Chapter Fourteen: Who Is She Trying to Seduce with Her Makeup?

“They had no other choice but to let another man bring her in.”

As she strutted forward, putting on airs, Julie couldn’t hold back any longer; she laughed so hard she leaned against Yuan Xiangdie.

Today, both of them wore designs they’d crafted themselves for their little boutique. The pieces hadn’t been released yet, nor did they bear obvious branding, but each outfit shimmered with its own brilliance, highlighting the softest feminine grace with every step.

Yuan Xiangdie was dressed in a chic tweed suit, her long hair tucked up beneath a short black wig at Julie’s suggestion, so they could pass for a couple. After all, as a woman who’d been single for over twenty years, there was a touch of resentment in never having a male companion.

She looked dashing, her height only surpassing Julie’s by a few centimeters thanks to a pair of sky-high stilettos. The overall look was so harmonious, it inevitably drew lingering glances.

Julie, ever lively, wore a long yellow dress. Her seaweed-black hair was styled in voluminous waves, cascading gently down her back to reveal a delicate collarbone and slender neck.

The strapless dress was adorned with intricate lacework and a row of simple crystal accents that shimmered with rainbow hues, classic yet not at all old-fashioned. She was like a proud white swan bathed in golden sunset light—together, they were a feast for the eyes.

Jin Yuan, as the major shareholder, should have entered the venue early for the ribbon-cutting, but preoccupied with thoughts of a certain woman, he dutifully queued outside.

He wore a red suit—one that Situ had forced upon him. Situ, with his annoying air and flamboyant gestures, seemed to flaunt his golden hair just to tempt fate.

“Jin, you’re always so serious—black or blue, day in and day out. If you keep this up, you’ll never attract beautiful ladies. I’ve picked out this red… a truly avant-garde outfit. Trust me, you’ll be the star of the show.”

Then, as if fleeing from a wild beast, Situ had dashed out of the office, leaving nothing but a triumphant howl behind.

Inside, lights, props, and catering were all in place, and if not for a pair of guests still lingering outside—motionless and with seats yet unfilled—Situ would have begun already.

At that moment, Yuan Yao’er felt as if she’d returned to that day long ago, when her mother had led her by the hand into the Yuan family estate. Countless sharp gazes stabbed at her young frame, so she’d flushed with embarrassment, clutching her mother’s hand tightly as they entered the grand estate.

She’d watched, wide-eyed, as treasures she’d never seen before were set out for a pretty little girl—never for her.

“What is it that you want?”

“Yao’er, don’t you know what I want? As long as you say the word, I’ll take you in. I keep my promises.”

The man before her seemed entirely changed from the one she’d once sought out—a world of difference, making her instinctively want to keep her distance for her own safety. Yuan Yao’er knew full well what that word meant. She was only an illegitimate child herself—how could she ever accept such a fate? Never.

She tried to pull her hand away, but that only infuriated Jiang Yue.

“You’re hurting me, let go! If you don’t want to take me in, just say so. Why force me? Didn’t you say before that even letting your mother make me her goddaughter would be fine? Why the sudden change?”

Yuan Yao’er struggled fiercely, but nothing was easily resolved.

“Hmph. Didn’t you once use the same words to placate me? All this drama just because you didn’t get an invitation. Now we both can go in, but you insist on making a scene about status. Are you saying I’m not good enough for you? Aren’t you an illegitimate child too? If Mr. Yuan weren’t worried about the hardships you might face, you wouldn’t have the status you have now.”

Such a deep wound was ripped open without warning. Yuan Yao’er trembled all over, and if not for someone stepping in to help, tomorrow’s headlines would be all about a public brawl between two partners of a famous brand.

If that happened, everything would be ruined.

“A beautiful lady like you—are you in some trouble? If you’d like, please accept this invitation from me.”

A hand appeared before Yuan Yao’er, holding not a purple filigree invitation, but a plain handkerchief—blank, without any logos or labels.

She looked up along the handkerchief and found herself facing an unfathomable man. Though he wore a mask, the ring on his hand gave him away.

That top-tier green gemstone ring had been auctioned off to a Russian tycoon for an unimaginable price—so how was it now on this man’s finger? Yuan Yao’er couldn’t figure it out, her mind racing.

She had a keen eye and wouldn’t mistake a fake for the real thing. Now was the perfect time to play the damsel in distress. If she could follow this gentleman inside, she’d be free of that fool beside her—not to mention he was clearly deranged.

Yuan Yao’er, playing the part, gently took the proffered hand, pressing it to her eyes as if to wipe away tears that weren’t even there.

Miletti raised his brows, clearly amused.

“Why cry? I’ve done you no wrong. Is it so hard to be honest? Didn’t you agree—if I get you in, you’ll be my woman. What’s so bad about that?”

Yuan Yao’er hadn’t expected him to lay everything bare so bluntly. She could only hope this gentleman wouldn’t misunderstand.

Her tear-filled gaze first sought out the Italian businessman rather than Mr. Zhang, full of feigned emotion.

Miletti had already heard Situ mention her, and he’d seen the captivating designs from Xunfang’s show—his little one had said she liked them, too.

“Don’t worry, beautiful lady. I believe you. If you wish to enter and find it inconvenient, why not come with me? I’m in need of a dance partner.”

He offered his arm with impeccable gentlemanly grace.

Yuan Yao’er seized the opportunity, lightly taking his arm. Yet the moment she did, Miletti regretted it—this woman’s perfume was so overpowering, it was almost nauseating.

He’d only wanted to see what tricks she was playing, not realizing Situ had been watching the surveillance the entire time.

“What on earth is Miletti doing? Is this kind of woman rare at a fashion show? I have several models more beautiful and taller than her—why get entangled? Does he want more trouble?”

Jin Yuan, in his flamboyant suit, lounged in the back row, watching coldly.

“Let them in. Start the show.”

Once the big boss had spoken, there was no room for Situ’s protests. Business was business—even if the show was an opportunity for those two beauties to shine, profit came first.

Regaining his composure, Situ spoke into his walkie-talkie.

“Let the three outside in. It’s dragged on long enough—it’s becoming unsightly.”

The receptionists at the entrance, hearing the instruction through their earpieces, could only follow orders, though they couldn’t fathom why the boss had changed his mind.

“Esteemed guests, Mr. Situ says the fashion show is about to begin. Please be seated at once.”

And just like that, the matter was dropped. Yet Yuan Yao’er had no intention of staying by Mr. Zhang’s side any longer—it would be a disaster.

Miletti, driven by curiosity, had made a grave mistake. He should never have offered his hand, for now the woman clung to him like sticky toffee, impossible to shake off.

“Thank you, sir—if it weren’t for you, I don’t know what I would have done,” Yuan Yao’er simpered, sickeningly sweet. Still, she had managed to steal the limelight, achieving something she’d always wanted.

But the impression she left wasn’t favorable. She seemed like someone who crashed events wherever she went.

“It’s my honor to be of service to a beautiful lady,” Miletti replied, though inwardly he was on the verge of retching. Why had he been so foolish?

Only up close did he realize how thickly she’d caked on her makeup. Didn’t she know he was allergic to such low-quality products? And the perfume—so strong, was she bathing in it? Trying to entice elephants? Even mosquitoes wouldn’t dare come near her!

After a moment of internal collapse, he composed himself. He was, after all, the world’s top model, Italy’s richest businessman—his modeling career hadn’t slowed his drive for wealth.

“How infuriating! That man is handsome enough, but why can’t he see her for what she is? Bringing her in shows such poor taste,” Julie grumbled, cheeks bulging with cake like a little mouse.