She really couldn''t swallow her pride this time.


    Isabel watched Effie''s calm expression, and the irritation in her chest only grew heavier.


    Still, considering Effie was SW''s protégé, Isabel decided to force herself to y nice-just this once.


    She spoke coolly. "Since that''s the case, go ahead and produce the final design. After all, you are SW''s apprentice."


    The message was clear: she was only relenting because of Effie''s mentor.


    Of course, Effie saw right through her.


    She replied, her tone just asposed, "Miss Isabel, there''s really no need to force yourself. If you want the final piece, I''ll deliver. But if you still have reservations, I''ll say it again—please feel free to find another designer."


    Isabel''s face darkened instantly.


    What was this woman ying at?


    Was she turning down hermission?


    Did Effie really think just because she was SW''s apprentice, she could act so high and mighty?


    "Designer Bagnold, is this really how you treat your clients?" Isabel snapped, struggling to keep herposure.


    "I''m simply being professional, Miss Isabel," Effie answered evenly.


    "Forget it. Since you''re making it so clear, I won''t bother you any further. Honestly, I''m not even that fond of your style," Isabel huffed, her irritation barely contained.


    Truthfully, Isabel was worried. If she wore Effie''s design and it became a sensation, people would inevitably dig into the designer''s background. She''d end up giving Effie free publicity-and Isabel was a celebrity in her own right now. The uing awards ceremony was a major event. After some thought, she decided she definitely didn''t want to act as Effie''s walking advertisement. Initially, she''d approached Effie just to get under her skin. Now that Effie didn''t seem to care, Isabel had no reason to stay. She''d just hire someone else.


    "Take care, Miss Isabel," Effie said politely, secretly wishing they''d never have to work together again.


    "Oh, I''ll be going. By the way, Miss Bagnold, there''s something I want to clear up. Did you see today''s headlines? Yesterday I was followed by fans—it was terrifying! Lyman rushed over as soon as he found out. Don''t get the wrong idea," Isabel said, her voice tinged with smugness.


    This was one of the main reasons she''de today-she couldn''t wait to boast in front of Effie, desperate to see her hurt and jealous.


    But Effie only nced at her, expression unchanged. "I''m not misunderstanding anything. My husband already told me what happened. He''s always been the helpful type. I''m d you''re alright, Miss Isabel. Honestly, it can''t be easy for a woman in your position."


    Her mild response nearly choked Isabel with frustration.


    In the end, Isabel stormed out, fuming.


    Effie let out a quiet sigh of relief, then went to exin things to her director. The whole situation had been a headache, but at least it was better than dealing with Isabel any longer. Effie had realized early on that Isabel hadn''te in good faith —she was just looking for a reason to cause trouble. How could she possibly work with someone like that?


    Meanwhile, Lyman wasted no time getting things handled. He''d already asked Luther to deal with the trending headlines.


    Soon enough, Luther had the news wiped from the charts, and the PR department released a statement.


    Still, plenty of people kept gossiping, convinced Lyman was trying a bit too hard to cover things up. Maybe he was worried about The Etheridge Group''s reputation? It was a standard PR move, so most people didn''t take it too seriously.


    After wrapping things up, Luther headed to the CEO''s office to report in. He found Lyman frowning at his desk, lost in thought.


    Luther approached carefully. "Mr. Etheridge, everything''s been taken care of. Is there anything else I can help with?"


    Lyman nced up at him and asked, "Luther, is it true you''re seeing someone?”