Ch. 2681..2690

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2681-"That child is getting more stubborn. I asked her to come back for the dinner party tomorrow, but she kept making one excuse after another. Anyway, she agreed to come back," answered Vince.

"You should just be glad she's agreed to come back. It's not like you don't know she's an adult now, one with her own thinking. All kids will leave the nest one day. Plus, she must be especially busy now that she's interning at New Capital Times. What's more, she never once reveals to her colleagues she's an heiress.

You need to give her some credit for being such a sensible girl," said Karen with a smile.

Vince held her hand. "The kids have grown up and flown out of the nest. Luckily, I have you by my side. I'm sorry for all the suffering Rita has put you through.

She's not an ungrateful child; it's just that she misses her mother."

Karen patted his hand. "We've been married for so many years. How could I mind? I've also watched her grow up, so how could I not know what kind of person she is? There's no need to apologize. It's all in the past. I just hope she'll turn up for the dinner party tomorrow.

"I'm quite worried to see her burying her head at the newspaper agency, writing those trivial news articles while all my friends' kids are getting married. I might not have given birth to her, but that doesn't mean my love for her is any less than a real mother. I don't want to see her fall behind in life."

Karen's apparent concern for Rita greatly pleased Vince. "She's lucky to have a stepmother like you. Don't worry, I've talked to her. She'll show up here on time tomorrow evening."

"Well, that's a relief, then."

When Karen returned to her room, her face fell. "That little runt is just like her dead mother. I've tried everything to please her, but she's never once given me the time of day! She has already hurt her father so much by moving out as soon as she turned eighteen. Lord knows what worse things she's going to do in the future. I wouldn't put it past her to use some underhanded tactics to get all of her father's money!" Karen's personal servant chimed in, "Exactly! Miss Rita is getting more unruly. She hardly ever comes home! She doesn't behave like the other young ladies from other respectable families at all!

"Look at Miss Sadie, so well-behaved Her character is certainly commendable. Everyone praises you for being a good mother and raising her well. Neither you nor Miss Sadie has anything to worry about, Ma'am. From the way see it, Mister Vince has a lot of trust in you. He'll definitely give you half of his money when he dies."

"How can not worry given the situation? Look at the way he was just now, fretting over Rita just because she has moved out! At the end of the day, he still carries his dead wife in his heart!"

Karen sighed. 'That's just how men are. They always think the things they can get are the best.' The servant remained silent. There were some things she could comment on, and this was not one of those things.

The servant immediately responded ingratiatingly, "Miss Sadie is out with her friends. She mentioned she"

wouldn't be coming back tonight but will be home promptly tomorrow morning."

Karen was not happy to hear that.

"I've already told her that tomorrow evening's dinner party is especially important, cow Could she go out at a time like this? What's so fun about hanging out with those friends of hers? Doesn't she know she's now the young lady of the Russell family?"

"By the way, where's Sadie?"

"Ma'am, Miss Sadie informed you of this trip a week ago, long before the dinner party toraokrow night was scheduled. She's still young, so having some fun is normal." The.

Karen frowned. The servant, sensing her mood, moved closer to give her a massage.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2682-"I know. But Rita's living alone outside now and managed to find a job at New Capital Times. I don't expect much from Sadie, but she should at least be doing better than Rita, right?"

In the second year after Karen married Vince, Sadie changed her surname from Parr to Russell. Those who were not aware just assumed she was Vince and Karen's daughter.

Due to her decision to change her daughter's surname, Karen was mocked in her social circles. Her motives could not be any more obvious. Only Vince was oblivious to it, thinking she genuinely loved him when, in reality, she only did it so that Sadie would be able to inherit his money after his death.

When discussing the mess that was the Russell family, it was inevitable that Rita's name would be brought up. Back then, Rita's mother also came from a prestigious family and everyone thought she was marrying beneath her by taking Vince as her husband.

However, Rita's status in the family had fallen ever since her mother passed away. With such a scheming stepmother, her days ahead would undoubtedly be fraught with difficulties.

Everyone felt sorry for her, but ultimately, they could not do anything for her.

After all, it was not like anything good could come out of them cutting ties with the Russell family.

Rita returned to her apartment feeling a bit dejected. Just the thought of going to the dinner party the next day exhausted her. Not only would she have to put on a fake smile in front of others, but she would also have to pretend to get along with her stepmother and stepsister. She had not even started, yet she was already exhausted.

