Chapter 17 Gossip About Myself
The moment Isabelle entered the room, the chatter abruptly stopped.
+8 Pearls
“Did I interrupt something? Go ahead, keep talking,” Isabelle teased, leaning casually against the doorframe, her expression one of amusement.
“N–no, not at all,” the makeup artists and assistants stammered, clearly embarrassed. Gossiping in front of the subject of their discussion was a rookie mistake.
“Should I share the story myself then?” Isabelle offered with a smirk, noticing how red their faces had turned.
The lead makeup artist, Judy, was more seasoned and unbothered. She had been in the industry for years and had seen it all. They weren’t badmouthing Isabelle, just indulging in some harmless gossip.
“Well then, Isabelle, did you push that old lady over or not?” Judy asked directly, cutting to the chase.
“Of course not. When I got there, she was already on the ground, and her grandson was crying,” Isabelle replied nonchalantly as she sauntered in and sat down. “But enough about that. Could you at least do my makeup while we’re chatting? Nothing too fancy–I wouldn’t want to make the others feel insecure.”
Judy burst out laughing. “Everyone else tries to be modest, but you’re something else. Well, with a face like yours, you can afford to be confident.”
Judy couldn’t help but compare Isabelle to Taylor, who always nitpicked her work. Taylor would complain endlessly, saying her eye makeup wasn’t as good as Isabelle’s or her brows weren’t shaped as well. Judy often wanted to retort, Why don’t you just grow a face like Isabelle’s? Isabelle’s striking features made any makeup look effortless, unlike Taylor, whose face had visible imperfections.
Reluctantly, Judy decided to help Isabelle out, intrigued by her openness to discuss gossip.
“Am I right?” Isabelle quipped, raising an eyebrow. “This beauty is all natural.”
“But if you didn’t push the old lady, why is the internet accusing you of killing her?” Judy pressed, clearly still curious.
“Who knows? Those influencers will write anything to grab attention,” Isabelle replied with a shrug. “I’m as innocent as can be, but to the internet, I’m already a murderer.”
Her indifferent tone somehow convinced Judy of her innocence.
The assistant makeup artist, Kamala, hesitated before blurting out another question. “And about what happened when you were sleeping-”
“Kamala, go wash these brushes for me,” Judy interrupted firmly, cutting off Kamala before she could dive into a more sensitive topic.
Realizing her mistake, Kamala obediently left the room, though it was clear she still wanted to hear more.
With the room quiet again, Isabelle smirked. “You’re all dying to know what happened during the live stream last night, aren’t you?”
Everyone exchanged glances but didn’t deny it.
“That old bastard really did try to touch my thigh,” Isabelle said bluntly, taking the lead in spreading the gossip herself.
“What?”
“Are you serious?”
“That’s disgusting!”
The group erupted in shock, and even Judy, who rarely showed emotion, looked stunned.
“But he’s your biological father. How could he do that to his own daughter?” Judy asked, horrified.
The room fell into an uneasy silence as the others considered the implications. If Roy could act that way toward Isabelle, who had just returned to the family, what might he have done to Tiana, who had lived with him for years?
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Chapter 17 Gossip About Myself
+8 Pearls
The thought made them shudder with pity for Tiana. Of course, it was also possible that Roy had never dared to act against Tiana because he’d watched her grow up and had only turned predatory toward Isabelle because of her sudden arrival and striking beauty.
No one dared to confirm their suspicions with Tiana, though. She was now the Powell Family’s noble, and with Isabelle already cast out, Tiana’s position was unshakable.
“Does a scumbag like that care about blood ties?” Isabelle’s disdain for Roy was evident, and she didn’t bother hiding it..
Fortunately, the room wasn’t being live–streamed, or the internet would’ve erupted with even more drama.
“What are you going to do when you have to go back to the Frye Family?” one of the assistants asked, clearly worried for her.
“It’s not like I have to return,” Isabelle said casually. Besides, she wasn’t afraid of Roy, he couldn’t touch her.
“Good thing you’re an adult now. If you were younger and needed a guardian, it’d be a much worse situation,” Judy said, her concern genuine.
Most of the crew had initially disliked Isabelle, finding her too proud and unapproachable with her personal makeup team. But ever since her identity was exposed, she seemed easier to get along with.
“Exactly. I don’t need a guardian, and my household registration isn’t tied to the Frye Family anymore,” Isabelle replied.
Judy worked quickly, finishing Isabelle’s makeup in no time.
“Take a look. Let me know if there’s anything you want adjusted,” Judy said.
Isabelle glanced in the mirror. The makeup was subtle but refined, enhancing her natural beauty.
“No need. It looks great,” Isabelle said, her approval making Judy feel accomplished. After dealing with the perpetually picky Taylor, Isabelle’s straightforwardness was a breath of fresh air.
Tiana, now the true noble, had blended into the group, using the same makeup team instead of keeping Isabelle’s old private team. But Judy, experienced as she was, could see through Tiana’s seemingly gentle demeanor. She wasn’t as easygoing as she appeared, and her calculated moves allowed her to thrive in the competitive environment of the show.
“I’ll fix your hair too,” Judy offered, inspired by Isabelle’s cooperative attitude.
She styled Isabelle’s hair into a half–updo with braids cascading down the sides, giving her a lively, playful look.
“Wow, gorgeous,” Isabelle exclaimed as she admired herself in the mirror.
This face resembled her past life’s appearance but was even more refined. Isabelle mused that perhaps this version of herself lived more elegantly and took better care of her skin and hair.
“You really love complimenting yourself, huh?” Judy joked, also proud of her work.
Isabelle left the makeup room, and Lennon, waiting outside, was stunned.
“You’re like a fairy come to life. Honestly, it’s unfair how the universe made you so perfect while leaving the rest of us so plain,” Lennon said, clearly enchanted.
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” Isabelle replied with a cheeky grin. “Anyway, I’m off to complete my task. Has anyone found their NPC yet?”
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