Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

"No way. This is your mistake, not mine!" Suzan snapped, her tone cold and impatient.

She refused to believe that a little French bistro could get the better of her.

Lionel stood quietly at her side, simply watching the scene unfold. He was curious to see how Suzan would handle this hiccup.

Mitchell, on the other hand, wanted nothing to do with the situation. Still, not wanting to appear completely indifferent, he stood near Suzan—a silent gesture that, for him, counted as a major show of support.

The waitress, caught between not wanting to offend the customers and needing to solve the problem, tried to find a compromise. "I'm terribly sorry for the

inconvenience," she said. "How about this: I'll check with the guests in the private room. If they're willing, I can..."

Suzan shot her a sharp look and interrupted, "Then what are you waiting for? Go."

The waitress bristled but said nothing, heading off to speak to her coworker.

Moments later, someone knocked on the door of the private room where Effie, Nita, and Maurice were finishing their meal.

After the waitress explained the situation, Nita turned to Effie and Maurice. "Have you both had enough to eat?"

Effie and Maurice nodded. "Yeah, we're pretty much done."

"Alright, let's go then. No point in making things difficult for the owner," Nita said. "We've already enjoyed some delicious food-that's enough."

Effie agreed, "Sure, let's head out."noveldrama

With the decision made, all three stood up to leave.

Maurice stretched and smiled. "The food here's outstanding. I shot a movie in France once, tried a bunch of restaurants there, and honestly, the flavors here are just as good. The desserts, too-really top-notch."

He added, "Though, they're definitely less sweet than in France."

Effie grinned. "Theard the owner's actually French, but he fell in love with someone from Verdania and decided to stay. He toned down the sugar in the desserts to suit our astes. Otherwise, with all that sugar

they use over there, we'd

never

survive a single bite."

Just then, Angelo came over, greeting them warmly. "You're leaving already? I

was about to bring out some cheesecake for you to try."

Effie smiled, "Maybe next time."

Angelo laughed. "Of course. You're always welcome here. Just give me a call when you want to

come there'll always be something new to try."

Effie hesitated, "Oh, that's very kind of you, but we wouldn't want to trouble you..."

Angelo winked. "No trouble at all. You're Lyman's wife-that makes you a friend of mine."

He paused, then added, "Actually, I have a little gift for you."

Effie blinked in surprise. After the discount Angelo had already given them & gift as well seemed almost too much. She felt a little embarrassed.

"You really don't have to..." she said.

Λου

Angelo just grinned and handed her a small envelope. "Trust me, you'll love it." Effie opened it carefully-and her eyes widened in delight. Inside was a signed photo of Samantha, complete with a personal message.

"Wow, this is such a surprise!" she exclaimed.

Nita looked on with envy. "Girl, I want one too!"

Angelo turned to her, his eyes twinkling. "Miss Nita, there's one for you as well.”

"Me?" Nita gasped, pointing at herself. "But... you don't even know me." Angelo chuckled. "Lyman mentioned you. He figured you'd both appreciate it."