Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

Why does Marian act like she's being forced into this, as if it's all my fault?

Effie said, "Marian, if you don't want to go, I'm not going to make you."

But Marian shot Effie a wounded look and replied, "You say you're not forcing me, but isn't that exactly what you're doing right now? Guilt-tripping me?"

Effie stared at her, momentarily at a loss for words.

How does that even make sense?

Effie tried again, "No, really, if you don't want to go, I won't make you. There are plenty of people who'd love the chance."

She glanced at the rest of the team. "Anyone else interested?"

Almost everyone's hand shot up.

Effie's business dinners weren't like most others. She didn't invite sleazy old businessmen looking for trouble-her guests were all respectable clients. The dinners were laid-back affairs: everyone relaxed, shared a meal, talked through their thoughts, and the designers would wrap up by summarizing the clients' needs for the project. After such open conversations, their designs almost always hit the mark.

And, best of all, every time they had one of these dinners, it was at Elliott's Cozy Room—a favorite local spot, famous for its delicious food and warm atmosphere. Plus, no one had to pick up the tab. A meal there was a social media magnet; every time, their feeds lit up with photos and envy-inducing comments.

Effie nodded. "Alright then, the rest of you, come with me."

She picked a few more people for the dinner, but deliberately left out Shirley. Shirley looked like she wanted to protest, but didn't dare speak up.

Just then, Marian piped up, sounding annoyed. "Wait a minute-you said you wanted me there, but now you're inviting everyone else and leaving me out?"

Effie looked at her, exasperated. "You said you didn't want to come. Why should I drag you along?"

Honestly, Marian Evans was getting more and more entitled. Did she really think the entire design department would grind to a halt without her?

Marian huffed, "Didn't I just say I'd go? You already asked me, so how could not? I even turned down

dinner with my friends for this, and now you're saying this?"

Effie sighed, "Oh, don't worry about it. Go out with your friends instead. I won't force you."

Before Effie had even finished, the rest of the team couldn't hold back their laughter.

Seriously, who did Marian think she was? Did she expect the boss to beg her or something? If she didn't want to go, it would be rude for Effie to insist.

Still, when it was time to leave, Marian shamelessly tagged along.

Effie said, Just to be clear, Marian, no one's forcing you. If you're coming, leave the attitude at the door, When you meet the clients, greet them properly. When they talk about what they want, take notes."

Marian was talented, but Effie didn't find her easy to like.

Effie had been trying to smooth out Marian's rough edges for a while now, but if she couldn't, she'd rather let her go. Talent wasn't sonoveldrama

rare everyone at The Etheri@ge Group had plenty of it.

If Marian thought she could coast on her ability and act superior, she'd picked the wrong place.

Marian rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. You say the same thing every time. Don't you ever get tired of repeating yourself?"

Effie shot back, "I do get tired of it, but what can I do? Some people just don't listen-everything goes in one ear and out the other."

Marian narrowed her eyes. "Are you talking about me?"

Effie didn't even hesitate. "What do you think?"