Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Everyone emerged from the private room in high spirits, and once again, Effie's talents had left a deep impression on them.

As they passed by another suite, the door swung open just as they walked by, and a disgruntled client stormed out, fuming.

"I can't believe it. This is the first time I've ever met a designer like that! Asking me if I have any creative sense, questioning whether I even understand design- what's wrong with them? If I could design myself, why would I even bother coming here?"

As the man grumbled aloud, his gaze suddenly landed on Effie. His mood shifted instantly as he brightened and walked over with a familiar wave.

"Ms. Bagnold! What a surprise to see you here! Just now I asked Mr. Lloyd where you'd gone, but he wouldn't say, only that you'd left the company. I thought you'd left Neo-Arcadia altogether! I'm so glad you're still around."

Effie smiled politely. "Mr. Hilliard, I didn't expect to run into you again either."

He shook her hand warmly. “If I'd known, I would've gotten your contact information last year. Mr. Lloyd told me you worked for E&M, and if I needed anything, I should go through the company. Then you left, and I had no way to reach you. My wife absolutely loved the anniversary jewelry you designed for our thirtieth. This year, I was hoping you could create a wedding set for my daughter. Price isn't an issue-I just want something beautiful.”

Before Effie could answer, Marian stormed out of the suite behind them, still muttering, "It's clearly his fault. The styles he wants are already way out of date. If he insists on using those outdated ideas, the end result will be such a disaster even the family dog would turn up its nose. There's no point in producing work like that!"

Mitchell shot Marian a withering glare. "Marian, even if you disagree with a client, you can't go around insulting them to their face. You're a designer, not royalty. The ones paying for our designs are the ones calling the shots here."

Mitchell folded his arms and glanced sharply in Suzan's direction, his expression saying, "Where on earth did you find this person?"

Suzan was just about to explainnoveldrama

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herself when she caught sight of Effie and Mr. Hanley deep in conversation. Her face darkened, and she strode over, raising her

voice for all to hear.

"Effie! You're really poaching clients right in front of us now? That's low, even for you!"

Effie met her eyes coolly. "I'd say it's still not as bad as what you're doing."

"You-!"

Suzan clenched her jaw, then turned to Mr. Hanley. "Mr. Hanley, you've always come to us for your design needs. E&M may not be as big The Etheridge Group, but you' always been satisfied with our work. Please don't let a few word

from

someone else sway your judgment."

Mr. Hanley let out a short laugh, clearly annoyed. "And what, exactly, have you brought to the table? Just a designer who insults me for not understanding design? The only reason I kept coming back toyour firm was to work with Ms. Bagnold. Now that she's left, I'll go directly to her. For the record, I came to her, not the other way around."

He paused, then added pointedly, "And let's not flatter ourselves here. We haven't

signed any contracts yet there's no client stealing going on."

Turning back to Effie, he asked, "Ms. Bagnold, where are you working these days?"

Effie smiled and offered him a business card. "Thank you for your trust, Mr. Hanley. I'm with The Etheridge Group now. Here's my card."