Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 100

The truth was, Mrs. Smith didn't have much of a choice. She wasn't expecting anyone to be a tea master-just someone who could explain a bit about tea culture, make a pot, and let everyone have a friendly exchange.

No sooner had Mrs. Smith finished speaking than someone from the crowd suggested, "Why don't we let the newcomer give us a demonstration today? The rest of us have all had our turns before."

In an instant, every eye in the room turned to Effie.

She was the only unfamiliar face at this afternoon's gathering.

A number of society ladies flashed mocking smiles, clearly relishing the spectacle. They'd noticed Effie had arrived with Mrs. Etheridge, and the jealousy in the room was almost palpable.

Rumor had it this was Effie's first time at the Afternoon Tea Social-surely she didn't know the first thing about tea.

Mrs. Etheridge had even mentioned when they arrived that she'd brought Effie along just to let her see how things worked in these circles.

And now, being called up to demonstrate? It was the perfect setup for public embarrassment.

glanced at Effie,

her defense. "It's Effie's first time here. Perhaps

Lloyd gave a cool, dismissive smile. "Oh, Mrs. Etheridge, it's only a

had never cared for Effie, which was why she'd never brought her to the Afternoon Tea Social before. She'd always thought Effie simply wasn't the right fit for such

today, looking every inch the part-at her core, Mrs. Lloyd still considered

forward to the show, waiting to see what kind of fool Effie would make of herself. Would Mrs. Etheridge still

frowned slightly, ready to object, but Effie

is kind enough to give me the opportunity, I'd be honored to try," Effie said graciously, her voice

toward the tea table at the front of

relaxed, reassured by Effie's composure. She'd always known Effie to be methodical and

to see Effie embarrass herself. After all, how could someone

sweeping over the porcelain and silver, then she smiled and began, "A single leaf falls into water, and suddenly the water is transformed.

tea is a part of everyday life. But have you ever wondered