Leah squinted her eyes, a sliver of sharp iris revealing an intensity that was hard to ignore. "Are you trying to dig up some big scandal or something?" Marianne chuckled, "Just curious, you know." "I can't be just spilling the beans," Leah replied with a wary glance, "This place may seem all quiet, but you wouldn't believe the number of paparazzi and gossip mongers lurking around within a few miles." Leah turned and pointed towards the hills behind them, "Believe it or not, those hills are crawling with paparazzi.
Every five meters, there's one hiding, ready to pounce. They're like ninjas with cameras, and they can read lips too. That's why we're always covering our mouths with masks when we talk." Marianne pulled a face, teasing, "No wonder Avery can keep his nose clean. Leah, you're like the guardian at the gates, making sure no trouble comes through." Leah smirked, "Avery's always been a straight shooter, no real dirt to dig up. It's just a bunch of clout-chasers bumping into us, hoping to make the headlines." Marianne's eyes twinkled with mischief, "Avery might be scandal-free, but all the juicy stories seem to be about Aurelia. Her rollercoaster love life with the elite could fill an entire soap opera." Leah broke into a sweat, "You really love your gossip, don't you?" Marianne gave a sheepish grin, "We not only thrive on celebrity gossip but high society is our bread and butter." Leah rolled her eyes, "You didn't become Avery's makeup artist just to get your gossip fix, did you?" Marianne smiled earnestly, "Earning a living while fangirling? It's the dream job." She quickly shut her up with her fingers, "Don't worry, and my lips are sealed. It's just for my own amusement." Leah couldn't help but find Marianne's honesty somewhat endearing.
After wrapping up the photoshoot, evening had fallen.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
Once Avery had removed his makeup, he and Leah got into the car, and noticing Marianne waiting for a ride, they offered her a lift.
"Why didn't you take the company car?" Avery asked.
Marianne tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "They didn't call me, and it seemed full. | can just take a cab, no big deal." Avery remained silent for a moment.
Previously, as his personal makeup artist, Kiri would always ride with him. Now, it seemed the company assumed Marianne would just hop in with Avery, so they didn't bother to call her.
"From now on, you can ride with me," Avery finally said.
Marianne beamed, "Thanks, Avery." Leah kept her head down, a hint of unease stirring within her.
Avery seemed to be taking a special interest in Marianne, unlike his treatment of other colleagues.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
As the car stopped at a crossroads waiting for the light to change, Marianne seemed to remember something and whispered, "About using my song for your movie's theme, is that still on the table?" "Absolutely," Avery replied, "I'll have the business department get in touch with you when we're back." Marianne pulled out her phone, "Avery, I've written a bunch of songs. Do you want to hear them? I'm not looking to sell, just hoping for your feedback." Avery raised an eyebrow and took the Bluetooth earbuds.
A flicker of sharpness passed through Leah's eyes, "Hey, Marianne, play it out loud. Let's all have a listen and appreciate your work." "Sure thing." Marianne played a classical melody, followed by a mellow love song.
Avery found himself genuinely enjoying the tunes, intrigued by the talent of Marianne before him.
"You write and sing so well. Have you ever thought about signing with Serenity Films as a singer?" Marianne smiled radiantly, "Makeup's my career, and singing's my passion." Avery added, "Being a singer doesn't conflict with being a makeup artist. It's like actors doing reality shows and singing at the same time."