Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 238

"Sorry I'm late-traffic was a nightmare on the way here," Mr. Patterson said with an easy smile as he entered the room.

Irving Butler, ever the charmer, quickly replied, "Oh, not at all, Mr. Patterson. You're right on time; we just got here a bit early ourselves."

The response seemed to genuinely please Mr. Patterson, who let out a short laugh.

Irving then took a moment to introduce Effie and Nelly to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson.

As soon as Mr. Patterson saw Effie, he said, "My wife couldn't stop admiring the necklace Mrs. Hoffman was wearing earlier. She fell in love with that style, heard it was designed by Bagnold, and now she's hoping to get something beautiful for herself as well."

Effie smiled warmly. "Thank you, Mrs. Patterson, for appreciating my work. I'd be delighted to design a piece just for you-something that matches your style and wishes."

"Really? That would be wonderful!" Mrs. Patterson replied, clearly excited.

Nelly gave a discreet little cough and glanced at Irving for help.

company has quite a few talented designers, and Nelly is one of the best. She's brought along

the couple with a friendly grin. "You should take a look

all, a little healthy competition never

as her hand hovered above it, an unmistakable sound cut through the air—a loud, sputtering noise,

private dining room. It was pungent, overwhelming, and impossible to

her chair. Her stomach had been unsettled all afternoon, churning with discomfort, but she'd forced herself to hold it together.

sound was followed by another burst, and then

awful!" Mrs. Patterson exclaimed, clapping a hand over her mouth and

was now in open revolt. "Excuse me I need the restroom," she

ashamed she

the chaos. Combined with the lingering odor and Nelly's retreat, it was too much—the rest of

audibly several times. It was undoubtedly the

no idea what happened, but I'm sure Nelly didn't mean for