Chapter 18
Effie quickly pulled out her latest sketches, then opened the contest’s official website. She registered a new account, uploaded her finished designs along with the concept notes and inspiration, and officially entered the competition.%
Only after double–checking that everything was submitted correctly did she log out.%
All entries were kept strictly confidential until the day of the preliminary round, so no one would see her designs beforehand.2
To be absolutely sure nothing went wrong, Effie installed a tiny surveillance camera hidden in the potted plant next to her computer.
Then she placed her design drafts in plain sight on her desk.2
“If you’re all so desperate to get your hands on my work,” she murmured with a cold smirk, “then I’ll give you a little surprise” She already had a plan in mind.% With that, she headed off to find Mitchell. It was time for a serious conversation.%
In the manager’s office, the air felt thick and heavy, as if the temperature had just gone up a few degrees.%
Effie paused at the door and knocked gently.%
There was a shuffling noise inside, then Mitchell’s voice came through, a touch frantic. “Come in.”Z
Effie pushed open the door, her lips curled in a faint smile, though her eyes were icy.%
She immediately spotted Suzan hurriedly straightening herself from Mitchell’s lap. Suzan’s cheeks were still flushed, her hair disheveled, blouse askew.% Mitchell, trying to compose himself, fumbled with the buttons on his shirt. His gaze darted about, clearly not expecting Effie’s sudden arrival.2
“Effie, what brings you here?” Mitchell tried for a calm tone, but it came out forced.%
Effie stepped inside, her voice smooth but edged with irony. “Oh, am I interrupting? Wasn’t it you who asked me to stop by?“?
Suzan froze, waving her hands in protest. “No, you’ve got it wrong! Mr. Lloyd and I were just discussing work–really.“Z
“Is that so?” Effie let out a soft, mocking laugh. “Your work meetings seem… unusually hands–on.”%
Mitchell’s face darkened. His tone was sharp, almost threatening. “Effie, don’t start. Suzan was just giving me a report. There’s nothing going on.“2
Effie crossed to the couch and sat down with effortless grace. “Whatever you two were doing is none of my concern. We’re over. I’m here for something important.” Mitchell’s brow furrowed, unease flickering across his face though he tried to hide it. “What is it?“%
Effie pulled a document from her bag and set it on the table. “This is my contract termination. I’ve already signed it. Please add your signature.“Z
She looked directly at him. “Also, since I’m leaving E&M, I don’t want to hold onto my shares. You can buy them at market value–the current valuation is three hundred million. If you’re not interested, I’ll sell them elsewhere.”
“E&M’s a hot commodity right now. If I put my shares up for sale, I’m sure plenty of investors would jump at the chance.“%
Mitchell and Suzan stared at her in shock, exchanging a stunned glance.%
Mitchell suddenly jumped to his feet, his voice rising in panic. “Effie, what are you talking about? Are you out of your mind?“Z
Effie just smiled, her tone chilly, “Why? Mitchell, aren’t you the one who should know best?“%
Mitchell’s expression grew hard, his words laced with warning. “Don’t do anything stupid, Effie. You know what happens if you walk away- you’ll lose everything.” Before Effie could reply, her phone rang.%
She glanced at the screen, surprised to see the caller ID: “Husband.”%
Chapter 19
