Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 121

The Fashion Gala arrived right on schedule.

Effie was on the guest list as well, so she spent the afternoon getting ready-no one wanted to show up looking anything less than flawless at such a high-profile event.

Tonight, appearances mattered more than ever. For Effie, it wasn't just about fashion; she had a new identity to protect now.

Earlier that day, Nolan had her gown delivered. One look was all it took for Effie to feel reassured-Nolan always knew exactly what would suit her best.

She headed to the salon for hair and makeup, then slipped into her dress before making her way straight to the venue.

The gala was being held at a magnificent six-star hotel. By the time Effie arrived, night had fallen, and the dazzling lights made the building glow like a palace. A crimson carpet unfurled from the entrance all the way through the grand lobby. Effie took a deep breath, smoothed her skirt, and stepped gracefully out of the car.

gown, handpicked by Nolan, was a champagne-hued one-shoulder number- simple yet exquisitely tailored, with a scattering of tiny crystals at the waist that sparkled like stars against the night. Her makeup was polished but understated,

low and laughter gentle, the air laced with the scent of

colleagues and was about to

doing here? Do you even know

Sigrid, as arrogant and self-important as ever. Not that it was surprising; the Fashion Gala was Sigrid's natural habitat,

responding, "This is the Fashion Gala, isn't it? Though I wonder whose mutt slipped its leash and started barking

"Who are you calling a mutt?” Effie's

her around. Back then, she'd tolerated their behavior only because they were Mitchell's family, but their pettiness had only grown worse. They'd always

to be toyed