Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 160

She fought through the dizziness and the sting of scraped skin, staggering as she crawled out of the overturned car.

The icy air hit her face, snapping her back to her senses.

She fumbled for her phone, hands trembling, and dialed Lyman’s number.

The moment the accident happened, it was Lyman’s face that flashed through her mind.

Effie was terrified she might die here, that she’d never get to see Lyman again.

The call rang and rang with no answer.

She bit her lip, panic rising, just as the line finally connected.

Lyman’s deep, reassuring voice came through. “Effie?”

“Honey, I… I nearly died just now…” Effie’s composure shattered the instant she heard his voice.

The memory of those terrifying seconds sent a fresh wave of shivers down her spine.

“What? What happened? Where are you?” Lyman was in the middle of a meeting, but at her words, he shot to his feet.

“It’s a long story. I’m out by the highway, my car’s totaled. Can you send someone to help me?” Her voice wavered, fear catching up with her.

She was worried Yolande’s accomplices might be nearby. If they came at her all at once, she didn’t stand a chance.

Better call for backup.

“Don’t be scared. Text me your location. I’m on my way. Stay on the line,” Lyman said, wishing he could sprout wings and fly to her side.

He soothed Effie while striding out of the conference room with Luther close behind.

The department heads exchanged uneasy glances, but no one dared ask a thing.

They’d never seen Mr. Etheridge look so rattled before—whatever this was, it had to be serious.

Effie shot her a cold look. “Taking a life means paying the price. Do you really think a person’s life is that cheap?”

“I’m not you. I won’t turn into a monster for revenge.”

“So—who sent you?”

Yolande hesitated, then turned away, refusing to answer.

Effie gave a small, humorless smile. “Suit yourself. You can explain everything to the police. Attacking someone with a knife is a pretty serious offense.”

Yolande let out a strange, bitter laugh. “What’s with the hero act? You think I’ll be grateful? Dream on. Looks like I’ve lost—if you want to kill me, just do it.”

Effie didn’t bother arguing. “Kill you? What would be the point?”

Yolande’s eyes narrowed, suspicion creeping in.

Damn it, she thought. She’d figured Effie would be easy to deal with, but behind that angelic face was a mind sharp as a blade.