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.

livestream numbers didn't climb, all their preparation

had no choice but to step away and leave Shirley

"Annabel."

child's voice echoed in the background as Annabel answered, and

"Are you busy?"

really, just babysitting. Grace McCloud's at work, Clay's in physical therapy, and there's

but only she knew how close Andie had brought

was stilka child-and with a familiar face like Annabel around, he'd grown bolder, running

assistant pointed out the hazards, she realized that the seemingly harmless space was actually full of dangers

didn't want to wreck her beautifully curated office on account of one

kept her eyes glued to him,

all morning except chasing after Andie, she already

"What's up?" Annabel asked.

said, "I need a

"Go on, I'm listening."

the trouble

artists to help drum up