Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

My mother once told me that my grandmother used to live in Blackmire for a while before she married Grandpa and moved with him to Neo-Arcadia.

Grandma often said, "Oh, I'd love to, but it's hard to find real Blackmire-style pastries these days. Back then, they were always made fresh, wheeled out on little carts. If you wanted your favorite treat, you had to be quick-everyone else was trying to grab them, too."

"They say it's all pre-made now, so the taste just isn't quite the same."

Lyman chimed in, "Why don't we go to Elliott's Cozy Room? They've just brought in an amazing new chef, and the place has started its soft opening. I've heard everyone who's eaten there has nothing but praise."

"We really should give it a try, then."

In fact, it was Lyman who'd suggested the chef to Elliott's Cozy Room.

Last time he'd brought Grandma there, she had said the spare ribs reminded her of the food she used to have in Blackmire, and she'd mentioned how much she missed it. After that, Lyman had asked Vinson Elliott to hire a local Blackmire chef. When they arrived at Elliott's Cozy Room, Grandma insisted they sit in the main dining hall for the lively atmosphere, rather than taking a private room.

Sure enough, there was a cart being pushed around nearby. People gathered around it, peeking in to see what was on offer, grabbing their favorites and leaving with satisfied smiles.

Effie turned to Grandma. "What would you like to eat, Grandma?"

Grandma replied, "Shrimp dumplings, barbecue pork rolls, and those roasted chicken."

"Alright, I'll go see what I can find."

Lyman went with Effie, worried she might burn herself.

He laughed and said, "Grandma really knows her food."

Effie grinned. "Of course! She used to live here, after all."

"Moved to Neo-Arcadia with Grandpa later."

"So, is Grandma from Blackmire?" Lyman asked.

Effie shook her head. "I'm not actually sure."

Effie ordered a few things, with Lyman helping her carry the plates.

As they made their way back, they ran into Fidelia Etheridge and Isabel coming from the opposite direction.

Fidelia blinked in surprise at the sight of Lyman, then quickly said, "Big brother, you're here for brunch too?"

Lyman just gave a neutral nod and turned away.

His attitude was distant, and he didn't linger.

Isabel bit her lip and gently tugged at Fidelia's hand.noveldrama

Fidelia glanced at Isabel, her eyes flickering with sympathy. She might be afraid of Lyman, but for Isabel's sake, she could only steel herself.

She led Isabel over to Lyman. "Big brother, can we join your table? There aren't any open seats left."

"If there aren't any seats, then get a private room," Lyman replied.

"But the private rooms aren't as lively-it's not as much fun. I'm working on a sociology project at college about changing habits in how people socialize."

At that moment, Grandma spoke up. "We're all family here. If you don't mind, just sit with us."

Grandma had no idea about Fidelia's attitude toward Effie, so she greeted Fidelia and Isabel warmly.

Effie didn't say much either, figuring as long as Grandma was happy, that was what really mattered.

Still, if those two tried anything funny, she definitely wouldn't let it slide.

Lyman leaned in close to Effie's ear and murmured, "If you're not comfortable, you can make them leave."

Effie replied, "It's fine. Grandma's rarely in such a good mood. But if they try anything, I won't be polite."

Lyman squeezed her hand gently, his voice soft. "Alright, whatever you say."

Watching Lyman and Effie so close together, Isabel's face darkened, her jealousy written all over it.