Chapter 291
Shirley gave an awkward smile. “Oh, this is the only charm I’ve got left on me. But hey, a blessing’s a blessing, right? It’s all the same up there—I just hope it helps a little. I’m like you, you know, one paycheck, doing the work of three people.”
Effie laughed. “Isn’t that the truth? The more capable you are, the heavier the workload.”
Effie took the charm from Shirley and slipped it into her pocket. “Thanks, I appreciate it.”
Shirley blushed a little. “Don’t mention it.”
With Shirley’s good wishes, Effie headed out.
When she reached the hotel, she saw the elevator doors about to close. She
hurried forward, calling out, “Hold the door, please!”
Thankfully, someone inside was kind enough to press the ‘open’ button and wait for her.
It was a beautiful young woman with a gentle face.
Effie nodded at her. “Thanks.”
The woman replied politely, “You’re welcome.”
The elevator began its slow ascent. Suddenly, it lurched, and the lights flickered before plunging them into darkness.
A wave of weightlessness followed.
Effie stifled her fear and quickly jabbed at every floor button she could find.
Luckily, after dropping several floors at high speed, the elevator finally shuddered to a stop.
Even though it wasn’t moving anymore, Effie’s heart was pounding so loudly she was afraid to move. She pressed the emergency call button, and after a tense wait, a voice finally came through. Effie explained the situation, and the operator assured her that help was on the way.
Just then, Effie heard the sound of panicked breathing.
She turned on her phone’s flashlight and swung it toward the woman behind her. The girl’s face was ghostly pale; she was tugging at her collar, struggling to breathe.
Effie rushed to her side, her voice gentle. “Hey, are you alright? Are you feeling unwell?”
The woman swallowed hard, her voice strained. “I’m… scared. I can’t breathe.”
Effie spoke soothingly. “It’s okay. We’re safe now. I’ve already called for help- they’ll be here soon.”
“If you don’t mind, let me help you,” Effie offered.
She unbuttoned the top of the woman’s blouse to help her breathe more easily, then pulled out some papers to fan her gently.
The woman clung tightly to Effie’s hand. With Effie’s calm presence beside her, she gradually began to steady herself. The panic faded from her eyes.
They waited what felt like an eternity before rescue finally arrived.
One of the staff members said, “You’re lucky you hit the emergency stop in time.”
Effie let out a shaky breath, feeling as if she’d just survived a close call.
“Thank you, ma’am,” the young woman said, looking at Effie with sincere gratitude.
Some color returned to her cheeks at last.
Effie smiled. “You’re welcome.”
After saying goodbye, Effie made her way to the rooftop café.
She scanned the room and finally spotted Ms. Cooper.
Effie approached her. “Ms. Cooper, hello.”
Ms. Cooper looked up, suspicion flickering in her eyes. “And you are…?”
Effie introduced herself. “Ms. Cooper, I’m Effie, a designer in the jewelry department at The Etheridge Group.”
The moment Effie said her name, Ms. Cooper’s expression darkened. Her tone turned icy. “Save the explanations. You stood me up the other day and left me waiting for ages.”
“I’m really sorry about that. It was my fault. Something unexpected happened, and
I couldn’t reach out in time. I sincerely apologize,” Effie said.
“That’s why, as soon as I got back to work, I contacted you right away,” Effie added.
“In fact, I tried calling you as soon as I could, but I couldn’t get through,” she explained further.