She knew the reason her father had remarried was to give her a maternal figure in her life, but after Karen entered their lives, Rita realized that everything was different from what she had imagined.

Her father's life no longer revolved around her. Not only did he have a new wife but also a new daughter! Even the influence of his late wife in his life was fading year by year.

At first, Karen used to make a show of commemorating the death anniversary of Rita's mother, to which Rita strongly opposed to. However, this one time, Vince got really angry at her, accusing her of ingratitude and having no respect for her elders.

It was the first major argument Rita had with her father over her mother. She was adamant and refused to yield, no matter how much Karen tried to please her father.

Her mother's death had a profound impact on Rita, and on her mother's death anniversary, she only wished to be alone to express her heartfelt longing. There was no need to involve any outsiders. Who was Karen putting up a show for anyway?

However, after that argument, Vince realized that what he thought was for Rita's own good was hurting their father-daughter relationship.

Rita did care about her father, but

she also knew that as he gradually formed a new tamily with another woman, she would hake to take a backseat. I was not like she had never felt resentful about it, but with time and her own growth, her

After all, everyone had their lives to live. She had no right to tie her father to the past, and as for her late mother, it was enough for Rita alone to miss her. Rita would always be her predious daughter. Although on the surface, it might seem like Rita had come to accept Karen and Sadie, deep down, she felt disgusted at sharing the same space with them.

Karen's hypocritical behavior repulsed her. [Camille, are you coming to the dinner party at my dad's house tomorrow?)

resentment gradually faded.

Rita sent a message to her best friend, whom she had known Since they were fitle.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2683-Camille Buckley replied, [What? Didn't your dad just have a dinner party? Why another one so soon? I'm guessing you're not allowed to skip it this time? I'll go if you're going!] [Yeah, my dad knows I was just making up excuses not to go last time, so he resorted to threatening me to go this time. Come with me. Otherwise, it'll be so awkward for me to go alone.] [The dinner party sounds more like a grand matchmaking event… I wish you all the best. Haha.] Rita's frown deepened at her best friend's joke.

[I'm being serious. I'd rather cover a few more stories than to attend the dinner party tomorrow night. I'm going to be bored out of my mind by the guys there.

They're so fake, too! I don't get why our parents are forcing us to get married so fast.] Camille sent a hug emoji. [I don't get it either. Why is your dad in such a hurry to marry you off? You're only twenty years old, barely an adult yet!] [It's all because of Karen and Sadie! They're the ones who've been secretly persuading my dad to marry me off, and you know how soft-hearted my dad is.

Karen kept on telling him who's and who's daughters are getting engaged or married, and then she'd point out I've never been in a relationship before. So of course my dad would be worried. He's probably afraid that there might be something with me for having no interest in dating.] Rita could only vent about Karen and Sadie to her best friend.

[I don't understand why your stepmom is so concerned about your love life.

She'd better worry more about her daughter. She came last in her grade again.

Even I feel embarrassed for her.] Both Rita and Camille knew that Karen's eagerness to marry off Rita quickly was driven by the fear that the lion's share of the Russell family fortune might end up with her. Then again, what was wrong with that? Why should Sadie, who was not a Russell by blood, get any of the share?

[Not only are they greedy but delusional as well.] Camille's comment on Karen and Sadie could not be more on point.

[Anyway, I didn't care much about these things before, but what's mine is mine.

I'll never give them up without a fight. Remember, you're going with me to the dinner party tomorrow!] Rita reiterated, and only after getting Camille's affirmative answer did she log off to rest. She would deal with whatever that might come her way. In any case, Rita was no longer the easily bullied child she used to be. en.FindNovels.net "Sir, here's your schedule for today. You need to attend the Russell family's dinner party at 6 o'clock, and I've already prepared your attire for you." The secretary placed the invitation next to Sherman's hand. en.FindNovels.net Sherman picked it up and glanced at it. "Another dinner party at the Russell's?

Vince seems to be quite active lately."

"I've looked into it, and it seems like he's doing all this to marry his daughter off."

"Oh, his daughter? Is she at the age for marriage?" Sherman did not even lift his head, continuing to peruse the contract in his hand.

