Chapter 400
Effie chuckled. “Shouldn’t you be asking yourself that question?” she replied. “Are you out of inspiration lately, that you have to copy me just to keep up? But let’s be honest, not everyone can pull off what I do. At best, you’re a cheap knockoff.”
“Shut up! You’re the one copying me!” Suzan snapped, her jaw clenched so tightly she was practically grinding her molars to dust.
Effie, on the other hand, remained perfectly composed. It was obvious to anyone watching who was rattled and who wasn’t.
She took out her phone and called Old Mrs. Lawrence’s housekeeper. Within moments, the woman appeared at the door.
The housekeeper recognized Effie immediately and greeted her warmly. “Miss Bagnold, you’re here! Mrs. Lawrence was thrilled to hear you were coming. She asked me to bring you in right away.”
“Thank you. I’ll come in now,” Effie replied politely.
But Suzan stepped forward, blocking their path. She pointed accusingly at the security guard. “Wait a minute! Who are you to just let her in? He welcomed me in because I’m Miss Bagnold. I’m Shepard’s daughter.”
The housekeeper shook her head, confused. “I’m sorry, I don’t know you.”
Suzan looked like she might explode. “I’m Lionel Blackmire’s niece-the wealthiest man in the county!”
But the housekeeper just shook her head again. “You may share the last name, but the only guest Mrs. Lawrence has been waiting for is Miss Effie Bagnold.”
“The guard must be mistaken,” Suzan protested.
Suzan didn’t know the housekeeper, but the security guard certainly did. While Old Mrs. Lawrence preferred a quiet life in her old house, she always brought her housekeeper along when she returned home, so if the housekeeper said Effie was the expected guest, there was no doubt about it.
The security guard stepped between Suzan and the door. “I’m terribly sorry, miss. The mistake was mine. I can’t let you in.”
Suzan was livid. “Why not? Why can she go in and I can’t?”
The guard replied, “Today’s just a family gathering. Aside from the Lawrence family, the only invited
elis Miss Effie Bagnold. No one
else is allowed.”
Effie glanced back at Suzan, a smirk playing on her lips. “You heard him-no uninvited guests allowed.”
Effie hadn’t intended to be so smug; she was raised better than that. But some people only learn their lesson when you stand your ground.
neo
Suzan looked like she still wanted to force her way in, but just then, a huge German shepherd was led to the front, startling her so much she jumped back.
Instinctively, she reached out for
Mitchell’s hand, but Mitchell was et
even more terrified of dogs than she
wd immediately bolted for the
gate.
The dog barked thunderously, causing Suzan and Mitchell to turn pale and flee in
a panic.
Only then did Effie turn away, clapping her hands with satisfaction. She took Lyman’s hand and strolled toward the living room.
“Today was worth coming for,” she said with a grin. “Nothing like a little dog- chasing-dog drama to liven things up.”
Lyman gazed at her fondly, the corners of his mouth lifting in an affectionate smile.
They reached the front door, and as they entered, all eyes in the room immediately turned to Effie and Lyman.
When Irwin caught sight of Lyman, he froze, a flicker of emotion crossing his face. For a moment, he looked genuinely unsettled-almost frightened.