NovelOnlineChapter 136 "Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, welcome." Lyman's voice was low and steady, edged with his usual reserve.
Mr. Smith offered a polite smile as he reached out to shake Lyman's hand. "Mr. Etheridge, I've heard so much about you. It's a pleasure to finally have the chance to work together." His gaze drifted to Effie then, and for a brief moment, his eyes lit up-though he quickly composed himself. With gentle courtesy, he said, "And you must be Mrs. Etheridge? The rumors don't do you justice. Mr. Etheridge is truly a fortunate man." Effie nodded gracefully. "You flatter me, Mr. Smith. Welcto both you and Mrs. Smith." When Mr. Smith extended his hand, Effie responded in kind, offering her own. But as their hands met, she felt the faintest brush-almost as if his fingers had deliberately grazed her palm. A small shiver ran down her spine.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtMrs. Smith stepped forward, her manner warm as she clasped Effie's hand. "Mrs. Etheridge, I hope we won't trouble you too much during our stay." Sensing Mrs. Smith's genuine goodwill, Effie felt her nerves ease slightly. "It's no trouble at all, Mrs. Smith. It's my pleasure." After the brief exchange of pleasantries, Lyman instructed the driver to load the luggage, and together they set off for the hotel.
Their hotel was nestled within the resort, offering everything from dining to entertainment-a one-stop haven for their stay.
On the ride over, Mr. Smith and Lyman took the front seats, already deep in discussion about the details of their business partnership. Effie and Mrs. Smith settled into the back, their conversation turning to lighter topics.
"Mrs. Etheridge, what do you enjoy doing in your free time? Your complexion is stunning-so clear and fair. Even this close, I can't see a single pore!" Mrs. Smith remarked with a friendly laugh, clearly hoping to break the ice. But it wasn't just idle flattery; Effie's skin truly had a rosy, porcelain glow-like a freshly peeled egg, the kind that always drew admiring glances.
"You're too kind, Mrs. Smith. I'm not nearly as perfect as you say," Effie replied warmly. "I like to read, and sometimes I arrange flowers. What about you? What do you enjoy?" Mrs. Smith seemed genuinely easygoing and talkative. Though her looks were rather ordinary, she carried herself with a pleasant air.
"Oh, I absolutely love to travel. It's wonderful to get away with my husband for a change-I'm looking forward to relaxing here," Mrs. Smith replied, eyes bright with anticipation.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmEffie's openness made Mrs. Smith like her even more. After all, as Lyman's wife, Effie's status was nothing to scoff at-yet she was completely down-to-earth.
Effie nodded. "Then letshow you around while you're here. There are a few local sights I think you'll really enjoy." Mrs. Smith's face lit up. "That sounds wonderful! And maybe you can share sof your skincare secrets with me?"
Effie laughed. "Honestly, I just stick to a simple routine-moisturizer maming and night, and I'm careful with sunscreen..." Their conversation flowed easily for the rest of the drive.
Once they reached the hotel, Lyman and Mr. Smith headed to the conference room to continue their business talks. Effie accompanied Mrs. Smith to her suite, helping her settle in.
Mrs. Smith was delighted with her room. She squeezed Effie's hand "Mrs, Etheridge, you've gone to so En much trouble for us." "Not at all," Effie assured her. "Please, if you need anything, just letknow."
That afternoon, Effie took Mrs. Smith to the city's art gallery and a nearby tearoom. The two women hit it off, and Mrs. Smith couldn't stop praising Effie's thoughtfulness and attention to detail.
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