The secretary chuckled lightly and

shook his head. "His daughter is only Saw*h the FundNovl,git website on Googll to andéss chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

twenty years old, far from the age to Qu be rushed into marriage. I suspect Vince's urgency stems from

listening to his second wife, who's been constantly plotting to marry oft the young lady, sol skieldan entirely control Vince in the future. Her motives are so clear that everyone knows about it."

Sherman found it somewhat amusing too. Vince was a force to be reckoned with in the business world, but when if came to his family matters, he was known for being a clueless old man in his social circles.

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2684-Karen's motives might be apparent to everyone, but as long as Vince remains oblivious, he'll forever see him as a gentle, kind stepmom to his daughter.

Alright, you can go now," Sherman said.

"Yes, Mister Sherman."

Sherman leaned back in his chair and picked up the modest invitation once again.

'Vince's daughter sounds really pitiful. Once cherished and adored, she now finds herself in a much lower position in the family. Not only does she have to deal with a stepmom but a stepsister as well. It's no wonder she moved out and found a job for herself. Vince should be ashamed to call himself a father. How

can he neglect his daughter and pour all of his love into a kid that's not even his own?' thought Sherman.

He found the whole situation baffling but also knew it was none of his business.

Knowing there was no way to get out of attending the dinner party, Rita went to the makeup studio she often frequented earlier on that day. However, her mood immediately soured when, as soon as she walked in, she saw two people she did not want to see.

"Rita, you finally came!" The makeup artist who spoke was Denny Harmon, the one who had founded the makeup studio and was well-known for his skills in the industry.

"Yeah, it's been a while. I've missed you," said Rita, smiling as she opened her arms for a hug.

Denny half-serious, half-jokingly swatted her. "You say that, but I don't see you coming to my studio often."

"Well, I have a job now, you know? I'm busy running around covering the news.

Where would I find the time to come to your studio? Besides, it's not like I have anywhere to go after getting all dolled up," Rita replied.

NOW PLAY YOUR FAVOURITE GAMES ON Denny took Rita's hand and led her to her exclusive makeup room, a space he had set aside just for her, while completely ignoring the mother and daughter sitting nearby.

To say Karen and Sadie's expressions were grim would be an understatement. Even though they had arrived at the studio earlier, not a single person came forward to attend to them.

When they asked how much longer they needed to wait, they were brushed off with reassurances that it would be soon, showing a complete disregard for them.

'Oh, I see now. All the workers here are on Rita's side. That's why they treat Mom and me like we're their enemies!' thought Sadie.

From start to finish, Rita had not even glanced at them once. Sadie rolled her eyes dramatically and continued to play on her phone. Karen gave a cold laugh, then immediately put on a gentle smile and walked up to Rita.

"Rita, what took you so long to come here? Do you need my help with anything?

Tonight's dinner party is very important. Your dad has been reminding me to tell you that you cannot embarrass him. It's not acceptable to skip out like last time!"

Rita took a deep breath. She was about to turn around and give Karen a piece of her mind, but Denny grabbed her arm and patted it.

"Excuse me, Ma'am, but aren't you also sitting here looking disheveled? Have you had your makeup done? Or could it be…" Denny covered his mouth in mock surprise. "Could it be that you've already had your makeup done, but I just can't tell? Tsk, tsk, tsk!"

He then looked Karen up and down critically, making her blush.

"We had been waiting for someone to attend to us for ages. I must say, the service here is really lacking. They!

Kept saying they alaxtend to us soon, but ho one did! Is this how your studio treats its customers?" Karen spoke with what she thought was a friendly tone, but Denny's demeanor was unexpectedly brazen, and he did not care if he offended her.

"I'm sorry, Ma'am. I'm not sure where you heard about quystudio, but m withoutta proper

recommendation from our existing customers, we generally don't yourselves. The makeup studio wouldn't be able to call itself accommodate customers like al no exclusive if anyone could just walk in and get their makeup done, now wouldn't it?"

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2685-"If you genuinely wish to have your styling done at our studio, please be patient and wait. However, if you no longer wish to stay, there's a hair salon just down the street to the right that might be more suitable for you and your daughter."

"Why you!" Karen's face flushed with anger. Other wealthy ladies present snickered at her.

