Chapter 206
Shirley forced an awkward smile at Effie. “It’s nothing,” she said, trying to brush off the tension.
Moments later, Effie and Shirley spotted Randell approaching, surrounded by a
small group.
Effie was just about to stand up and greet him when a waiter appeared out of nowhere, nearly colliding with her.
“I’m so sorry, miss. Are you alright?” The waiter’s eyes flickered uneasily as he glanced away, almost as if he was distracted by something in the distance.
Effie frowned but replied, “I’m fine, thank you.”
The brief interruption, however, gave Suzan just enough time to beat Effie to Randell’s side.
“You’re with E&M Group?” Randell asked, turning his cool gaze on Suzan.
Suzan straightened her back and smiled confidently. “That’s right. Our jewelry company may be young, but we’ve already made quite a mark these past few years. I’m sure you’ve heard of us, Mr. Hoffman.”
Randell nodded. “Yes, I have. Your reputation does precede you.”
“This is our proposal. If you have a moment, I’d love for you to look it over-“
“Mr. Hoffman—” Effie’s voice cut through Suzan’s pitch, stopping her mid- sentence. Suzan shot Effie a glare so sharp it could have drawn blood.
Randell blinked in surprise when he saw Effie. Wasn’t this Lyman’s wife? What was she doing here, seeking him out?
He wondered if Effie knew he was Lyman’s childhood friend.
But Effie was oblivious to Randell’s thoughts. She spoke clearly, “I’m here on behalf of The Etheridge Group to discuss a potential partnership.”
The Etheridge Group? Randell raised an eyebrow. So, Nelly’s so-called stand-in turned out to be Effie herself.
Effie was certainly attractive, but she wasn’t from any established Neo-Arcadia family-Randell couldn’t figure out what exactly Lyman saw in her.
He was curious to see just what Effie was capable of.
“So,” Randell said, “when The Etheridge Group said they were sending someone new, they meant you?”
Effie nodded. “That’s right.”
Just then, another person hurried over, eager to introduce their own company. Clearly, everyone had done their homework and knew Randell would be here- now they were all jockeying for his attention.
Randell’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Looks like we’ve got quite the crowd today. How about a warm-up competition? Whoever wins, I’ll seriously consider partnering with them.”
“A competition? What sort?” someone asked.
Randell grinned. “Equestrian. A horse race.”
If you couldn’t ride, you weren’t even eligible to participate. Some people instantly realized they’d be left out.
“A horse race?” Suzan’s lips curled into a smug smile, her eyes glinting with confidence.
She glanced at Effie. “Well, sis, do you dare?”
Effie’s childhood had been gilded-piano lessons, art, etiquette, and of course, riding lessons with a renowned coach her mother had hired. Suzan had burned with jealousy when she first learned of Effie’s privileges. Why did Effie get every opportunity while she got nothing?
Vera, her confidante, had comforted her, promising that one day she’d take everything from Effie.
And Vera had delivered. Piece by piece, she’d helped Suzan claim all that once belonged to Effie.
Vera was friends with Adriana, who had taken pity on Suzan and let her join the riding lessons, too.
At first, Effie had advanced quickly, but after losing her privileges, she’d had no chance to continue. Suzan, meanwhile, seized the opportunity and trained for years.
Eventually, with no one left to compete against, Suzan found riding dull and gave
it up.
But she was confident-she’d spent far more time in the saddle than Effie ever had, and her skills were bound to be superior.