Chapter 1
The upper-level lounge at Neo-Arcadia radiated extravagance-every surface gleamed, every corner hummed with the scent of money. It was the city’s most notorious den of indulgence.
Effie Bagnold paused outside a private suite, her slender hand poised on the polished brass handle. Just as she was about to enter, a familiar voice drifted through the door.
“Effie Bagnold? Already bored of her,” Mitchell Lloyd drawled, lighting a cigarette and exhaling a thin plume of smoke. His tone was tinged with careless arrogance.
A chorus of laughter rose from inside. “Can’t blame you,” someone chimed in. “Even the prettiest face gets old after a while.”
“But, Mitchell, can you really let her go? You chased her for years-three years together, that’s not nothing.”
“And Effie’s stunning. She could outshine any Hollywood star,” another voice added.
Mitchell gave a dismissive chuckle, his blue eyes glinting dangerously, a hint of red at their corners betraying too much alcohol. “Why would I care? I’d rather have a girl who’s soft and sweet, like Suzan. She’s gentle as a summer breeze. I’ve had enough of this on-and-off thing with Effie. It’s just… dull.”
Someone whistled. “Wait-Suzan Bagnold? Isn’t she Effie’s stepsister? You’re really taking the whole family tour, huh?”
Mitchell grinned, savoring the moment. “Suzan’s adorable. She calls me ‘Mitch,’ and I just melt.”
“You’re an inspiration, man. Women-they’re just toys, right?”
“But she’s still-“
Laughter and teasing filled the room, echoes bouncing off the velvet walls. Outside, Effie’s grip tightened on the handle. She heard every word, clear as crystal.
Mitchell’s words sliced straight through her, cold and sharp as a blade.
She never imagined Mitchell would stoop so low as to get involved with Suzan.
Drawing in a steadying breath, Effie pushed the door open.
Instant silence. Every man in the room stiffened, glancing at one another, wondering how much she’d overheard.
Chuck, quick on his feet and always the peacemaker, jumped up with a forced smile. “Effie! Glad you’re here. Come, have a drink.”
She ignored him, walking straight to Mitchell, her voice icy. “Mitchell, we’re done. I’m breaking up with you.”
Without waiting for a response, she grabbed a glass of red wine off the table and flung it straight into Mitchell’s face. Then she turned and strode out, head high.
Mitchell sputtered, wiping wine from his eyes, his voice cold with anger. “Effie, if you walk out that door tonight, we’re finished. For good.”
He sounded so sure of himself-after all, he’d always held the reins in this relationship.
During their three years together, he’d dated actresses, flirted with college girls, even hooked up with women from his own company. Effie had always turned a blind eye. They’d broken up and gotten back together countless times, but it was always Effie who caved first.
So Mitchell was convinced this was just another empty threat.
Effie paused at the door. Mitchell smirked, thinking she’d come crawling back.
But without a second’s hesitation, Effie walked out.
Mitchell’s confidence flickered.
One of his friends muttered, “Mitchell, I think she’s really mad this time. Maybe you should go after her.”
He scoffed. “Go after her? You guys don’t get it. Give it a couple hours, she’ll come crawling back. She always does.” He spoke like Effie was his pet, trained and predictable.
No one argued. History was on his side-Effie never stayed away for long. They figured this time would be no different.
Out in the hallway, Effie barely registered her surroundings. She was so lost in thought, she didn’t notice the man rounding the corner until she collided with him, hard.
A distinctly masculine scent enveloped her, heady and intoxicating. She suddenly felt feverish.
He wore a black dress shirt, top buttons undone to reveal a chiseled, elegant collarbone. His tailored trousers hugged long, powerful legs. Everything about him radiated wealth and a composed, magnetic sort of charm.