Chapter 20
After leaving the general manager’s office, Effie returned to her own and began preparing her handover. There wasn’t much to pass on, honestly. She’d always trusted her team, and everyone did their jobs well. She typed up the necessary notes and instructions, working steadily until the end of the day. When she saw how late it was, she packed up her things–after all, she needed to clear out her space for someone else.
Sure enough, not long after Effie left, Suzan slipped quietly into her office, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. She hurried to the computer, plugged in her flash drive, and started copying the design files, a triumphant smirk spreading across her face.
“Effie, you’re still as gullible as ever,” Suzan muttered under her breath, a note of mockery in her voice. “I’ll be taking these designs, thank you very much.”
She carefully saved the files to her USB stick, then left the room as quickly as she’d come.
In the shadows down the hall, Effie watched Suzan’s retreating back, a cold, knowing smile curling at her lips.
Half of her plan was already working.
With that, Effie left the building.
Meanwhile, Lyman’s car was parked outside, waiting at the curb. From the driver’s seat, he gazed up at the building’s entrance, feeling a strange sense of anticipation. Starting today, Effie would officially become part of his life.
As night fell, the city lights flickered on, illuminating the streets below.
Effie stepped out of the building and immediately spotted Lyman’s car. She walked over quickly, opened the door, and slid inside.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said apologetically.
Lyman turned to her, his eyes softening ever so slightly. “I just got here.”
Effie buckled her seatbelt and said quietly, “Let’s go home.”
Lyman drove her back, and then he and the driver carried her packed bags out to the car.
He’d originally wanted his grandmother to move in with them, but she refused, insisting she preferred living on her own. Besides, they were newlyweds–it was the perfect time to settle in as a couple. Lyman eventually conceded but resolved to hire a housekeeper to look after his grandmother.
Afterward, Lyman and Effie headed home together.
Lyman’s apartment was in Elysian Fields, the most exclusive complex in the city–prime real estate, elegant surroundings, and tight security.
“We’re here,” he announced as the car pulled to a stop.
Effie nodded and followed him out. The driver had already unloaded her luggage.
Noticing how tense she was, Lyman spoke in an easy tone. “You don’t have to be nervous. It’s just the two of us here, plus a cleaning lady who comes in once a day.” Effie let out a breath, though she couldn’t quite shake her nerves. They were married, yes, but they hadn’t spent much time together yet; suddenly starting life under one roof was a big step. Besides, Lyman’s reputation as the city’s “Ice King” made him seem anything but approachable.
But after these past few days, Effie was starting to think he wasn’t so bad after all.
The elevator chimed softly as it reached the top floor. Lyman and Effie stepped out and opened a heavy oak door, revealing a spacious, sunlit living room. The décor was sleek and modern, all clean lines and a monochrome palette softened by warm, inviting accents. Floor–to–ceiling windows looked out over the glittering city, the skyline like a living painting.
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“Do you like it?” Lyman asked, glancing at her, a hint of anticipation in his voice.
Effie nodded, her eyes shining with genuine admiration. “It’s wonderful.”
A smali smile tugged at Lyman’s lips. “I’m glad you like it. From now on, this is our home.”
Xe
