Chapter 79

Susanna drifted deeper into her thoughts, unaware that Lottie had entered the room.

Evelina was texting Bryson, hoping he would come and fetch her. She wanted Marissa to witness how affectionate he could be.

The moment Lottie spoke, Evelina's fingers froze above the keyboard, and a chill flashed across her face. "| like this room!"

Lifting her chin stubbornly, she pointed toward Marissa. "Wy should I be the one to move? Tell Marissa to take the room next door instead."

Why was the demand made of her, and not Marissa?

After reading Bryson's message, Evelina's spirits lifted at once. "Marissa, Bryson's on his way to get me." She waved her phone proudly, showing off their chat right before Marissa's eyes.

She wanted to see if Marissa would still dare to act tough once Bryson arrived.

When he got there, she planned to tell him everything that had happened.

Marissa let out a light laugh and said, "And what's that supposed to mean?"

Bryson's arrival didn't concern her in the slightest.

Evelina's gaze brightened as she surveyed the room."Then you should be the one to move next door!"

There was no chance she would surrender all those pretty dresses and sparkling jewels to Marissa.

However, Evelina swiftly reconsidered. Bryson couldn't be allowed to lay eyes on Marissa. Men often cared too much about appearances, and though Evelina trusted Bryson's feelings, she couldn't take chances with temptation. "I'm done having you do my makeup. Take her next door instead. My mother and I will be staying here.Now call your artist and start on me already. I don't have time to waste!"

After clearing her thoughts, Evelina made up her mind to get Marissa out of the way.

Lottie, who was used to rejecting others herself,stiffened. It was the first time someone had spoken to her like that.

Although she had dealt with difficult people before,none had ever been this blind to the tension in the room.

Did Evelina ever stand a real chance of deciding for herself?

Lottie let out a mocking laugh. "Miss, I can't quite follow what you mean."

Misreading Lottie's sarcasm as sincerity, Evelina straightened up and said with effort, "Didn't you set up another room for makeup? Take her there, and we'll stay put until you return."

For a moment, Evelina faltered. Then she reconsidered, realizing she preferred Lottie's makeup work after all.

"Why would I?" Marissa said flatly. "Ever heard of first-come, first-served?"

Her glare lingered on Evelina's face, and her hands twitched as though itching to deliver another slap.

Earlier, Marissa's silence had fooled Evelina into thinking she'd backed down. But now, it was clear she was fighting back.

"So you're calling me ignorant?" Evelina said,planting her hands on her hips and pointing straight at her.

Of all insults, being labeled uneducated enraged her the most. It struck deeper than any comment about her looks.

Phil had once helped her get into a prestigious school, yet even that couldn't erase the shame of herpast-or her hatred of anyone who brought it up.

In the life she once lived, learning had never been a priority. Her family believed that girls had no need for schooling, and because of that, her lessons began years later than most children her age.

Without a word, Marissa cast her a fleeting look, her silence carrying a stubborn refusal to yield.

Watching the exchange, Lottie sighed and pressed her fingertips against her temple.

To her, Marissa seemed to be toying with Evelina and Susanna, spinning them around in her own little game.

"If that's how you see it, then so be it." Marissa lifted her shoulders in an effortless shrug, her voice calm and laced with indifference.

The urge to step in tugged at Lottie. She touched the bridge of her nose, torn between wanting to speak and not knowing how to begin.

"Miss Fletcher." The assistant approached cautiously, her gaze fixed on the glittering jewelry as though afraid it might vanish if she blinked. "Would you like me to store these for now?"'

Her chest tightened as she waited for an answer.With the air so thick with tension, leaving those valuables out in the open felt like inviting disaster.

One wrong word, she thought, and the women in front of her might just tear the room apart.

Disbelief flashed across Evelina's face as she spun toward the assistant. "Why on earth are you asking her?" Her hand shot up, finger quivering as she pointed at Marissa. "You mean to say all of this belongs to her?"

A quick nod came from the assistant. "Yes, Miss.Everything here is hers."

After all, those jewels were gifts meant for Marissa,sent personally by Corrine and Marc.

"That can't be right." Evelina's voice faltered, thick with disbelief. None of it made sense.

How could Marissa possibly afford such things?Every cent she earned went toward Bryson's gifts or buying clothes and handbags for Evelina.

Gathering her skirt in one hand, Evelina stormed forward. "Tell me the truth. Did Bryson give you the money? Or was it Dad?"

As far as she knew, those two were the only men ever seen near Marissa.

Bryson? That stingy fool?

An eye roll nearly escaped Marissa, but she held it back as she sauntered to the vanity. Meeting Evelina's reflection in the mirror, she spoke with quiet mockery. "Do you honestly think I'm like you? Always begging men for money because you have nothing else to offer?"

A crease formed between Evelina's brows. "What did you just say?"

Repeating herself wasn't worth the effort. Marissa's lips lifted into a faint, teasing smile. "Tell me, why should I explain where my money comes from? Since when do I owe you answers?"

A gentle laugh slipped past her lips before she added, "Bryson? Please. You're the only one desperate enough to care about a man like him."

"Stop acting so bitter just because he doesn't want you!" Evelina snapped, planting her hands on her hips. A mocking smile curved her lips. "Someone like Bryson would never fall for a woman as impossible as you. He prefers gentle, considerate girls-like me!"

"Oh, is that so?" Marissa replied, her tone dripping with amusement. "Then I suppose I should congratulate you both. You two are a match made in heaven." She gave a slow, playful clap, the gesture more taunting than kind.

Evelina's face turned scarlet with rage."You-!"