Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Just outside this apartment building was a giant billboard with Maurice's face on it,

drawing fans from all over who'd come just to snap a photo.

Who would have guessed that the man bundled up so tightly in front of them was

actually Maurice himself?

Right now, Maurice was holding Effie in his arms. Her head pressed against his

hand, and beneath his palm was a pile of shattered ceramic.

Only moments ago, Effie had stumbled straight toward a vase, but Maurice had

noticed just in time, shielding her from the worst-which gave Suzan the perfect

opportunity to act.

The commotion drew everyone's attention; nearly every eye in the lobby turned

toward them.

The moment people recognized Maurice, fans scrambled for their phones,

shouting excitedly, "That's Maurice! It's really him!"

There was no time for Maurice to keep up the act or deny his identity anymore.

Calm and collected, he helped Effie to her feet. "Are you alright?"

Still shaken, Effie shook her head. "I'm fine, but your hand-"

Maurice's hands were famous-long, graceful, with strikingly elegant fingers.

Fans adored them so much, his management had insured them for millions.

But now Maurice's hand was bleeding. If it didn't heal properly, if it left a scar,

things could get complicated.

Unfazed, Maurice glanced at his injury and shrugged it off. "It's nothing. What

about you? Are you sure you're okay?"

Effie bit her lip and nodded. "I'm fine."

A volley of questions erupted from the crowd. "Maurice, is she your friend or your

girlfriend? You two look awfully close-are you going to comment?"

"Maurice, what brings you here? Are you on a date with this beautiful lady?"

Fans surged closer, forming a tight circle around Maurice and Effie and pushing

everyone else out.

Effie's gaze flicked to Maurice'snoveldrama

bleeding hand, irritation flashing in

her eyes. Suddenly, her voice range

out loud and clear: "Everyone, please

step back. Maurice's hand is injured!

His hand is insured for millions-can

any of you afford the risk if his

treatment is delayed?"

Her words dropped like a stone into still water, sending shockwaves through the

crowd. People immediately stepped aside, clearing a path.

But Maurice didn't leave. Instead, he looked straight at Suzan.

Suzan, realizing she'd made a mess, instinctively edged closer to Lionel.

Maurice spoke evenly, "Suzan, everyone has to take responsibility for their

actions, don't you think?"

"Uncle, please help me," Suzan whispered, clutching Lionel's sleeve in

desperation.

Lionel frowned, clearly displeased with Suzan's behavior. She'd injured someone

-did she really think she could just walk away?

"Suzan, you were in the wrong. You need to apologize and make things right,"

Lionel said, his voice cold and stern.

"I didn't mean to," Suzan replied weakly, her heart sinking.

She didn't dare accuse Lionel of

taking sides, but deep down, she

believed it. Lionel was standing up

for Effie. Was it because of a family

bond? Even if they didn't

acknowledge each other, maybe

blood was enough for Lionel to

choose Effie over her.

A flicker of resentment crossed Suzan's mind. Maybe if Effie were gone, none of

this would be happening.

"Suzan, you're not a little kid

anymore. Why do you always act

like one when it's time to apologize?"

Teresa's voice rang out, clear and

firm. "My parents taught me that

when you make a mistake, you own

up to it. Saying "I didn't mean to" is

just running away from

responsibility."

A chill swept over Suzan, cold and sharp.