Chapter 143
After Mr. Smith hung up the phone, a sharp glint flickered in his eyes.
So, he’d been fooled too.
If he hadn’t questioned Isabel, he never would have found out, would he?
This made things much simpler.
Around dusk, Lyman was called away to an emergency meeting by Luther at the office.
Effie finished her dinner, took a short stroll, and was just about to head back when Mr. Smith appeared behind her without a sound or warning.
A strong whiff of alcohol hit her, making her jump. When she saw it was Mr. Smith, she immediately tensed.
“Mr. Smith, what are you doing here?”
He deliberately lowered his voice. “Just happened to be passing by. Imagine my luck, running into you, Miss Bagnold.”
Miss Bagnold?
Effie frowned. “Mr. Smith, my husband just stepped away to grab something. He’ll be back soon. Are you looking for him?”
“Let’s cut the act, Miss Bagnold. You and Mr. Etheridge aren’t really married, are you? Tell me, how much is he paying to keep you? Whatever it is, I’ll double it.”
He wasn’t hiding anything this time. His eyes narrowed, roaming over her with greedy intent.
Mr. Smith could hardly contain himself. The contract was about to be signed-this woman would have no more use for Lyman. Then it would be his turn to enjoy her.
Effie’s expression turned icy. “Mr. Smith, I’d ask you to show some respect. Lyman and I are legally married. What you’re suggesting is outright slander.”
Has the man lost his mind?
Absolutely outrageous.
“I’m just being honest here. I’m always generous with women-actresses, models, principal dancers-I’ve taken care of them all, and they were more than satisfied,” Mr. Smith boasted, puffing up with pride.
Effie felt sick to her stomach. Utterly shameless.
Seeing her disbelief, he pressed on, “I’m telling the truth. You know the hottest star right now, Isabel? When she first started out, she was with me for a few months.”
Effie froze, her mouth dropping open in shock.
Could it be the Isabel she knew?
But there was only one Isabel, the dancer and the celebrity. It was almost impossible to believe.
“Mr. Smith, slander can land you in court. You really shouldn’t say things like that,” Effie replied coolly.
She never expected to hear such gossip. She’d always thought Isabel was practically a saint.
“I’m not making this up. I’ve had plenty of women. Stick with me, and you’ll live in luxury,” Mr. Smith bragged.
“Mr. Smith, I’ll say it one more time-I’m married. What you’re doing is sexual harassment. If you don’t stop, I’ll call the police,” Effie warned.
“Drop the act. Once the contract’s signed tomorrow, you two are done. Don’t think
I don’t know. While I’m still interested, you’d better not waste your chance,” Mr. Smith said, his smile turning sleazy.
She’d once thought he was a gentleman-turns out, he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Effie didn’t bother replying. She turned to leave.
But Mr. Smith quickly stepped in front of her, blocking her path.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she scowled. “Mr. Smith, if you keep this up, I’ll call for help. If Lyman finds out what you’re doing, do you really think you two will still be working together?”
She mustered her courage and stood her ground.
Mr. Smith just laughed. “Miss Bagnold, you think too highly of yourself. You’re just
Mr. Etheridge’s plaything. Why would he risk a billion-dollar deal for you?”
His tone dripped with contempt.
Effie knew she was bluffing-Lyman would never throw away such a massive contract because of her.
But hearing Mr. Smith say it out loud chilled her to the bone.