Chapter 53
All eyes turned to Effie, and in each gaze was a flash of astonishment.
She looked breathtaking like a proud white swan, regal and pure, her beauty impossible to ignore.
Not far away, Mitchell and Suzan had also turned to stare, their faces frozen with not just admiration, but outright shock.
The heir’s date tonight was… Effie?
How could that be?
When did Effie manage to get close to Lyman?
And now the two of them had arrived together at the party.
Lyman was famously low-key, rarely attending events like this. Yet here he was, walking in with a date on his arm, leaving everyone utterly stunned.
Mitchell’s brow furrowed, his gaze flickering between Effie and Lyman, his mind swirling with confusion.
Effie had always been striking, but tonight she seemed transformed radiant, as if she’d stepped into a new life overnight, impossible to ignore.
Mitchell found himself wondering when Effie had even met Lyman. Someone of Lyman’s stature was out of reach for most; how had Effie managed this?
Hadn’t they just broken up? And already she’d found someone new?
Wasn’t this a little too fast?
Or had she lined up her next prospect before even breaking things off?
The thought sent a chill through Mitchell; his dark eyes grew cold, a storm brewing beneath the surface.
Suzan noticed the change in him, her own expression turning uneasy.
She saw how Mitchell’s gaze was locked on Effie, and it made her uncomfortable. Pressing her lips together, she spoke up deliberately, “Your ex really is something, isn’t she? Landing Mr. Etheridge so quickly.”
Mitchell didn’t even respond.
He watched as Effie and Lyman drew closer, intending to approach them, but quickly realized they were treating him as if he didn’t exist.
Effie had clearly noticed Mitchell and Suzan, but she didn’t look the least bit surprised. To her, Mitchell was nothing more than an irrelevant ex.
Smiling faintly, Effie slipped her arm through Lyman’s, and the two made their way inside.
Mitchell’s hands balled into fists, knuckles turning white as anger simmered beneath his skin.
Meanwhile, Sigrid had arrived. She’d been chatting with friends, but the commotion at the entrance had drawn her attention.
She and Suzan were already close-similar ages, similar interests, and they’d hit it off right away.
Sidling up to Suzan, Sigrid whispered, “Suzan, isn’t that Effie? What’s she doing here?”
Suzan’s eyes lit up at the question, and she whispered back, “That’s her. I didn’t expect it either-Effie just broke up with Mitchell, and she’s already got someone new. She moves fast, but that’s her talent, I suppose.”
Sigrid snorted, her voice low and scornful. “I never realized she was so capable. Just broke up and already found another guy? What a piece of work. She probably cheated on my brother before they even split. Just wait-if she’s made a fool of him, I’ll see to it she pays for it.”
Suzan inwardly rejoiced. Sigrid was impulsive, hot-tempered, and easy to provoke —just the spark she needed to stir up drama.
Sure enough, once Sigrid finished venting, she stormed off toward Effie, fuming. Suzan made a show of trying to stop her, but Sigrid brushed her off, unheeding.
A sly smile curled at the corner of Suzan’s lips. With Sigrid in the mix, things were bound to get interesting. She didn’t even realize she was being used as a pawn. Sigrid strode up and called out to Lyman.
“Excuse me, sir. Would you mind stopping for a moment?”