Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Nita nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, yes, I really do like her!"

Maurice said, "If you'd told me sooner you liked Samantha, I could've gotten you her autograph. We were in the same production a while back—I could've just asked her for a signed photo."

He didn't sound thrilled about it, though. Those autographs were supposed to be

for Lyman.

That's when Angelo finally noticed Maurice.

"I know you," Angelo said, eyeing Maurice.

Maurice looked back at him, a flicker of uncertainty in his gaze. Did Angelo really know him? Maurice was sure they'd never met before.

Angelo explained, "I'm Samantha's... nutritionist. I was with her abroad for a while -I took care of her meals."

Recognition dawned on Maurice. "That was you? I remember thinking the food the nutritionist made was amazing—and it was all low-calorie! Seriously impressive. I had no idea it was you."

Angelo smiled and extended a hand. "Thanks for the compliment.”

He genuinely liked being praised for his cooking.

Jokingly, Maurice said, "So next time I'm here, can I just call you up for dinner?" Angelo grinned. "Sure."

He pulled out a business card from his pocket and handed it to Maurice and Nita. "It's great to meet you both."

"Thank you, really, thank you," Nita said.

She hadn't expected such a talented chef to be so down to earth.

As they reached the restaurant entrance, they overheard the receptionist talking

to Suzan's group. "Miss Bagnold, the private room guests are leaving. You can head in now."

Suzan glanced over in Effie's direction, and the second she saw her, her expression changed dramatically.

She stormed toward Effie. "So it's you! Did you do this on purpose?!"

Suzan glared at Effie, looking as if she might tear her apart at any moment.

Maurice and Nita immediately stepped in front of Effie. "What are you trying to do?"

Suzan scoffed coldly, her eyes never leaving Effie. Through clenched teeth, she spat, "Effie, are you crazy? Why do you always have to mess with me? You and Lionel broke up

ages ago, but you're still haunting us!" sŵnovel

Effie stared back like Suzan was the insane one. Since when was she "haunting" anyone?

"It's just a coincidence. I'm not interested in your drama,” Effie replied flatly.

Suzan clearly didn't buy it.

"Coincidence? Please. You have to compete with me in everything, always making my life difficult!. Remember last time I lined up for the new release and someone came to pick a fight with me? That was you, wasn't it?"

She seized the chance to air her grievances otherwise, Teresa would keep

thinking she was useless and keep scolding her.

Effie shot her a bored look. "Are younoveldrama

paranoid or something? Not

everything is about you. I have better

things to do than meddle in your ridiculous problems."

She paused, then added, "Maybe try sleeping a little less. Too much dreaming isn't good for you."

Suzan looked like she might explode from sheer indignation.

"You... shut up!"

"That's enough, Suzan." Lionel's voice cut through the tension.

Suzan turned to him, confused. "Uncle... why-?"

Lionel said, “Effie hasn't done anything. I believe her she's not that petty. So stop getting so worked up."

Suzan stared at him, bewildered. "Uncle, why are you taking a stranger's side?"

She hung her head, tears slipping down her cheeks. She buried her face in the shadows, the corners of her mouth twitching.