Chapter 65

Bryson and his assistant departed before Jenna could say another word.

Her face was set in a cold,stern mask.The driver stood quietly nearby,afraid to make a sound.

Jenna was worried Bryson might go looking for Marissa the moment she wasn't watching.

After a moment's hesitation,she grabbed her handbag and stepped out of the car without a word.

The driver didn't dare stop her.Instead,he quickly pulled out his phone and called Bryson's father, Kasen Hardy.

Just then,Evelina's car pulled up at the hospital entrance.Spotting Jenna by the roadside,Evelina rolled down her window and called out,"Jenna! Where's Bryson?"

Although Jenna had promised Bryson she would treat Evelina better,seeing her now only fueled her irritation,since she was already in a foul mood.

"Bryson's busy with company matters,"Jenna replied sharply.When Evelina got out of the car and

walked toward her,Jenna immediately started scolding."What's going on with you? Your husband's in the hospital,and you're nowhere to be found!Do you even know Marissa was just here?"

Evelina's eyes widened."She didn't say anything improper to Bryson,did she?"

Her usually sweet expression darkened.If she'd known Marissa would show up at the hospital,she would have dropped everything to come sooner.

"Bryson's medication ran out,so I went to my parents'house to get more,"Evelina explained quickly,her voice tinged with regret.It had been a pointless trip—she should've stayed by his side.

Whoever got the medicine didn't matter.She ought to have remained with him!

"Couldn't someone from the Fletcher family have brought it to you?Did you really need to go yourself?"Jenna said,her tone heavy with disapproval."You're not just your parents' daughter anymore,Evelina.You're Bryson's wife. Start acting like it."

Evelina's expression shifted.

Since returning to the Fletcher family,few people dared to lecture her—except Jenna.If not for

Bryson,s he wouldn't tolerate it at all.

She forced herself to stay calm,resting a hand on her stomach.Perhaps if she were pregnant with Bryson's son,Jenna might be more gentle with her.

"You're right,"she said with a practiced smile,as if the criticism didn't bother her at all.

Evelina slipped closer and linked her arm through Jenna's,leaning on her affectionately.The gesture softened Jenna's mood.

Jenna's mood lifted as she watched Evelina nod obediently,her eyes soft and compliant.

Unlike Marissa,Evelina never showed any attitude, no matter what was said.Marissa,however,could stop Jenna with a cold stare before she even spoke,leaving Jenna deeply frustrated.

"I know you're reluctant to leave your parents, Evelina,"Jenna said,patting her hand."But you've spent less time with Bryson than Marissa.You need to win his heart before he learns the truth. Understand?"

After giving Evelina a pat on the hand,Jenna accompanied her inside the car.

"Yes,I understand.Thank you for the advice," Evelina said sweetly.

Inwardly,her mind was a whirl of scattered thoughts.

How did Marissa know Bryson was at the hospital?

Evelina had planned a makeover with Susanna, while Jenna got a message from Kasen about a banquet.

They chose a private makeup studio known for serving celebrities.

The city was alive with neon lights and a bustling nightlife throughout the bright summer months.All over the streets,handsome men and attractive women were speaking and laughing in groups,their happy voices blending with the continuous blaring of automobiles.

In the Rolls-Royce,Marc tapped on his tablet, signing a document.

"I'll send you a guest list later with family bios,"he said to Marissa."No need to memorize it."

Marissa nodded,exhaustion weighing on her,and closed her eyes to rest before they arrived.

High-society banquets were more exhausting than entertaining,as the guests were all influential figures,requiring careful navigation of every conversation.

Seeing her tired,Marc felt a twinge of sympathy. He set the tablet aside,deciding she didn't need to deal with strangers'names.

Ten minutes later,the Rolls-Royce pulled up to a private makeup studio.

"Rissa,we're here,"Marc said softly.

Marissa appeared to be asleep,her breathing even. As he reached to touch her shoulder,her eyes snapped open.

"Let's go,"he said,pulling his hand back.

Marissa gave a small nod.

She and her brother stepped out of the car together.

Lottie Sutton,the head makeup artist,and Lisette Mendoza,her assistant,had been waiting at the entrance for a while.

They went up to meet the siblings as soon as they stepped outside.

"Hi,Mr.Curtis."Lottie offered a warm greeting, speaking to Marc first due to their prior

acquaintance.Then she turned to Marissa,offering her hand."Hello,Miss.Nice to meet you.I'm Lottie Sutton."

Lottie was dressed in a sleek spaghetti-strap gown that accentuated her figure,her straight hair swaying softly as she moved.Everything about her —from her confident stance to her effortless charm —seemed calculated to draw attention.

Marissa's cool gaze swept over her,pausing briefly on Lottie's elegant yet slightly masculine hands before lifting again to meet her eyes.Her expression didn't change;calm,distant, unreadable.