Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Maurice let out a snort. "Let's just go, all right? If we keep talking, we'll end up killing the conversation."

They had agreed to meet at Elliott's Cozy Room. Maurice arrived in full disguise, hat pulled low and a face mask covering most of his features-clearly paranoid about being recognized.

Nita spotted them from afar and called out, "Well, look who decided to show up! Our superstar's finally graced us with his presence. So, you're treating me tonight, yeah?"

Maurice shot back, "Shouldn't you be the one buying?"

"And why's that?" Nita started rolling up her sleeves, ready for battle.

"Because you sold my pictures and pocketed a tidy sum."

"In your dreams!"

"I don't have to dream. I'm this good-looking in real life."

Nita pulled a dramatic gagging face. "Keep it up and I'll shout your name for

everyone to hear-see how long that disguise lasts."

"Fine, fine, I'll pay! Happy now?" Maurice threw his hands up in surrender. "I finally make it back home-I'd prefer not to die here."

Nita grinned triumphantly. "Good. I'm going all out tonight."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever you want."

They'd arrived right at dinner rush, but Lyman had his own private dining room here, and Effie had already told him they'd be coming, so she could use it whenever she wanted.

"Hi, we've got the reservation for Room One," Effie said to the hostess.

"Miss Bagnold, welcome. Right this way."

Effie and the others followed after her.

Just then, a sharp voice called out behind them. "Hold on."

Effie's brow twitched in irritation. Speak of the devil. She didn't even need to turn around to recognize that voice.

Suzan Bagnold was already storming over, blocking their path. "Didn't you just

say there were no private rooms left? How come as soon as she shows up, there's magically a room available? Even if there is a room, aren't we supposed to go by who gets here first?"

Suzan was practically shaking with fury, her chest heaving.

Nita rolled her eyes so hard it looked like they'd get stuck. "Great, just my luck-ran into the evil twins again. Should've checked my horoscope before leaving the house."

Maurice shot Suzan a cold look, about to say something, but then he caught sight

of someone behind her-Mitchell.

When Mitchell spotted Maurice and Nita, his expression shifted.

Maurice stared at Mitchell, his gaze so sharp it might as well have burned holes through him.

Suddenly, Maurice turned to Effie. "So, is that why you broke up with him? Because he's got someone else now?"noveldrama

Effie said nothing.

But her silence was answer enough.

Maurice didn't hesitate-he balled his fist and swung at Mitchell. "You jerk!"

Mitchell never saw it coming. The punch landed squarely on his jaw, snapping his head to the side.

He tasted the sharp tang of blood at the corner of his mouth.

Damn Maurice. He'd actually made him bleed.

Suzan screamed and rushed over, fussing over Mitchell's injury. "Call the police! I'm calling the police!"

Mitchell scowled. "Forget it. It's fine."

He shook off Suzan's hand. She froze, stunned.

Mitchell wiped the blood from his mouth, then raised his own fist and lunged at Maurice.

"You crazy bastard! I've had it your pretty-boy attitude. You

onger on me? I'll knock y

with

" 2

He cursed as he swung at Maurice.

But Maurice had spent the last few years getting into shape-he wasn't just a pretty face. He let Mitchell's punch land harmlessly on his side, then dodged smoothly and fired back with a quick counterattack.