Still, Effie tried to reassure herself. At the very least, Lyman had put in real effort.


    He could have done nothing at all.


    But instead, he''d worried she might misunderstand, and went out of his way to n such a romantic date.


    She really ought to be grateful.


    With that thought, Effie''s mood lightened. She picked up her fork and began to eat with genuine appetite.


    Lyman noticed and a faint smile tugged at his lips.


    After they finished their meal, the two of them left together.


    They had just stepped into the lobby when, by chance, Shepard emerged from the opposite elevator.


    So, he saw Lyman and Effie walk right past him.


    The moment Shepard caught sight of Lyman, he nearly gasped. Was he seeing things?


    That was Lyman, no doubt about it!


    And now, seeing Lyman and Effie together, he waspletely stunned.


    That little brat Effie actually knew someone so important?


    At the matriarch''s birthday party, Shepard had already suspected something when Lyman came to pick Effie up. Now, his suspicions were confirmed their rtionship was anything but ordinary.


    Shepard''s heart raced with excitement. He almost called out to Effie, but the thought of disturbing Lyman made him hesitate, so he held back.


    There was plenty of time ahead.


    He would have to ask Effie exactly what her rtionship with Lyman was.


    The next morning, as soon as Effie arrived at the office, she was called into a meeting.


    Once everyone had gathered, the director spoke up, "I''ve got some good news, everyone. This weekend, there''s a Fashion G, and the organizers have sent us a handful of invitations. That means all the designers in our department will get to attend."


    "This is a rare opportunity. Tons of celebrities and socialites will be there, and all eyes will be on their outfits and the jewelry they wear. Make sure you take this chance to learn as much as you can."


    The moment the announcement was made, the room erupted into excited chatter. After all, the Fashion G was closely rted to their line of work.


    The way those celebrities and socialites dressed could inspire their own designs.


    Not to mention, it was the perfect asion to rub shoulders with some big names -maybe even pave the way for future coborations.


    That was one of the main reasons everyone wanted to go.


    Of course, it was also a chance to broaden their horizons. Opportunities like this didn''te around often.


    The designers were buzzing with anticipation.


    Effie, however, remained calm. She''d attended such gs before; it wasn''t anything new to her.


    Still, since the director had spoken, she would naturally take part.


    Thinking of the uing event, Effie realized she needed to start preparing.


    Around her, the other designers were already discussing what gowns to wear and which essories would look best.


    No one wanted to make a fool of themselves at such a high-profile affair.


    After the meeting, Effie called Nn and asked him to prepare a dress for her.


    She trusted Nn-he always handled her requests wlessly.


    He agreed instantly.


    Nn had already made up his mind: he wanted Effie to steal the spotlight at the Fashion G, to leave everyone in awe.


    Once the call ended, Effie dove back into work.


    Around noon, her phone rang. It was Shepard.


    "Effie, busy right now?" Shepard''s voice oozed faux warmth.


    Effie''s brows drew together at the sound of his voice, her guard immediately up.


    "Is there something you need?" she replied coolly, keeping her tone neutral. Shepard chuckled, his concern sounding anything but genuine. "Oh, nothing urgent. It''s just been a while since we caught up. I wanted to see how you''ve been. Do you have time for dinner tonight?"


    Effie couldn''t help but smirk inwardly. Typical-he never calls without a reason.