NovelEnglishChapter 172 "Enough!" Healy slammed his palm on the table. "Do you really think things are the sas before? You're not ignorant of Lyman's methods. Have you already forgotten how Fowler's people got kicked out of the company last time?" Charis's expression shifted at the mention of that incident.
Last year, Fowler's confidant in the accounting department had been publicly fired by Lyman over a questionable transaction-so quickly and decisively that even the old man couldn't protect him.
"So... what do you wantto do?" Charis's bravado faded.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtHealy narrowed his eyes and lowered his voice. "Right now, what matters most is making sure Graham secures his place in the company. Starting tomorrow, I want you to be polite to Effie-better yet, try to get close to her. Word is, Lyman dotes on her. Maybe you can get to him through her..." Meanwhile, in the Fowler family's suite, the atmosphere was entirely different.
Fowler yanked off his tie in frustration, pacing restlessly across the floor.
Marcia approached quietly, offering him a cup of tea. "Don't worry," she soothed, "we just need to take things one step at a time. The project hasn't even started yet." "One step at a time?" Fowler let out a mirthless laugh. "If we go any slower, there won't be a place for us in the company at all! Lyman's getting bolder by the day. You saw it yourself-he wouldn't even share the project details with us." A calculating glint flickered in Marcia's eyes. "I actually think our breakthrough might be that Effie girl." As a woman, Marcia noticed things others missed.
Lyman was different with Effie.
During dinner, his gaze barely left her. He kept serving her food, attentive to her every need.
That was nothing like the old Lyman, who always wore a frosty expression and never bothered with such gestures.
Fowler paused mid-stride, looking at his wife with growing curiosity.
"I watched them during dinner," Marcia murmured. "Lyman treats her like she's special. And she's just joined the Etheridge family-she'll need allies. She might be just the person we can approach." Fowler nodded thoughtfully, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "You're right. Isn't Fidelia about her age? Have Fidelia spend more twith her, get close..." Meanwhile, in the garden- Lyman led Effie by the hand, strolling beneath the archways strung with glowing lanterns. Fireworks burst across the night sky, casting fleeting light over Effie's delicate profile.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"What are you thinking about?" Lyman's voice was soft, almost teasing.
Effie shook her head with a gentle smile. "Just thinking how special this New Year's Eve feels." Lyman stopped, cradled her face in his hands, and gazed at her with a tenderness that seemed to glow in the moonlight. "Mrs. Etheridge, remember this: As long as I'm here, every New Year's Eve will be special for you." Suddenly, he glanced at his watch and began to count down under his breath. "Five, four, three, two, one..." He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss to Effie's forehead. "Happy New Year, Mrs. Etheridge."
His deep, warm voice seemed to reverberate through the crisp night air. "Happy New Year, Mr. Etheridge!" Effie replied, her tone soft and affectionate. They embraced beneath a sky ablaze with colorful fireworks-more magnificent and enchanting than any New Year's display she could remember.
Then Lyman whispered in her ear, his voice low and sincere, "My New Year's wish is that Mrs Etheridge stays safe and healthy, that everything goes your way, and your career flourishes." Still wrapped in his arms, Effie instinctively tightened her grip around his neck, their bodies pressed close.
She was touched, realizing every one of his wishes was for her.
Effie whispered back, "My wish is that from now on, everything goes m withing goes m smoothly forEtheridge—may you stay healthy, free from trouble, and may your career reach new heights." In that moment, it was as if the world had fallen away, leaving only the two of them lost in each other's eyes.
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