Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Chapter 472

Shirley nodded. "I've gone over everything a hundred times. I've done all the mental prep I can. I'm just a little nervous, that's all."

Effie turned to the cameraman, who was in charge of the livestream. "Try to keep the camera on Shirley as much as you can."

"Of course, Miss Bagnold."

"Ready? We're live."

As the stream started, Shirley stiffened, her posture awkward and her words stumbling over themselves as she spoke into the camera.

Effie shot her an encouraging smile. "So, Ms. Etheridge, rumor has it that Etheridge & Co. Jewels has a design that looks suspiciously like something from another company. What's going on there?"

Shirley took a deep breath, managed a small smile, and replied, "Honestly, I have no idea. But our team at The Etheridge Group released our designs a while ago. Why another company's pieces look just like ours is anyone's guess."

At that moment, the livestream chat was nearly dead-other than a few staffers monitoring for comments, there was barely a soul watching.

Later, as the stream wore on, a handful of viewers wandered in, drawn by Effie and Shirley's good looks. Still, the channel had almost no traffic.

The producer's voice came through Effie's earpiece, quietly updating her on the situation.

numbers didn't climb, all

no choice but to step away and leave Shirley to handle the stream

"Annabel."

voice echoed in the background as Annabel answered, and Effie

"Are you busy?"

at work, Clay's in physical therapy, and there's no one else

close Andie had brought her to

and adorable most of the time, but he was stilka child-and with a familiar face like Annabel around, he'd grown bolder, running wild and causing mischief wherever

the office, But after her assistant pointed out the hazards, she realized

her beautifully curated office on account of

him,

except chasing after

"What's up?" Annabel asked.

"I need a

"Go on, I'm listening."

quickly explained the trouble with

to help drum up some attention. Just make sure