Chapter 210
Everyone:
This was the first time anyone realized just how unexpectedly funny their young lord could be.
Randell arrived at the stables, only to discover that Suzan’s assistant had tried to inject something into Effie’s chosen horse-but Effie had caught them in the act.
“Mr. Hoffman, you’re just in time! They were about to do something to your horses,” Effie reported the moment she saw Randell. “You treasure these horses like your own children. How could they even think of harming them?”
Randell played along, his face grave. “That’s right. Every horse here is the product of the finest breeding. You couldn’t replace them even if you sold yourselves. How dare you lay a finger on them?”
Suzan went pale, scrambling to explain. “No, we never intended to hurt your horses! You have to believe me.”
She shot a look at her assistant, who quickly added, “I never meant to give the horse an injection! That syringe is mine. I have diabetes, and I need to be ready to give myself insulin at any time.”
Did she really think anyone would buy such a flimsy excuse?
Effie crossed her arms. “If that’s true, then the injection should be perfectly harmless for you. Go on, show us.”
“I…” The assistant’s eyes widened in panic. That syringe was filled with poison- there was no way she’d be stupid enough to inject herself with it.
With a sharp slap, Suzan struck her assistant across the face. “I can’t believe you’d do something like this. I’m so disappointed in you. Get out!”
The assistant clutched her cheek and fled without a word.
Suzan turned to Randell, her expression pleading. “Mr. Hoffman, I swear I had no idea my assistant would do such a thing. I promise I’m innocent. I didn’t know anything about this.”
Randell thought to himself, Do you really think I’d believe a word of that?
But he didn’t call her out.
Instead, his gaze drifted to Effie, who had already changed into her riding attire. The tailored vest hugged her slender waist, the crisp white jodhpurs and polished brown boots accentuating her confident stance. With her hair tied in a high ponytail, the loose waves danced with every movement, carrying a faint, fresh scent that lingered on the air-delicate and alluring.
He couldn’t help but admit: Lyman must be feeding her well.
Noticing how intently Randell was watching Effie, Suzan scoffed inwardly. Effie is so shameless, she thought, always flirting with every man she meets.
But Randell only admired Effie for a moment before looking away. “If that’s all, let’s get back to the competition.”
When Randell returned to the stands, Lyman and Vinson Elliott joined him. Randell leaned in to Lyman. “I’ve got a surprise for you coming up.”
Lyman arched an eyebrow, unimpressed. “What kind of surprise could you possibly have for me?”
Randell grinned. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?”
Just then, Vinson Elliott, who’d been watching the track, let out a sharp gasp. Among the riders leading their horses onto the field, one figure stood out- someone who looked unmistakably like Effie.
“Lyman, do you see that? That’s Effie, isn’t it?”
Truthfully, Lyman had noticed her the instant she stepped onto the sunlit track. He couldn’t tear his eyes away as Effie smiled, radiant as she led her horse forward. She had a certain energy to her, as if she’d woven sunlight into her very being- so bright and lively that no one could look away.
Randell clicked his tongue. “Just look at Lyman-completely lovestruck.”
“Wow,” Vinson Elliott blurted, unable to contain his amazement.