?Chapter 372:


    As Marissa exited the room, Hannah quickly followed her, whispering a soft reminder.


    “Tiffany, your skills are evident, and your boldness in dealing with Remy was notable. However, when you meet Xander, please restrain your temper a bit. We managed to avoid conflict with Remy today because you are Only and share a master with Remy’s father. A simr approach with Xander might not yield the same results.”


    Marissa nodded with understanding. “I get it, Hannah.”


    As they made their way down the stairs, the sound of Xander’s fury reached their ears. He was berating the butler, his voice echoing with impatience and anger.


    “Why is it taking so long to bring Tiffany down? Are you ignoring me? Is the Nash family so audacious as to treat me with such disrespect?”


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    The butler, attempting to keep hisposure, managed a nervous smile. “Mr. Hoffman, your patience is appreciated. Mrs. Hannah Nash is fetching Miss Tiffany Nash as we speak. She will be here momentarily.”


    Yet, Xander’s frustration only intensified. “Why must I wait? My patience is wearing thin! I will fetch Tiffany myself. If she refuses to paint for me, I swear I will dismantle this vi!”


    He was about to storm upstairs when Marissa’s voice halted him. “There’s no need toe up, Mr. Hoffman. I am already here.”


    Xander paused and looked toward the stairs.


    Watching Marissa descend the stairs gracefully, he furrowed his brows, looking thoughtful.


    Marissa maintained her pace as she addressed him with a polite smile, “Mr. Hoffman, I heard you want me to undertake a painting?”


    Xander, momentarily stunned, replied, “Yes, that’s correct.”


    Seeing him looking at her like a fool, Marissa smiled again. “Do you not recognize me, Mr. Hoffman?”


    Xander paused, then shook his head. “I’ve heard the name Tiffany Nash before but never met you. You’re more striking than I anticipated. From a reputed failure to a legendary artist, your transformation is impressive.”


    He kept to himself the nagging feeling of familiarity.


    With a poised smile, Marissa inquired, “What would you like me to paint, Mr. Hoffman?”


    Xander pulled a photograph from his pocket, handing it to her. “Thisdy.”


    He added after a slight hesitation, “She is the goddess of my heart. Make her as beautiful as possible; the painting is intended as a gift for her.”


    Upon viewing the photograph, Marissa couldn’t help butugh. The photo revealed ck Mallow, the chief instructor at Doomsday Base, d in flowing ck garments, her face obscured by a veil, her presence as enigmatic and elusive as a shadow in the night.


    It amused Marissa that this wealthy young man wished for her to paint a portrait of herself.


    epting the photo, she offered a knowing grin. “Mr. Hoffman, perhaps a more secluded setting would be better for our discussion.”


    Without awaiting his response, she turned and began walking towards the vi’s exit, decisively instructing, “Please, hurry and follow me!”


    Xander hesitated for a brief moment before he mechanically followed her.


    At that moment, Landen was descending the stairs. He paused, assessing the situation, then decided to tail them discreetly.


    Without turning, Marissa sensed Landen’s footsteps and said firmly, “Landen, don’t follow.”


    Landen halted in his tracks.


    Once Marissa and Xander had left the vi, Hannah’s anxiety spiked. “Landen, you should secretly follow them. I fear Xander might take advantage of Tiffany.”


    “Don’t worry,” Landen responded calmly.


    “How can you be so calm?” Hannah pressed urgently. “Xander is unpredictable. If he loses his temper with Tiffany, she’ll need you there!”


    To cate Hannah, Landen stepped outside the vi.


    Instead of pursuing Marissa and Xander, he leaned against the trunk of a parasol tree, casually browsing his phone.


    Even though the ck Snake’s team was no more, Marissa remained hismander. His loyalty to hermands was absolute. If she instructed him not to follow, he would respect her wishes and stay put.


    Meanwhile, Marissa guided Xander to a secluded spot by the artificialke in the garden, under the shade of a lush tree.


    She then turned and, with a slight tilt of her head, beckoned Xander closer with a crooked finger. “Xander,e here!” she said, her voice a blend ofmand and allure


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