The memory of what that housemaid had just done suddenly clicked into ce- Effie understood everything now.


    This was Vera and Suzan''s twisted idea of a "surprise."


    The effects of the sedative began to wear off after Effie sprayed herself with the antidote she''d hidden in her sleeve. Her head cleared almost instantly.


    mping a handkerchief over her nose and mouth, she quickly scanned the room. The windows were locked tight, and the door had been bolted from the outside.


    All of this had been carefully nned.


    Then she heard footsteps outside the door.


    Someone wasing.


    Effie let her body go limp, slumping onto the bed, feigning unconsciousness.


    Momentster, two figures slipped quietly into the room. She recognized Suzan''s voice, smug and cruel. "Well, Effie, looks like your luck''s finally run out. Enjoy the little surprise we''ve set up for you."


    Suzan stood over Effie, her lips curling into a wicked smile.


    Pathetic-she thought Effie was still too green to ever outy them.


    Last time they''d tried to have her kidnapped, but it had failed. So now, Suzan and Vera decided to handle things personally.


    Vera, with her trademark, syrup-sweet motherly tone, nced approvingly at her daughter. "There, feel better now? I''ve always told you, Suzan-patience is key. Never act rashly; you have to use your head if you want to get what you want."


    "I know, Mom," Suzan replied, eyes gleaming. "Just wait till I get her on camera— some juicy photos and videos, then I''ll leak them online. Let everyone see what a tramp she really is. She''ll be trending for all the wrong reasons!"


    "Do whatever you want, darling-as long as you''re happy. Let''s get out of here. Our leading man''s already impatient." Vera''s voice dripped with satisfaction.


    "Of course, you''re the best, Mom." Suzan giggled, linking her arm with Vera''s as they left.


    Effie listened as they greeted someone outside. Vera''s silky voice floated through the door. "Mr. Holt, everything''s ready. She''spletely unconscious. You can go right in and enjoy yourself. I hope you have a wonderful time."


    Mr. Holt''s reply was suave and self-assured. "Thank you, Vera. Don''t worry, as long as I''m satisfied, your contract is as good as signed. I''ll send it over once I''m done."


    Mr. Holt was a notorious yboy, and unfortunately, a key client of The Bagnold Group. Thest time he''d met Effie, he''d been smitten, hinting that if he could spend a night with her, he''d be more than happy to renew his business deal.


    Vera had seized the opportunity perfectly.


    Two birds with one stone: humiliate Effie and secure another lucrative contract.


    Besides, Effie wouldn''t dare say a word when she woke up. No one would believe her, and the scandal would ruin her if it ever got out.


    Especially with so many people involved, even if Effie regained consciousness, she''d be forced to suffer in silence.


    "Well then, Mr. Holt, I''ll leave you to it. Enjoy yourself." Vera slipped away, a satisfied smile on her lips. She couldn''t wait to watch Effie''s downfall.


    Once Vera was gone, Mr. Holt pushed open the door and stepped inside.


    He nearly drooled at the sight of Effie lying on the bed.


    "Hello, gorgeous. Don''t worry, I''ll take real good care of you." He began to unbutton his shirt, his eyes devouring her.


    But as he leaned in, Effie''s eyes flew open. In one quick motion, she grabbed the spray bottle she''d hidden under the covers and aimed it straight at Mr. Holt''s face -dousing him in a blinding mist.