Chapter 52
“Yeah, there’s a charity gala this weekend. Would you like to go with me?” Lyman asked.
Effie hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “Sure.”
Their relationship, after all, couldn’t stay hidden forever.
……
When Suzan walked through the front door, she found Vera furiously smashing things in her bedroom.
“Mom, what happened?” Suzan rushed over, alarmed.
“Suzan, I’m absolutely livid! The plan fell apart and now I’ve been blackmailed out
of a hefty sum,” Vera snapped, recounting the whole ordeal.
Suzan’s brows shot up in disbelief. “What? Does Effie know?”
“No, I paid to keep her quiet. Still, I just can’t stomach it. It was such a perfect opportunity!” Vera pressed a hand to her chest, seething with frustration.
“Don’t worry, Mom. There’s plenty of time ahead.” Suzan tried to soothe her. “And besides, Mitchell really cares about me now, so you can relax.”
Vera finally managed a faint smile. “That’s good to hear.”
“Oh, by the way, Mom-there’s a charity gala this weekend. Mitchell’s invited me to be his date.” Suzan’s face lit up with delight.
“Really? That’s wonderful! Suzan, you must seize this chance and become Mrs. Lloyd.” Vera couldn’t have been more insistent.
“I know, Mom. I won’t let you down.”
The weekend arrived. The grand ballroom of the Neo-Arcadia Hotel was abuzz with anticipation for the charity gala. The city’s elite-socialites and heirs alike— gathered beneath the glittering chandeliers.
Suddenly, a bright orange Lamborghini screeched to a halt at the entrance. The door swung open, and Mitchell stepped out, offering his hand to Suzan as she gracefully exited the car.
They made quite the couple-he was the picture of refined charm, while she exuded a gentle, captivating beauty.
The moment they appeared, all eyes were drawn to them.
Whispers and murmurs rippled through the crowd.
“Wow, Mr. Lloyd looks incredible tonight! Who’s his date? Didn’t he come with someone else last time?”
“I heard they broke up recently.”
“Typical. Men always want something new.”
“I’ve heard this one’s got sharp elbows. Not someone you want to cross.”
“Just another gold-digger clawing her way up. What’s so special?”
Suzan lifted her chin, basking in the envious stares. For so long, thanks to her mother’s reputation, she’d been looked down on by the other debutantes. But so what?
Soon, she’d be the one everyone envied-Mrs. Lloyd. Just wait and see.
Suddenly, an excited gasp swept through the hall. “Look! It’s Lyman-the crown prince himself!”
Every head turned toward the entrance.
A rare Rolls-Royce Phantom rolled to a stop, its gleaming body catching the light. The chauffeur opened the door, and out stepped Lyman, dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo that accentuated his tall, commanding presence. The room seemed to hush, all attention drawn to him as if the spotlights themselves had shifted in his direction.
Then, everyone watched in awe as he smiled and extended his hand toward the passenger seat.
The onlookers could hardly believe their eyes-Lyman Etheridge, the man rumored never to bring a date, was actually escorting someone tonight?
Everyone held their breath, eager to see what sort of woman could capture Mr. Etheridge’s favor.
A slender, delicate hand rested in Lyman’s palm. Then, a graceful figure emerged from the car.
Effie wore a black evening gown that flowed like water, the fabric skimming her pale skin and highlighting her cool, elegant beauty.
Her entrance seemed to freeze the air; for a moment, it felt as if the entire ballroom had stopped to take in her presence.