Chapter 314
Annabel wanted nothing more than to wring Fenton’s neck. “A real woman doesn’t wrestle with dogs.”
“Dogs? Who are you calling a dog?” Fenton shot back, his voice rising.
“If the shoe fits, wear it!” Annabel snapped, her jaw clenched.
Inside the dressing room, Isabel changed her clothes. She caught sight of her earrings in the mirror, and a sly smile curled on her lips—an idea forming in her mind.
“Isabel, are you really going to do this? If someone finds out, we’ll be in serious trouble,” Carole said, worry etched across her face.
Isabel grinned, all mischief and confidence. “No one’s going to notice, not in a place like this. By the time they realize, they’ll just assume Effie did it.”
“You should still be careful.”
Isabel rolled her eyes. “What’s gotten into you all? First Annabel refuses to help, now you’re lecturing me?”
Carole gave a sheepish smile. She knew Isabel was in a foul mood, and since comforting her wasn’t working, maybe it was better to just let her vent.
Effie emerged next, dressed simply but strikingly. Her vintage emerald-green pencil dress hugged her curves, paired with long black gloves and a few pieces of the company’s jewelry. The effect was stunning-she looked like she’d stepped right out of a glossy fashion magazine.
Every head in the room turned. People stared, captivated.
Lyman couldn’t tear his eyes away from her; wherever Effie walked, his gaze followed.
Suddenly, a round of applause broke out. The photographer was clapping enthusiastically.
“This is perfect! Exactly the vibe I wanted!” he exclaimed.
With every movement, Effie exuded effortless grace and sophistication. The photographer was a whirlwind, snapping photo after photo, showering her with praise as if compliments cost nothing.
Meanwhile, Isabel stood off to the side, her face so dark it seemed a storm might break.
After a while, the shoot finally
wrapped up. Effie had changed into several different outfits, and the
photographer was practically
glowing with excitement-he hadn’t
felt this inspired in ages.
Reviewing a few shots, he looked up and said, “These are fantastic. They barely
need any retouching at all.”
“Have you been practicing behind our backs?”
Effie laughed, surprised. “No, this is actually my first shoot.”
The photographer shook his head, disbelief. “You’re a natural. How
about
Ine
with
would you like to work v me regularly? I could use a model like you.”
Effie quickly declined, waving her hands. “Thanks, but I’m not really interested. I prefer working on the design side.”
He sighed, clearly disappointed. “That’s a shame.”
Nearby, Fenton nudged Lyman with his elbow and whispered, “How can you just
sit there? Your wife’s about to be stolen right out from under your nose.”
Annabel folded her arms and shot Fenton a look of utter disdain.
“Some professional’ you are. You’ve
been hanging around all day and haven’t landed a single job. O
Professional, huh…”
Fenton clicked his tongue and looked at Annabel. “Forget it. I’m not going to argue with a woman.”
“Oh, right. As if you’re such a stand-up guy,” she scoffed.
“Alright, if you two want to argue, go do it somewhere else,” Lyman interrupted, rubbing his temples. The bickering was giving him a headache.
Those two were fine apart, but put them together and it was like striking flint— instant fireworks.
If only they’d keep their squabbles to themselves, but dragging others into it was their specialty.
Lyman excused himself to find Effie; he needed to get away from the chaos. Just then, a startled cry rang out.
“Oh no!”
It was one of the staff responsible for the jewelry-she’d clearly discovered something was wrong.