Chapter 356 While Lyman and Vinson Elliott were deep in conversation, Nita leaned in close to Effie and whispered, "Earlier today, when I went to meet a client, I suddenly spotted Vera and Suzan slipping into this really unusual store. I got curious and followed them inside." An unusual store? Effie's eyes flickered with suspicion. What kind of place could make Nita so hesitant to even speak its name? "What kind of store was it?" Effie asked, lowering her voice.
Nita shot a quick, nervous glance at Lyman and Vinson Elliott before leaning closer to Effie's ear, her voice barely audible as she finally explained.
Effie was so shocked her hand jerked, sending her fork clattering to the floor.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe noise was enough to draw Lyman's and Vinson Elliott's attention. Both men turned to look at her.
Lyman's tone was gentle. "Is everything alright?" Effie forced a bright smile and shook her head. "It's nothing. Nita just dropped a bit of gossip on me, and I need a moment to process it." Nita caught Lyman's gaze and offered him an embarrassed smile before turning back to Effie.
"You wouldn't believe it," she muttered. "Vera has no shat all. She was right there in front of the sales clerk, teaching her daughter how to dress to lure in Mitchell. It was shameless-like she was prepping her for ssleazy business. Absolutely disgusting." "No wonder your dad and Mitchell both fell for those two women," Effie replied wryly.
Nita licked her lips, watching Effie closely. "Are you okay?" Effie shook her head. "I'm fine." But truthfully, a bitter discomfort twisted inside her. She and her mother had both lost to people like that. Was that really the kind of woman men preferred? Sensing her mood, Nita tried to comfort her. "At least you have Mr. Etheridge. He's the type who's practically allergic to . No way he'd get involved in something like that." Effie nodded, barely managing a smile. "Yeah." Just then, out of the corner of her eye, Effie spotted Shirley and Peter passing by not far away.
Hidden behind a decorative screen, Effie knew Shirley couldn't see them.
Nita followed Effie's gaze and saw Shirley too.
"Hey, there's Shirley. I'll go say hi and invite her in. I can't believe she's dating someone behind my back! But that guy..." Nita wrinkled ber nose. "He seems a bit sleazy to me." Effie quickly grabbed Nita's hand, shaking her head. "Don't. She probably doesn't want to seeright now." Nita hesitated, a little startled. "What's going on? Did something happen?" Effie smiled faintly. "It's nothing serious. Just a misunderstanding." "Then clear the air while you have the chance," Nita urged.
Effie shook her head again. "It's not the right time. I'll wait." Nita could only sigh. "Alright, if you say so."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmShe'd only known Shirley for a short time, but the bonds forged over a few late-night card games felt genuine it card Shirley struck her as straightforward and easygoing if there wasn't smajor issue, it was hard to imagine her falling out with Effie.
But since Effie didn't want to talk about it, Nita decided not to pysha Still, curiosity got the better of her, and she sent Shirley a quick text, asking what was going on. No reply.
She was about to send another message when she realized Shirley had blocked her.
Nita huffed, clearly annoyed. "That's just cold. We're friends, for crying out loud- Shirley didn't have to blocktoo." Effie apologized softly. "Sorry, I didn't mean to drag you into this."
Nita waved her off. "Hey, don't say that. We're friends-there's no such thing as dragging each other down. If anything, I've caused you more trouble than you've ever caused me."