Damn it!


    Which news outlet had the nerve to pull this?


    Luther nodded, but hesitated before asking, “Mr. Etheridge, do you want us to issue a statement? This has already started to affect thepany''s reputation, and... well, your wife might see it too."


    At the mention of Effie, Lyman''s expression flickered and his tone softened. "Handle the statement, but make sure you rify that there''s nothing between Isabel and me—it''s strictly business. As for my wife..."


    He paused, voice dropping lower. "I''ll exin things to her myself."


    Lyman''s gaze turned brooding. He couldn''t help but wonder-what would Effie think when she saw the news?


    Would she be jealous?


    Effie, however, didn''t have time for such thoughts-she was far too busy for that.


    Around three in the afternoon, Isabel arrived at the office.


    Truth be told, if Isabel hadn''t insisted, Effie could''ve just sent the sketches over for her approval. But Isabel was adamant abouting in person, wanting to review everything face-to-face.


    So Effie waited in the conference room well ahead of time.


    It was nearly three-thirty before Isabel finally made her entrance, unhurried and unapologetic for beingte.


    As soon as she walked in, Effie stood and greeted her, her voice calm and poised. "Miss Isabel, please have a seat."


    Isabel nced at her coolly, then said, “Designer Bagnold, you really are something. Finished already? No wonder you''re the creative director."


    Effie wasn''t na?ve-she caught the sarcasm right away.


    "You tter me, Miss Isabel. I''m just doing my job," she replied smoothly, handing over thepleted sketches. "Please take a look and let me know if you''re satisfied."


    Isabel''s eyes were cold as she took the folder, pretending to be interested. In reality, she had zero faith in Effie''s abilities. As far as she was concerned, Effie was just another mediocre designer, hardly qualified for a project of this caliber. Honestly, Isabel had only requested Effie for the design so she''d have an excuse to criticize herter.


    That thought alone sent a thrill through her.


    She took the sketches with an air of indifference, but the moment she saw the drawings, her eyes widened in shock.


    My God.


    Did Effie really design these?


    The lines were fluid, the details exquisite; the jewelrybined timeless elegance with a touch of modern ir. Every ent was perfectly bnced, surpassing all of Isabel''s expectations.


    She''d been prepared for something nd, even had a list of criticisms ready-but now, staring at the designs in front of her, Isabel was left speechless.


    Inside, she was reeling.


    But she quicklyposed herself.


    "This... You actually designed these yourself?" Isabel looked up, her tone tinged with disbelief.


    Effie smiled faintly, her voice steady and assured. "Yes, Miss Isabel. This is the preliminary draft I created based on your style and preferences. If there''s anything you''d like changed, let me know and I''ll adjust it ordingly."


    Isabel pressed her lips together, torn between resentment and grudging admiration—there was no denying Effie''s work was wless. The design was simple yet sophisticated, unique and striking.


    She had loved it at first nce.


    But to admit that out loud? Isabel couldn''t bring herself to do it.


    Suddenly, one of Isabel''s entourage eximed, "Wait... Isn''t this almost identical to an SW design?"