Chapter 69

"Miss Fletcher said we could enjoy the ice cream,"Lisette said,keeping it simple and to the point.

"Alright,"Boden replied.He decided not to pry any further and stepped aside politely.

Lisette clapped her hands to get everyone's attention and announced with a bright smile, "Miss Fletcher's treating everyone to ice cream!Let's split it up."

Makeup artists had a knack for turning even small moments into cheerful ones,and right away,someone jumped in to help. Compliments and laughter filled the air,the room buzzing with easy warmth.

From his spot on the sofa,Boden watched the scene unfold.

"Lisette,should we send some up to the third floor?" someone called out

enthusiastically.

Lottie was still up there.

Since Marissa had finished her skincare routine,it seemed about time to call Lottie down.

Lisette paused mid-bite of her ice cream, doing a quick mental calculation.

Marissa probably had ten minutes left in the bath.She turned to two assistants and said, "You two carry two boxes upstairs with me."

Then,after a moment's thought,she changed her mind."Actually,you two take them up—I'll stay here."

She pulled out her phone and dialed Lottie's number,only to hear a ringtone chiming nearby.Lisette hung up just as Lottie appeared,her face clouded with irritation.

Lisette quickly filled her in on what had happened before asking gently,"Did something happen?"

Lottie's frown deepened as her eyes swept across the room.

"Want some?"Lisette offered,holding out a box of ice cream.

The first spoonful seemed to cool more than just her tongue—it tempered her mood a little too.Lottie set the ice cream aside and asked,"Where's Miss Fletcher?"

"Upstairs,taking a bath,"Lisette replied, grabbing another box of ice cream to bring along.

Their timing couldn't have been better. Marissa had just finished her bath when they

reached the room.

Lottie immediately pulled out a chair for her. "Let's start on your hair.Are you hungry? Maybe a snack?"

She motioned for one of the assistants to bring over a tray of bite-sized treats—just the right size to enjoy without ruining lipstick.

"Mr.Curtis sent over the ice cream,"Lisette said with a pleasant smile,placing it next to the snacks.

"Thank you,"Marissa said softly.She wasn't really hungry but didn't turn down the thoughtful gesture.

"I'll just leave these here.Call me if you need anything.I'm Lillie Brewer,"the assistant added,setting the tray neatly on the vanity before stepping back.

Marissa looked even more breathtaking before the makeup than after.Though her features radiated confidence and charm, there was still a hint of youth about her—soft cheeks,a touch of innocence that lingered beneath her poise.As she studied her reflection,a flicker of unfamiliarity crossed her face.

The mirrors in the makeup room always seemed a little too kind,casting everyone in a gentler light.

The woman staring back at her was

flawlessly composed,her eyes holding a maturity and calmness rare for her age.

Her gaze was cool,her presence distant— until,quite suddenly and without changing expression,Marissa puffed her cheeks slightly.

Lottie,who had been running her fingers absentmindedly through Marissa's hair, caught sight of it and froze.

Oh,wow.So adorable!

Who could possibly resist a woman as cool and composed as Marissa suddenly puffing out her cheeks like that?

Lottie nearly bounced on her feet,unable to contain her delight.Her smile stretched wide,eyes curling into happy crescents.

Marissa,however,stayed perfectly calm, showing not the slightest hint of embarrassment at being caught in such a playful moment.

"Is there enough time?"she asked with a soft sigh,her clear gaze meeting Lottie's through the mirror.The question snapped her back to reality.

Lottie blinked,then smiled sheepishly. "Sorry.You're just so beautiful—I got lost for a moment."

Marissa's lips curved into a brief,graceful smile."Then take a good look."

Before Lottie could even enjoy that rare warmth,the smile faded—Marissa's face returning to its usual cool,unreadable calm, as if wordlessly urging her to focus.

Lottie pressed her lips together and got to work.

Marissa cooperated effortlessly,helping the process move faster.

In less than half an hour,Lottie finished her work.She took a step back,satisfied."All done."

Marissa lifted her gaze toward the mirror. Every eye in the room turned to her.

Marissa's deep curves and features were already remarkable.If applied poorly,heavy makeup might seem sloppy.

Many believed that bold features called for heavy makeup—but in truth,a lighter touch revealed far more of her natural grace.

The woman in the mirror was breathtaking.

Her eyes,now framed by subtle shadow, carried a quiet mystery that drew you in without effort.Her high nose sat in perfect balance with the rest of her face,and her full red lips curved ever so slightly,forming a faint,magnetic smile—one that was impossible to look away from.

Then she tilted her head.A single strand of hair slipped free,brushing gently against her long lashes,fluttering in the air as she blinked.

An assistant reached for their phone,eager to capture the fleeting perfection of that moment.

Lottie was the first to snap out of it.She clapped her hands lightly,her voice brisk. "Alright,everyone—let's get the gowns."

Most of the dresses had been handpicked and sent by Corrine,all high-end pieces from top designers.

Still,Lottie had her own vision.She'd gone the extra mile,contacting a few designer friends for exclusive,unreleased gowns一 unique pieces that couldn't be found anywhere else.

They had cost her a small fortune,but to Lottie,it was a worthy investment.