"Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, wee." Lyman''s voice was low and steady, edged with his usual reserve.


    Mr. Smith offered a polite smile as he reached out to shake Lyman''s hand. "Mr. Etheridge, I''ve heard so much about you. It''s a pleasure to finally have the chance to work together."


    His gaze drifted to Effie then, and for a brief moment, his eyes lit up-though he quicklyposed himself.


    With gentle courtesy, he said, "And you must be Mrs. Etheridge? The rumors don''t do you justice. Mr. Etheridge is truly a fortunate man."


    Effie nodded gracefully. "You tter me, Mr. Smith. Wee to both you and Mrs. Smith."


    When Mr. Smith extended his hand, Effie responded in kind, offering her own. But as their hands met, she felt the faintest brush-almost as if his fingers had deliberately grazed her palm. A small shiver ran down her spine.


    Mrs. Smith stepped forward, her manner warm as she sped Effie''s hand. "Mrs. Etheridge, I hope we won''t trouble you too much during our stay."


    Sensing Mrs. Smith''s genuine goodwill, Effie felt her nerves ease slightly. "It''s no trouble at all, Mrs. Smith. It''s my pleasure."


    After the brief exchange of pleasantries, Lyman instructed the driver to load the luggage, and together they set off for the hotel.


    Their hotel was nestled within the resort, offering everything from dining to entertainment—a one-stop haven for their stay.


    On the ride over, Mr. Smith and Lyman took the front seats, already deep in discussion about the details of their business partnership. Effie and Mrs. Smith settled into the back, their conversation turning to lighter topics.


    "Mrs. Etheridge, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? Yourplexion is stunning-so clear and fair. Even this close, I can''t see a single pore!" Mrs. Smith remarked with a friendlyugh, clearly hoping to break the ice.


    But it wasn''t just idle ttery; Effie''s skin truly had a rosy, porcin glow-like a freshly peeled egg, the kind that always drew admiring nces.


    "You''re too kind, Mrs. Smith. I''m not nearly as perfect as you say," Effie replied warmly. "I like to read, and sometimes I arrange flowers. What about you? What do you enjoy?"


    Mrs. Smith seemed genuinely easygoing and talkative. Though her looks were rather ordinary, she carried herself with a pleasant air.


    "Oh, I absolutely love to travel. It''s wonderful to get away with my husband for a change—I''m looking forward to rxing here," Mrs. Smith replied, eyes bright with anticipation.


    Effie''s openness made Mrs. Smith like her even more. After all, as Lyman''s wife, Effie''s status was nothing to scoff at-yet she waspletely down-to-earth.


    Effie nodded. "Then let me show you around while you''re here. There are a few local sights I think you''ll really enjoy."


    Mrs. Smith''s face lit up. "That sounds wonderful! And maybe you can share some of your skincare secrets with me?"


    Effieughed. "Honestly, I just stick to a simple routine-moisturizer morning and night, and I''m careful with sunscreen..."


    Their conversation flowed easily for the rest of the drive.


    Once they reached the hotel, Lyman and Mr. Smith headed to the conference


    room to continue their business talks. Effie apanied Mrs. Smith to her suite, helping her settle in.


    Mrs. Smith was delighted with her room. She squeezed Effie''s hand. "Mrs. Etheridge, you''ve gone to so much trouble for us."


    "Not at all," Effie assured her. "Please, if you need anything, just let me know."


    That afternoon, Effie took Mrs. Smith to the city''s art gallery and a nearby tearoom. The two women hit it off, and Mrs. Smith couldn''t stop praising Effie''s thoughtfulness and attention to detail.