Chapter 135
Suzan set her phone down, a triumphant smile lighting up her face.
She sauntered over to her wardrobe, carefully selecting a seductive nightgown, then spritzed on Mitchell’s favorite perfume.
Staring at her reflection, she let out a cold, self-assured laugh. “No matter what, I’m always the one Mitchell truly cares about,” she murmured to herself,
satisfaction gleaming in her eyes.
Pressing her lips together thoughtfully, Suzan recalled her earlier scheme. It seemed it was time to put her plan into action.
Mitchell was still wavering, so Suzan knew she’d have to get to him through Adeline. Adeline was at the age where all she wanted was a grandchild-Suzan could certainly use that to her advantage.
As night fell, Mitchell arrived just as he’d promised.
Suzan had been ready for hours. She’d arranged a candlelit dinner, slipped into her sheer nightgown, and greeted him at the door with an alluring smile.
“Mitchell, you’re here! I’m so happy to see you,” she purred, melting into his arms.
The scent of her perfume wrapped around him, and before he knew it, Mitchell’s arm was around her waist.
Suzan could tell he was falling under her spell.
She deliberately took his hand and led him toward the dining table. In the candlelight, her nightgown looked even more revealing.
“I made your favorite steak,” she said sweetly. “You always say my cooking is better than any chef’s.”
Steak was, truthfully, the only dish Suzan could master-because it was Mitchell’s favorite. To please him, she’d even taken lessons from a professional chef.
Mitchell glanced over the table, noticing the care she’d put into every detail. His expression grew complicated. Lately, he’d been a bit distant with her, and now a twinge of guilt gnawed at him.
“I’m not really hungry right now. I just want-” Mitchell’s voice dropped, his gaze burning as it lingered on Suzan.
His hand was still at her waist, fingers unconsciously tracing the silky fabric of her nightgown.
Suzan felt the change in his touch, his breath, his body. She was quietly delighted, though she kept her face innocent and drew back a half-step, biting her lip ever so slightly. “Mitchell… why don’t we eat first?” she suggested coyly.
Mitchell didn’t answer. Instead, he swept her up into his arms and carried her straight to the bedroom.
Soon, the room was filled with rising heat and the sounds of passion.
The next morning, after Effie got up, Lyman informed her that a client would be visiting over the weekend with his wife to discuss business, and he might need her to accompany them-since the client was bringing his spouse.
Effie agreed immediately. After all, given her role, she was expected to be a supportive partner.
The weekend arrived quickly.
Early that morning, Effie and Lyman drove to the airport to greet their guests.
This client was a key partner of The Etheridge Group, here to negotiate a major deal involving a luxury hot springs resort. With so much at stake-hundreds of millions on the line-everyone was taking it seriously.
Apparently, the client’s last name was Smith, and he valued family, which explained why he’d brought his wife along.
It was Effie’s first time facing a client side by side with Lyman, so she felt a little
nervous.
Before long, they spotted Mr. and Mrs. Smith in the arrivals hall.
To her surprise, Mr. Smith looked rather young and refined-nothing like the middle-aged, balding executives she’d expected. He couldn’t have been more than a few years older than Lyman.
Lyman noticed Effie eyeing their guest a bit longer than necessary and frowned slightly. Clearing his throat, he slid his arm around Effie’s waist and drew her closer to his side. Effie snapped back to herself, realizing she’d been staring. Her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she quickly put on a polite smile.