Chapter 279
“It was you who wanted Nelly gone, Mr. Butler. Don’t try to pin this on me,” Effie said, her tone even but icy. “I’m not exactly strong or powerful-I can’t take the blame for something I couldn’t possibly do.”
Irving Butler gave a derisive snort. “Not strong? You managed to catch a pregnant woman, didn’t you?”
Effie’s eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint flickering across her face.
Irving Butler really had no conscience. His wife had worked so hard for so long just to get pregnant, and now he talked as if he’d rather she lost the baby.
Effie didn’t want to waste another second dealing with someone so vile. Her voice was cold as she said, “Mr. Butler, we’re here to work and make money for the company-not to get caught up in your personal drama every day. If there’s nothing else, I’ll get back to my job.”
“Wait.”
Irving Butler was clearly annoyed by Effie’s attitude, but couldn’t find a legitimate reason to fire her.
The entire spectacle today hadn’t just been about getting rid of Nelly-he’d hoped to force Effie out too. His plan was simple: Nelly, all looks and no brains, would blame Effie for everything. The two would make a scene in the office, giving him the perfect excuse to let them both go.
But, to his disappointment, Effie hadn’t taken the bait. She never fought with Nelly at all.
Still, it didn’t matter. He had more tricks up his sleeve for Effie.
“There was a project lined up for Nelly,” Irving said coolly. “Now that she’s gone, you’ll take it over.”
Effie had no objections if it was just a work assignment. “Alright,” she said without hesitation.
Irving’s eyes flashed with a mean-spirited satisfaction. Let’s see if she’s still so agreeable after this, he thought.
As Effie walked out with the file, Shirley hurried over with concern in her eyes. “Effie, did he give you a hard time?”
“If he wanted to, he’d at least need a proper reason,” Effie replied calmly.
Shirley finally relaxed. “So what did he call you in for?”
Effie shared Irving Butler’s real motive.
Shirley frowned. “That’s odd. Usually, Irving gives Nelly the cushy, high-paying projects. Now that you’ve upset him, why would he hand you a good job? That doesn’t add up.”
Effie shrugged. “It’s fine. Work is work-some tasks are tough, some are easy. It can’t always be smooth sailing.”
And honestly, Effie believed that whether something was hard or easy often depended on the person handling it. What seemed impossible for others might not be that way for her.
“So what’s the project?” Shirley asked.
“It’s for a client named Ms. Cooper. She wants a full set of jewelry designed. Looks like she’s got quite a few requirements,” Effie replied, scanning the file.
At the mention of Ms. Cooper, Shirley let out a groan. “I knew it! Irving is up to no good.”
“That project was never really Nelly’s. She tried, but gave up pretty quickly. Ms. Cooper is unbelievably picky-no matter what design you show her, she’ll always find something wrong. She nitpicks everything.”
“Then Ms. Cooper went away on business for a while and stopped contacting us. We all thought she’d found another firm. Guess not…”
Shirley’s expression darkened. “You should just turn it down.”
She added angrily, “Irving’s only giving you this because you’re new and you don’t know what a nightmare Ms. Cooper can be. He’s being totally unfair.”