Effie knew this project was a tough nut to crack. If it weren''t, no one would have tossed the "opportunity" her way in the first ce.


    But she didn''t consider it a challenge-not for her.


    She was desperate for a chance to make a name for herself.


    Effie had kept such a low profile in the past that most people at The Etheridge Group barely knew she existed. Now, whispers followed her wherever she went— people assumed she''dnded the job through connections, doubting she had any real talent at all.


    Isabel''s recent attempt to embarrass her had only made things worse. The wholepany seemed convinced Effie was just a pretty face with nothing behind it.


    But if she could secure a partnership with The Hoffman Group, those rumors would die a swift death.


    "Effie? I know this is a heavy assignment, but it''s also a valuable learning opportunity. Make the most of it," Irving Butler said, his tone almost fatherly.


    In truth, he was just passing the buck. He knew full well the task was near impossible.


    Once Effie failed, he''d have the perfect excuse to tell upper management that it was all her fault.


    He''d already promised Nelly-she wouldn''t take the fall for this. Not on his watch. "I''ll take it," Effie replied without hesitation.


    Irving had prepared a whole speech to convince her, but she epted so quickly that he was momentarily speechless.


    He smiled a genuine, unguarded smile.


    He wasughing at her stupidity.


    "Effie, don''t put too much pressure on yourself. Just do your best."


    The moment Effie walked out, Irving rushed to share the "good news" with Nelly.


    Nelly watched Effie leave, a spark of excitement flickering across her face.


    It wouldn''t be long before Effie was shown the door. How delightful.


    Effie arrived at the racetrack with Shirley by her side.


    They''d been waiting there for quite some time, but the heir to The Hoffman Group was nowhere in sight.


    Rumor had it that, with the Etheridge-Hoffman partnership still up in the air, rivalpanies were swooping in to court The Hoffman Group.


    Shirley was nervous; she couldn''t shake the feeling that this deal was a long shot.


    She watched Effie sitting calmly in the café, sipping her coffee as if she hadn''t a care in the world. Either Effie was truly unppable, or she was simply too green to realize the danger.


    "Well, look who it is-big sister herself."


    Suzan sauntered over, a proposal folder in hand.


    One nce at the documents on the table, and she immediately understood- Effie was here to pitch a partnership too.


    "What a coincidence."


    Effie shot her a frosty look. "Not really. And don''t pretend we just bumped into each other. Next time, don''t call out to me if you don''t have to-I''d hate to lose my appetite."


    "You"


    Suzan''s face flushed crimson, darkening with anger.


    She snorted. "Just you wait. There''s no way I''ll let you win this."


    With that, she turned on her heel and stalked off.


    Shirley watched Suzan with curiosity. Despite being decked out in designerbels, Suzan made sure every logo was visible, as if she wanted the whole world to know—she looked more like a walking Christmas tree than a fashion icon. All those shing elements just didn''t work.


    "Who is she?" Shirley asked.


    Effie''s voice was t. "Just some shameless nobody."


    Shirley couldn''t help but crack a smile. The description fit perfectly, she thought.


    Effie mighte across as cool and reserved, but the more time you spent with her, the more you realized how genuine she was a rare find, worth befriending.


    She''d never seen Effie lose herposure with anyone.


    If Suzan could provoke her, Suzan must have done something truly unforgivable.


    "God, please put that woman out of her misery," Shirley muttered under her breath.


    Effie looked up, having only caught the tail end of what Shirley said. "Hmm?"