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?"

is. Which means it's time we fought

can't just let her

should I start reworking

said, "Just brainstorm for now. But this time, don't rush out

closer. When she did, Effie

a moment, then pulled back, looking at Effie in

pat on the shoulder.

you say

feel the eyes of nearly everyone in the design department on her. She khead down,

worry.

Effie stepped out as well. "Marian,

business bureau this

looked surprised

Bagnold, after hours is

If you make

isn't

overtime? I

course

her head. "I still don't

Marian was crazy-most would jump

went to Shirley. She was Effie's favorite,

the opportunity had finally fallen