


    Lyman greeted her politely. "Good afternoon, Mrs. Lawrence. I''m Lyman. My wife and I are here today to celebrate your birthday and wish you health and happiness for many years toe."


    He handed her a box. "We brought you a small gift."


    The moment Mrs. Lawrence glimpsed the elegant bag in Effie''s hands, her smile grew even wider. "You''re very thoughtful. Zenith Aroma''s perfumes don''te by easily."


    "I''m d you like it," Effie replied warmly.


    Mrs. Lawrence beamed. "Alright now, don''t just stand around-please, everyone, take your seats."


    Lyman leaned toward Effie. "So, this was your surprise?"


    Effie nodded, ncing up at him for a reaction, but Lyman''s eyes were unreadable-his expression gave nothing away.


    She exined quietly, "I overheard you and Mr. Hoffman mention your project''s been held up, and that it had something to do with Mr. Lawrence. I thought I might be able to help."


    She''d expected him to be pleased, but... it didn''t really show.


    Maybe sensing her disappointment, Lyman squeezed her hand beneath the table and said, "Thank you. I''m happy."


    Effie blinked. Happy? This was his happy face?


    She''d never realized happiness could look so stoic.


    But she didn''t have long to dwell on it; Mrs. Lawrence was already serving Effie some food, piling her te with warm hospitality.


    Effie, a bit overwhelmed, smiled. "Thank you, Mrs. Lawrence."


    Mrs. Lawrence waved her off. "Oh, don''t be so formal. We''re all friends here."


    She nudged the te toward Effie. "The shrimp is delicious-you like shrimp, don''t you? Have some more."


    "I will, thank you."


    Lyman watched the easy exchange between Effie and Mrs. Lawrence, realizing that Effie seemed to get along with her remarkably well. No wonder, he thought, that what was supposed to be a family gathering had made room for the two of them, outsiders though they were.


    At first, the group was a bit stiff, but as time passed and familiar faces rxed, the atmosphere softened and everyone seemed to settle in.


    They enjoyed their meal together, and when dinner ended, the real highlight of the birthday celebration began.


    One by one, members of the Lawrence family performed for Old Mrs. Lawrence-songs, little skits, heartfelt toasts. Surrounded by her children and grandchildren, she sat beaming in the center of it alt happiness written across her face. Cóntent


    While everyone''s attention was on the performances, Irwin quietly slipped over to Lyman and murmured, "Mr. Etheridge, I didn''t know you''d be joining us today. I apologize for not greeting you sooner-"


    Lyman cut him off. "No need for pleasantries."


    Irwin hurried on, lowering his voice. "I''m sorry about the Etheridge Group project. I had no choice. Your uncle and I went to school together, I—"


    Lyman interrupted again, voice colder. "You know, if I hadn''t shown up tonight, tomorrow you''d have lost everything. And you''d be spending the rest of your life behind bars."


    Irwin broke into a cold sweat, his face pale as he pleaded, "I''m sorry, Mr. Etheridge. I swear I didn''t mean for this to happen. I''ll call my people right away-tomorrow, your project with go through without a hitch."


    Lyman pped Irwin on the shoulder. "Your mother is a good woman."


    Irwin paused, then understood. He nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Mr. Etheridge. Thank you."


    Effie nced over just in time to see Lyman and Irwin talking quietly, looking surprisingly at ease. Atst, she felt she could finally rx.