Chapter 1097


    Zane ushered Thssa 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 ces on the set, posing with


    smartphones in hand.


    The moment the model stepped onto the stage, the spotlights hit her face, revealing a heavyyer of


    foundation that sat on her skin like a freshly stered wall. Her eyelids were painted in stark yellow and


    green, hershes 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.


    Thssa 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, Thssa mused, "So, the model will wash off the makeup to reveal her true self


    This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org.


    Zane gave her a thumbs-up. "Ms. Everhart, sharp as ever."


    Thssa chuckled but remained silent. Advertising wasn''t her forte, and she preferred not toment


    further.


    The shoot kicked off with the model making all sorts of exaggerated,ical 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, removingyers of makeup and prepping the model for her next


    appearance. It was only then that Thssa could see the model''s true appearance.


    And what a surprise it was—Susan! Thssa had been in the studio for two hours and only now


    recognized the model as Susan!


    As Thssa observed Susan on the stage, their eyes met. Susan''s gaze was filled with resentment


    and malice, but it vanished as quickly as it appeared, leaving one to wonder if it was just an illusion.


    But Thssa knew better. Given the tension between them, it was a miracle they hadn''te to blows.


    Susan''s spiteful stare was to be expected.


    It seemed Thssa''s earlier feeling of unease wasn''t imagined—it was Susan''s watchful eyes on her.


    Intrigued, Thssa wondered why Susan, who usually disyed pride, would willingly take part in an


    ad that portrayed her in an unttering light.


    Soon, the shoot wrapped up, and the photographer dered, "Great work today, everyone. That''s a


    wrap!"


    Thssa was free to leave, but after three hours at the studio and plenty of water, she needed a


    restroom break.


    After freshening up, Thssa returned to wash her hands, only to find Susan at the mirror, touching up


    her makeup.


    Thssa had no intention of interacting with her and reached for the tap. Unexpectedly, a ssh of


    water struck her- the cold droplets shing with her warm skin, causing her to shudder in irritation.


    Thssa shot a re at Susan.


    "Oops, my bad! The tap just went wild, and look, the water sshed 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, Thssa''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 pped Susan squarely across the face.


    The sound of the p echoed through the room, crisp and resounding.