Chapter 151
Suddenly, Effie caught sight of a familiar figure-Granger.
He was dressed simply in a crisp white shirt and black slacks, still every bit the gentle, refined man she remembered. He stood with a few classmates, speaking in low voices.
As Effie glanced his way, Granger happened to look over at her too.
Their eyes met across the room.
Effie offered him a polite, reserved smile before looking away.
She didn’t notice the way Granger’s gaze lingered on her, deeper and more thoughtful than before.
He watched her for a few seconds, only turning away when she did. Then, with a subtle, almost imperceptible smile at the corner of his lips, he took a sip from his glass.
Sarah had noticed everything from the moment Effie walked in.
Especially Granger’s lingering gaze-Sarah’s eyes flashed with jealousy.
After all these years, why was Effie still the center of attention?
Effie was surrounded by a group of girls, chatting easily. She wore a simple dress, yet looked more radiant than anyone else in the room, no matter how carefully they’d put themselves together.
Her face was fresh and natural, untouched by makeup, with a delicate beauty that stood out all the more when she smiled.
Magee, ever the enthusiastic host, bustled around greeting classmates and making sure everyone found a seat.
Once everyone had settled, Sarah turned to Effie with a half-smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Effie, you came by yourself? Where’s your boyfriend?”
Effie gave her a cool glance, already sensing trouble. “Isn’t this a class reunion? No one brought plus-ones.”
Sarah was momentarily at a loss for words, but then she pressed on, her tone dripping with false concern. “Right, but I heard you and Mr. Lloyd broke up? You’d been together for years, hadn’t you? What a shame.”
Effie almost rolled her eyes. So all that buildup was just to bring this up?
Nita couldn’t help jumping in. “What’s so unfortunate about it? Effie deserves better, anyway. By the way, Sarah, I heard you’re seeing someone now. Why didn’t you bring him to meet us?”
Nita smoothly shifted the conversation.
She knew Effie didn’t want anyone to know about her marriage. It had been a whirlwind wedding, and with so much uncertainty, Effie preferred to keep things quiet.
Before Sarah could reply, her friend Harriet snorted, “Did you think Sarah’s boyfriend is some kind of zoo animal? Here for everyone to gawk at? He’s actually an executive at The Etheridge Group, and from a very well-off family. Not everyone can say the same.”
Effie paused, surprised. What were the odds-an executive at The Etheridge Group?
If he really was a senior manager there, that was impressive.
No wonder Sarah was acting so smug. An executive at Etheridge was easily making six figures a year.
Effie pressed her lips together. “Oh? An executive at The Etheridge Group? That is impressive.”
Sarah, mistaking Effie’s calm for envy, lifted her chin with pride. “Yes, he just got promoted. He’s heading up the entire marketing division now.”
Nita rolled her eyes. Was Sarah always this insufferable?
Not that she could blame her—after all, she had no idea Effie was actually married to the CEO of The Etheridge Group.
Harriet, seeing their silence, became even more haughty. “Sarah’s boyfriend said he’d help her get a job at Etheridge too. Not like some people, who, after a breakup, can’t even find work.”
So that’s what they all thought-Effie was unemployed.
They were always chatting up a storm in the group chat, but Effie kept a low profile.
At this, Granger spoke up, his tone mild but clear. “Harriet, we’re all classmates here. There’s no need for that kind of talk.”