Chapter 29
After snapping the photo, Suzan quickly tucked away her phone, a triumphant smile playing across her lips. She watched as Effie disappeared into the office building, then hurried in after her.
Effie, you really think you can keep that smug act up forever? Just wait till Mitchell sees this picture. Let’s see how long you can play Miss Innocent.
Suzan let out a low, derisive chuckle before turning on her heel and heading straight for Mitchell’s office. She knocked briskly, then stepped inside.
When Mitchell looked up and saw her, he immediately pulled her into his arms. “Are you alright?” he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.
Suzan shook her head lightly. “I’m fine-just caught a bit of a chill, that’s all.”
“Good.” Mitchell let out a breath. “So, what was it you said you saw today?” His hands began to wander restlessly over her sides.
Suzan playfully pushed him away. “Hey! Listen to what I have to say first.”
She pulled out her phone and opened her photo gallery. “Mitchell, take a look at this. Recognize anyone?”
Mitchell gave the screen a cursory glance, but his eyes quickly narrowed, locking onto the image.
He stared at the photo, brows drawing together in a tight frown. There, clear as day despite the distance, was Effie stepping out of a gleaming luxury car.
“That’s Effie?” His voice was low, tinged with a cold edge.
Suzan caught his reaction and felt a surge of satisfaction, though she kept her expression artfully innocent. “I wonder if that’s just a friend of hers? I mean, dropping her off this early… unless they’re living together?”
Mitchell let out a harsh, humorless laugh. “I know all her friends. None of them could afford a car like that-hell, that’s a limited edition model. Even I couldn’t get my hands on one.” His gaze was icy, his jaw clenched.
No wonder Effie’s been so eager to break things off and leave the company. Has she found herself a new benefactor?
The thought weighed heavy on his chest, like a stone pressing down.
Abruptly, he let go of Suzan, stood up, and strode out the door.
“Mitchell, where are you going?” Suzan called after him, feigning concern.
But inside, she knew exactly where he was headed. The curtain was about to rise on this little drama.
Effie, you love pretending to be so above it all, don’t you?
Mitchell stormed down the hall, his face thunderous, eyes burning with barely contained fury. The image of Effie stepping out of that car kept replaying in his mind her expression relaxed, glancing back at whoever was inside.
Whoever was in that car obviously meant a lot to her.
Effie, you really do take me for a fool, don’t you? he muttered under his breath, clenching his fists until his knuckles turned white.
He marched straight to Effie’s office, footsteps echoing heavily in the corridor. Staff scattered out of his way, avoiding his murderous glare.
At her door, he didn’t bother to knock-just pushed it open and strode inside.
Effie was at her desk, quietly working. She looked up at the sudden intrusion, her face unreadable.
“Mr. Lloyd. Can I help you?” Her tone was calm, expression cool and collected. Mitchell closed the door behind him and advanced to her desk, eyes sharp as a blade. “Effie, care to explain whose car you arrived in this morning?”
Effie arched an eyebrow, utterly unruffled. “Mr. Lloyd, are you checking up on me now? Who I ride with is hardly any of your business, is it?”