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Her triumphant smile froze, like a hand had gripped her throat. “You’re her stylist?” she asked.
The Head Stylist kept her polite smile and answered “Of course, Miss.”
She didn’t even know her?
How it could be?
Could Xylia Schultz even afford this?
Tessa’s voice went hoarse. She pointed at Xylia, finger trembling. “You sure you’re not mixing us up? We’re both Schultz–maybe I’m the Ms. Schultz you mean?”
The Head Stylist kept smiling and replied. “No mistake. Ms. Schultz is our top–tier member.”
Top–tier member?
Tessa’s eyes widened.
How could that be?
That level meant spending at least millions of dors just to qualify.
Even Xylia was surprised. She nced up at the Head Stylist–who winked at her.
A friend’s pull was that strong?
Was Joshua Garcia really just an ordinary man?
But the memory of their bitter days abroad was still fresh–if Joshua was rich or powerful, why would he have suffered with her abroad?
She pushed the thought aside, smiling at the Director. “I’m in a hurry. Please, let’s start.”
Ignoring Tessa’s simmering anger, she began the makeup.
As she worked, she marveled at her skin.
“Ms. Schultz, you’re lovelier than any star I’ve seen. You really should dress up more.” The Head Stylist said with a sigh. “We’ve done makeup for countless celebrities–but on you, it’s perfect.”
Looking at her reflection, Xylia felt a pang.
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She’d stood out since she was a child–in the in–faced Schultz family, she stood head and shoulders above the rest.
People had whispered she didn’t look like one of them.
To avoid standing out, she only wore makeup for dance performances.
Most days she dressed loose, eyes lowered–dulling her own beauty.
Even so, she never fit in with this family.
Later, she got married. Casual clothes were suitable for staying at home and taking care of children.
Working at the hospital never required her to stand out, and the low–key style had simply be a habit.
By the time Xylia was done, Tessa had tried several dresses.
But no matter how many times she tried, nothing satisfied her.
Seeing Xylia–cool and stunning–made her clench her teeth.
She was already good–looking, but now with makeup her beauty was breathtaking.
At the sight of Xylia’s gown, Tessa’s expression shifted. She gave a short hum, chin lifting toward her.
“I want to try that one on.”
The stylist was in a dilemma. “Miss, that dress might not suit you.”
Tessa onlyughed, stepped to Xylia, and patted her shoulder. “Xylia, let me try your dress.”
Xylia raised her eyebrow.
“You know<i>, </i>you used to dance, but it’s been almost a decade. This cut takes real poise.” She chuckled. “I’m afraid you can’t pull it off. Your poise is… average. And you’re a bit heavier than
me.”
Actually, Xylia had lost a lot of weight after three months in prison. Only her fuller bust made
her look curvier than Tessa.
She didn’t bother arguing. Truth was, she found the dress too dull.
Thus, she turned to change it in the fitting room.
11:45 Wed, <b>Sep </b>10
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The Head Stylist stopped her, handing her a dress still in its box. “This is the pride of our store, Ms. Schultz. Please try it.”
Xylia took it and changed.
When she stepped out of the fitting room, the Head Stylist’s breath caught.
It was by Cathy, the most renowned designer in fashion–almost no one could wear it well.
But Xylia did.
That fragile, reborn air about her matched the gown perfectly.
Even the scar on her wrist read like a unique mark.
“Absolutely stunning,” the Head Stylist breathed. “Like a work of art.”
Xylia felt somewhat uneasy.
She’d studied art, so she could get the design.
But wearing it, she felt a chill behind her waist and chest and the bare skin made her extremely ufortable.
Tessa looked her over and gave a coldugh.
She grabbed that dress and strode to the fitting room. “Maybe it’s my personality. I don’t like this girly stuff–catering excessively to men. I can’t stand it. I prefer high–fashion dressing like a man–conservative. All this bare chest and cleavage… not my style.”
But when she emerged and stood beside Xylia, she looked out of ce.
Next to Xylia’s bright gown, hers looked dull and lifeless.
A young assistant frowned. “Huh…This dress looked ssy on Ms. Schultz at the first–but
now…”
Tessa’s smile stiffened.
She stormed off to change again, leaving the room in a scowl.
Outside, Xylia heard her clearly, “There’s nothing I like. Let’s go.”
A man’s voice answered, “Is there any dress you don’t look good in? Fine. I’ll stay as long as you want.”
The man’s voice cold, yet
tender.
Xylia frozed, then sighed.
Eight years together, she knew that voice.
The man with Tessa was Connor Ford.
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In eight years, he’d never once shopped with her–but with Tessa, he had the patience to
spare.
Inside, the young assistant sighed. “Ms. Schultz and her husband are really close. Hees with her every time.”