Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

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.

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.

"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.

office, the air felt thick and heavy, as if

at the door and

then Mitchell's voice came through, a

her lips curled in a faint smile, though her eyes were

straightening herself from Mitchell's lap. Suzan's cheeks were

compose himself, fumbled with the buttons on his shirt. His gaze darted about,

what brings you here?" Mitchell tried for a calm tone, but it came out

voice smooth but edged with irony. "Oh, am I interrupting? Wasn't it you who asked me to

you've got it

that so?" Effie let out a soft, mocking laugh. "Your

"Effie, don't start. Suzan was just giving me

sat down with effortless grace. "Whatever you two were doing is none of my concern. We're

unease flickering across his face though he tried to hide it. "What