Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon novel Chapter 292

Effie hadn't lied—when Ms. Cooper got angry, she really did block Effie's number.

Effie spoke up again, her tone earnest. “I admit, I really didn't handle things well before, and I wasted your valuable time. I want to sincerely apologize. If you're willing, please give me another chance. This time, I promise I'll put my full effort into your design and deliver a result that satisfies you.”

Ms. Cooper's expression softened a little. Effie wasn't making excuses or shifting blame—she was taking responsibility and apologizing.

But even so, Ms. Cooper wasn't swayed. She simply couldn't forgive someone who didn't respect her time.

“I accept your apology,” Ms. Cooper said crisply, “but I don't think we need to continue working together.”

Effie persisted. “Actually, I've been reviewing your requests these past few days. I put together a new design draft based on your feedback. This is just the first draft—would you like to take a look?”

She slid the portfolio across the table toward Ms. Cooper.

But Ms. Cooper was a perfectionist—organized, meticulous, and demanding nothing less than excellence. The moment she noticed the crumpled sheets in Effie's portfolio, her gaze darkened, a flash of displeasure in her eyes.

“You bring me a wrinkled draft?” she said sharply. “That shows you don't respect me or my project. I see no reason to look any further.”

Effie bit her lip. The designs had been fine earlier—something must have happened along the way… But what was the point of making excuses? Wrinkled was wrinkled.

She bowed her head. “I'm sorry. That's on me. But regardless of the paper, the designs themselves are good. Would you at least take a look—?”

Before she could finish, Ms. Cooper brushed her hand aside, and Effie lost her grip—the portfolio scattered, pages spilling across the floor.

Effie hurried to crouch down, gathering the sheets as quickly as she could.

Just then, two people approached and greeted Ms. Cooper. “Ms. Cooper, good morning.”

Ms. Cooper's demeanor shifted in an instant, her tone warming. “Good morning, Miss Isabel.”

Just as Effie reached for it, Isabel noticed a hand at her feet and, startled, instinctively stepped back.

Effie was just about to pick up the last page.

Isabel saw what was happening, and with a deliberate motion, shifted her shoe to pin Effie's hand. “Oh! You startled me,” she said with exaggerated surprise.

Ms. Cooper remained silent, but she'd seen the whole exchange.

“Mommy!” A familiar child's voice rang out. Effie instinctively looked up.

Her gaze met that of a young girl, who immediately hurried over with bright eyes. “Hey, it's you!” she called to Effie.

Ms. Cooper looked from Effie to her daughter, suspicion flickering in her expression. “Lina, do you two know each other?”