Although Lionel had some clout in ckmire, things didn''t always go his way once he crossed into the maind.


    Take this time, for instance. He tried to get and development project off the ground, only to find himself stonewalled at every turn.


    Suzan, eager to prove herself in front of Lionel, did everything she could to dig up information on the Irwin family.


    To her surprise, her efforts actually paid off-she found out that Mrs. Lawrence would be celebrating her birthday in a few days. Not only that, but Mrs. Lawrence was known for her fondness for Zenith Aroma''s fragrances, so Suzan made a point toe by the boutique and buy some herself.


    Suzan remembered that Mitchell had once bought the same fragrance for a business partner. Back then, when everyone else came up empty-handed, only Mitchell managed to secure a bottle—and that was how he clinched the partnership so smoothly.


    When the shop assistant spotted Mitchell, she froze mid-step.


    She''d been sure she''d imagined it, but now, seeing him up close, there was no mistake.


    Suzan had imed Mitchell was her boyfriend?


    Then who on earth was Effie?


    Mitchell greeted the staff, "Hi, I''ve bought fragrances here before. I''m also a ck Card member."


    Thest time, the staff had treated him with the utmost respect-warm, polite, eager to please.


    He assumed shing his membership would work just as well this time.


    To his surprise, their attitude was far less enthusiastic than he remembered. "Just


    a moment, please. Let me check with my manager," the assistant said, vanishing into the back of the shop.


    In the storeroom, she found Effie helping Mrs. McKenzie resolve a tricky situation. Both women looked pleased with themselves.


    "Miss Bagnold," the assistant whispered, "there''s a man out front who looks really familiar-almost like your ex, Mr. Lloyd. Only, he''s here with another woman, and they''re asking to buy thest batch of Mrs. McKenzie''s handcrafted sandalwood scent. Since you just arrived, I haven''t sold it to them yet."


    Effie instantly understood-Suzan and Mitchell had shown up together.


    Last time, because of Effie, Mitchell had enjoyed VIP treatment here.


    But Effie had never mentioned any of this to Mitchell. Just like she''d quietly helped Lyman behind the scenes this time.


    Effie said softly, "To be precise, he''s my ex. We broke up. We have nothing to do with each other anymore. Besides, I''m married now."


    "What?!" Mrs. McKenzie eximed, eyes wide. “Sweetheart, you got


    now


    married and didn''t tell me? wer!.


    I simply *have* to give you a proper wedding present!"


    Effieughed. “Oh, that''s really not necessary. We know each other so well, you don''t have to fuss."


    Mrs. McKenzie shook her head. "It''s not about fussing, dear. I promised you ages ago-when you got married, I''d give you a gift. Have you forgotten?"


    Effie blinked, realizing she actually *had* forgotten.


    Mrs. McKenzie smiled. "You may have forgotten, but I haven''t."


    She turned to the assistant. "As for that Mr. Lloyd or whatever his name is—if it weren''t for this girl, I wouldn''t give him the time of day. From now on, he gets no special treatment in this shop. His ck Card is O canceled, effective immediately." Cóntent


    "Understood," said the assistant, nodding.


    She returned to the front and, with a polite but firm smile, refused to sell anything


    to Suzan and Mitchell. She also asked Mitchell to surrender his ck Card.


    Mrs. McKenzie, ever the cheeky old


    J.ne


    decorative screen that separated the front and back rooms so they could sneak a peek at the action outside.


    She grinned, whispering, “Come on, how often do you get to watch a jerk get hiseuppance for free? We''d be crazy to miss this!"


    Effie couldn''t help butugh at Mrs. McKenzie''s mischief. What a character.


    Honestly, Effie had nned to stay out of their drama for good, but a little free entertainment? Why not?


    Suzan''s voice rose, indignant. "Wait a minute, that ck Card was given to us by the store. How can you just take it away?"


    The assistant thought to herself, *Shameless. As if they don''t know exactly how Mitchell got that card in the first ce.*