Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Annabel wanted nothing more than to wring Fenton's neck. "A real woman doesn't wrestle with dogs."

"Dogs? Who are you calling a dog?" Fenton shot back, his voice rising.

"If the shoe fits, wear it!" Annabel snapped, her jaw clenched.

Inside the dressing room, Isabel changed her clothes. She caught sight of her earrings in the mirror, and a sly smile curled on her lips—an idea forming in her mind.

"Isabel, are you really going to do this? If someone finds out, we'll be in serious trouble," Carole said, worry etched across her face.

Isabel grinned, all mischief and confidence. "No one's going to notice, not in a place like this. By the time they realize, they'll just assume Effie did it."

"You should still be careful."

Isabel rolled her eyes. "What's gotten into you all? First Annabel refuses to help, now you're lecturing me?"

Carole gave a sheepish smile. She knew Isabel was in a foul mood, and since comforting her wasn't working, maybe it was better to just let her vent.

Effie emerged next, dressed simply but strikingly. Her vintage emerald-green pencil dress hugged her curves, paired with long black gloves and a few pieces of the company's jewelry. The effect was stunning-she looked like she'd stepped right out of a glossy fashion magazine.

Every head in the room turned. People stared, captivated.

Lyman couldn't tear his eyes away from her; wherever Effie walked, his gaze followed.

of applause broke out. The

perfect! Exactly the

movement, Effie exuded effortless grace and sophistication. The photographer was a whirlwind, snapping photo after photo, showering her with praise as if compliments

the side, her face so dark it seemed a

while, the shoot

had changed into several different outfits, and

photographer was practically

glowing with excitement-he hadn't

inspired in

looked up

any retouching at

practicing behind our

laughed, surprised. "No, this

photographer shook his head,

about

Ine

with

like to work v me regularly? I

but I'm not really interested. I prefer

sighed, clearly disappointed. "That's

his elbow

there? Your wife's about to be stolen right out from under