Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Shirley glanced at Effie, looking a little embarrassed. "I swear, what I'm about to say isn't just flattery-it's the truth."

Effie smiled. "Go on, I'm listening."

Effie already had a hunch about what Shirley wanted to say, but she still wanted to hear it from her directly.

Under Effie's gaze, Shirley continued, "Honestly, I like you a lot more, Effie. Suzan just rubs me the wrong way. She seems impossible to get along with. There's no comparison between her and you."

Effie couldn't help but let out a laugh.

Seeing Effie laugh, Shirley thought she didn't believe her. "I'm serious, Effie. I swear I mean every word."

Effie paused, then looked Shirley in the eye, her tone sincere. "It's okay. I know what you think."

Shirley's expression clouded with worry. "But what about our new collection? The launch is next week, and now everything's a mess."

Effie replied calmly, "Don't worry. Suzan just wants to make trouble for me. But I'm not going to let her win so easily."

Shirley still looked anxious. She glanced at Effie, nervously licking her lips. "But how did they even get our design drafts? And all of them are mine. I think she's trying to drive a wedge between us-make both our lives miserable."

Effie nodded. "Suzan holds a grudge, that's for sure. I'm guessing it's because last time you helped me get those surprise boxes from across town..."

Shirley gasped, wide-eyed with disbelief. "She's really that petty?"

Which means it's time we

can't just let her

start reworking the

brainstorm for now. But this time,

come closer. When she did, Effie leaned in and whispered

a moment, then pulled back, looking at Effie in shock. "Effie, are you sure this will

reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Trust

if you

nearly everyone in the design

worry. fo

moment later, Effie stepped out as well. "Marian, I need you to come

business bureau

surprised

Bagnold, after hours is our own time-you said

you make

isn't

forcing overtime? I don't want fo."

"Of course you'll get

her head. "I still

the office thought Marian was crazy-most would jump at this

sort of chance always went to Shirley. She was Effie's favorite, always

had messed up, the opportunity had finally fallen to someone