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.

few talented designers, and Nelly is one of the best.

with a friendly grin. "You should take a look at both

made perfect sense; after all, a little healthy

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

foul smell began to spread through the private dining room. It was pungent, overwhelming, and impossible

with discomfort, but she'd forced herself to hold it together. Unfortunately, when she stood up to hand Mrs. Patterson the tablet, her

another burst, and then another-each

clapping a hand over her mouth

open revolt. "Excuse me I

she wished she

Mr. Patterson's phone began to ring. The ringtone, a dramatic, swelling melody, seemed to underscore the chaos. Combined with the lingering odor and Nelly's retreat, it was too much—the rest of

only to gag audibly several times. It was undoubtedly the most traumatic

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