Lyman–the head of the
Chapter 23
The next morning, Effie had just arrived at the office when Mitchell came looking for her.”
She assumed he was finally ready to sign the papers.”
But Mitchell wasn’t ready to agree yet–he wanted to negotiate, and he had a condition: she had to accompany him to a business dinner that evening.
It wasn’t out of the ordinary. Effie was usually his partner at these events. Many of the company’s clients had a good impression of her, she was patient, steady, and reliable–qualities the clients respected. There were a few deals in the pipeline, and Mitchell didn’t want to risk upsetting things. If he brought Suzan instead, clients might get the wrong idea and start speculating.”
To keep the business running smoothly, Effie’s attendance was essential.”
She agreed easily enough. After all, it was just another dinner.
Effie texted Lyman in advance, letting him know she’d be at a business event that night.2
When Lyman saw her message, he paused, the corners of his mouth lifting in a small smile.
A business dinner? Could it be the same one Luther had just mentioned?
He’d planned to skip it–he was still basking in newlywed bliss. But if his wife was going, maybe he should show up too.2
When Lyman told Luther he’d be attending, Luther was genuinely surprised.?
Since when did Mr. Etheridge change his mind so easily? Usually, once he decided on something, that was it. And to see Mr. Etheridge smiling at his phone–now that was unheard of.
The world was getting stranger by the day.”
After work, Effie stepped out of the office. Mitchell’s car was parked a short distance away.%
As she approached, the car door swung open, revealing Suzan in the back seat, her face carefully made up.
“Effie, you don’t mind, do you?” Suzan asked, her voice sugary sweet. “Mitchell invited me along to get a taste of the business world. I’ll need to get used to it anyway.”
Effie took in Suzan’s practiced smile and couldn’t help but laugh inwardly. She’d figured Mitchell would bring Suzan along–those two had been inseparable lately.% She gave Suzan a cool glance, her tone calm. “Mind? Why would I mind? I’m not the one interfering in other people’s relationships.” Suzan was momentarily thrown by Effie’s icy response, her smile faltering. “Effie, come on, don’t say that. We’re family, after all.“2
Effie let out a short, derisive laugh. “Family? Suzan, did you forget? I have nothing to do with the Bagnold family anymore. Whatever you two do has nothing to do with me.“?
Suzan’s face paled as Effie’s words hit home. She opened her mouth to retort, but before she could, Mitchell leaned over from the other side of the back seat, sounding impatient. “Effie, just get in the car. Let’s not waste any more time.“}
Without another word, Effie opened the passenger door and slid in.
Suzan looked at Mitchell, her expression wounded, eyes brimming with helplessness.
Mitchell tried to explain, “I’m bringing Suzan tonight so she can make some connections. She’ll be joining E&M as a designer soon. Don’t make this out to be something sordid.“%
Effie’s eyes flashed with sarcasm. If only they could keep up the act–everyone knew what was really going on between them. Still, she couldn’t be bothered to argue. Their choices were no concern of hers.%
The car ride was tense and awkward, an uneasy silence hanging in the air.
At the venue, the three of them entered together, immediately attracting attention.”
Effie wore a simple yet elegant black dress, her poise and cool beauty commanding the room–she exuded a quiet power with every gesture.
Suzan was in a pink lace gown, her makeup flawless, giving her a sweet and delicate appearance.
Mitchell, in a perfectly tailored suit, stood between them, drawing even more eyes.”
Around them, guests whispered, their curious gazes darting back and forth between the trio, clearly intrigued by the scene unfolding before them..
