Chapter 1097
Zane ushered Thalassa into the photo studio.
The crew had everything set up and ready to roll. The makeup artist had worked her magic on the models, who were now being directed by the photographer to take their places on the set, posing with smartphones in hand.
The moment the model stepped onto the stage, the spotlights hit her face, revealing a heavy layer of foundation that sat on her skin like a freshly plastered wall. Her eyelids were painted in stark yellow and green, her lashes as long as paintbrush bristles, and her lips were coated in a garish shade of red.
She looked more like a clown than anything else, and the bright lights only intensified the effect, casting a ghoulish aura around her. Her natural features were buried beneath the makeup; it was impossible to discern what she actually looked like.
Thalassa caught sight of the model and blinked in shock. “Is this really the look for a smartphone ad? It’s downright terrifying,” she whispered to Zane.
“You don’t know the half of it,” Zane replied with a grin. “Our tagline this time is: ‘Don’t
judge until you see the whole picture. With a Crawley smartphone, you capture the real you!”
Half-understanding, Thalassa mused, “So, the model will wash off the makeup to reveal
her true self later on?”
Zane gave her a thumbs-up. “Ms. Everhart, sharp as ever.”
Thalassa chuckled but remained silent. Advertising wasn’t her forte, and she preferred not to comment further.
The shoot kicked off with the model making all sorts of exaggerated, comical faces that could make one question the meaning of life. Suddenly, someone tossed her the new Crawley smartphone. She examined the phone briefly.
“Cut! That’s a wrap for the clown makeup. Let’s go for a more natural look,” the photographer announced.
The makeup artist sprang into action, removing layers of makeup and prepping the model for her next appearance. It was only then that Thalassa could see the model’s true
appearance.
And what a surprise it was-Susan! Thalassa had been in the studio for two hours and only now recognized the model as Susan!
As Thalassa observed Susan on the stage, their eyes met. Susan’s gaze was filled with resentment and malicè, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving one to wonder if it was just an illusion.
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Chapter 1097
But Thalassa knew better. Given the tension between them, it was a miracle they hadn’t come to blows. Susan’s spiteful stare was to be expected.
It seemed Thalassa’s earlier feeling of unease wasn’t imagined-it was Susan’s watchful eyes on her.
Intrigued, Thalassa wondered why Susan, who usually displayed pride, would willingly take part in an ad that portrayed her in an unflattering light.
Soon, the shoot wrapped up, and the photographer declared, “Great work today, everyone. That’s a wrap!”
Thalassa was free to leave, but after three hours at the studio and plenty of water, she needed a restroom break.
After freshening up, Thalassa returned to wash her hands, only to find Susan at the mirror, touching up her makeup.
Thalassa had no intention of interacting with her and reached for the tap. Unexpectedly, a splash of water struck her- the cold droplets clashing with her warm skin, causing her to shudder in irritation.
Thalassa shot a glare at Susan.
“Oops, my bad! The tap just went wild, and look, the water splashed right onto you. Oh, I get it now-it must’ve been drawn to someone with a… cold demeanor,” Susan said with mock surprise, her voice dripping with sarcasm before turning dark.
Fury bubbling, Thalassa’s breath grew heavy with anger. She couldn’t stand Susan’s smug expression any longer. With a swift motion, her hand flew up and slapped Susan squarely across the face.
The sound of the slap echoed through the room, crisp and resounding.
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