Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

The other members of the design department thought Effie would be easy to fool, so they grabbed a few discarded drafts and handed them in as their submissions.

They assumed they'd breeze through approval just like Shirley had. To their surprise, Effie tore into them with a sharp critique.

"If you think you can just coast by with work like this, maybe you shouldn't be at The Etheridge Group at all. We don't keep dead weight here! You're earning a generous salary, yet you're just slacking off? If that's the case, you might as well leave and make room for people who actually care about their work."

The hopeful few who'd tried to cut corners flushed with embarrassment, shuffling out of Effie's office with their heads down.

But Effie's feedback wasn't just empty criticism. She pointed out every flaw in their designs, giving them clear directions for improvement and a real shot at learning.

In this regard, Effie was already miles ahead of their previous manager, Irving Butler.

"I never expected Miss Bagnold to be so tough," someone whispered. "She always seemed pretty easygoing."

"That's not entirely fair," another chimed in. "I just went to her to ask for time off because my son has a fever and my husband's out of town. I told her I needed to pick him up from daycare and take him to the doctor. She agreed to let me go- but said I'd need to make up the hours later."

"That's already way better than what Irving would've done. He never let us take any personal days."

Gradually, the team began to accept Effie as their manager.

Shirley was especially pleased. She couldn't wait to share the good news with Effie.

When the workday ended, Effie gathered everyone and said, "The company needs efficient employees, not people who wait until after hours to get things done just so they can look 'hardworking.' Once your shift is over, your time is your own -I won't bother you. If something unusual comes up, like entertaining clients with me, it will count as overtime, and you'll earn triple pay."

She paused, then added, "These aren't just empty promises. I'll be reporting all of this to upper management so you can have a better work environment. Of course, while I'm doing my best, I hope you'll all keep striving to improve as well."noveldrama

As her words sank in, everyone broke into genuine applause.

If Effie could keep this up and never lose sight of her ideals, she really would be the perfect leader.

Effie was in high spirits as she left the office. On her way home, she stopped by the market, picking up carrots and a few other

ries.

Once home, she made a light soup, pickled some carrots, and whipped up a couple of side dishes.

Lyman arrived to find Effie busy in the kitchen. He paused, slightly surprised.

He quickly set down his bag and said, “Let me help."

Effie patted his hand. "It's almost done. Just wash up, dinner's ready."

Lyman glanced over the food on the table. It

gourmight not have looked

but it was far from

unappetizing.

It actually reminded him a little of a meal he'd had once after a night of drinking.

Effie brought over the last dish and set it down. "Don't just stand there-go wash your hands."

Lyman nodded, looking around curiously. "Hey, where's your grandmother?"

"Today's the first Sunday of the month," Effie replied. "She always goes to church with her old friends and Stays for a vegetarian meal. Didn't I mention it before?"

Lyman shook his head. "No, but now I know."

"Go wash up so we can eat," Effie said.

"Alright."

Lyman took his seat and started eating.

He tried Effie's cooking. It wasn't exactly a culinary masterpiece, but it was perfectly decent.

"Honestly, it's nice to have something light for a change," he said.