Karen had not expected such audacity from such a small studio. 'Who does he think he is?' "Do you even know who I am? How dare you speak to me like this! You better watch your mouth, or I'll make sure to close down this makeup studio for good!"

threatened Karen through gritted teeth. Sadie also stood up and went to stand

behind her mother to back her up. "What are you even? A man or a woman?

You should feel honored I'm willing to let you do my styling, yet you're standing there shaming us?"

Rita could tolerate all the insults Karen and Sadie threw at her, but what she could not tolerate was them insulting her friend.

"Is this your idea of class? You two don't even have VIP cards, so you're not entitled to getting your styling done in this studio in the first place! Not only did you try to force your way in, but you insulted my friend, too! And you call yourselves classy ladies!"

Surprisingly, Denny was not that angry. After all, he had received plenty of insults since entering this profession.

"Well, since you're all calling me neither man nor woman, why would you even want someone like me, as you say, to style your hair? Who's the more despicable one here?" Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"How dare you call me despicable!" Sadie had been so spoiled rotten by Vince that she was used to getting her way.

She arrogantly raised her hand to slap Denny, but she failed to realize whom she was dealing with.

NOW PLAY YOUR FAVOURITE GAMES ON Since founding the makeup studio, Denny had catered only to wealthy and prominent ladies, and he had a way of winning them over. Many genuinely liked his personality and ended up being his friends. Their social status far exceeded Sadie's, So who was she to act so presumptuously there?

"Well, well, if it isn't Karen Parr. Why the sour face? Denny, my boy, I must say you're in the wrong here. All customers should be treated with respect. How could you let this young and beautiful lady's face turn as red as a beet?"

A woman who was getting her hair styled leisurely walked up to Denny, inadvertently blocking Sadie.

Karen's eyes immediately lit up when she recognized who the woman was. 'Isn't she Lisa Hampton? Why, I've been trying to curry favor from her for the longest time!' "Oh, it's you, Lisa. I must've been blind not to see you sitting there." Karen smiled and nudged her daughter, urging her to behave.

Lisa ignored her remark and instead brash at times. I hope you won't hold it against him, Karen."

Karen was perfectly aware that Lisa was trying to protect Denny, so no matter how wronged she felt, she had no choice but to swallow her pride.

"Of course. As you've said, he's still

young, so how can I hold it against him? It's just that l've spoiled my daughter-too.muchys@@hecoanit stand to see anyone mistreating me.

Sadie, come and say hello to Miss Lisa. I'm sure we'll be seeing her more in the future."

Sadie understood what her mother was hinting at and immediately put on a sweet smile and said sweetly, "Nice to meetyou, Miss Lisa. It was wrong of me to act so rashly just.

now I apologize to Denny now.

Denny, I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me."

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2686-Denny rolled his eyes dramatically. He would have ignored Karen and Sadie if it were not for Lisa patting his hand.

"Now that's settled, how about I ask my personal stylist to give you two a complete makeover once my hair is done? That is, if you two still want it. I'll cover all the expenses, of course," said Lisa. Lisa remained smiling throughout.

Karen naturally could not contain her joy, although she had to decline a few times out of so-called politeness.

"You're too kind, Lisa. But we couldn't possibly accept your offer. It was just a misunderstanding to begin with, so how can we let you foot the bill?"

Karen reached out her hand, attempting to link arms with Lisa, but she gracefully evaded it. "It's nothing. You two just enjoy yourselves."

After Karen and Sadie were led away by the stylists, Lisa mildly scolded Denny, "Look at the mess you've caused. Were you really going to fight with her till the end if I hadn't stepped in?"

"Thank you, Miss Lisa. But why should I be afraid of them when I have you protecting me?" asked Denny with a smile.

In fact, even if Lisa had not been there, Denny still would not be afraid of Karen and Sadie. It was not like he did not have connections in the world of the upper echelon. He was confident that no matter what, he would come out alright.

Moreover, he himself came from a wealthy family. Otherwise, his journey of single-handedly establishing his makeup studio would not have gone so smoothly.

Lisa's gaze then fell on Rita, who was standing beside Denny. "Rita, do you still remember me?"

Rita smiled genuinely and said, "I may forget everyone else, but I could never forget you, Miss Lisa."

"I see you've got quite a good head on your shoulder. Back then, your mom and I were best friends in school. We did everything together, even going to the restroom. It's just a pity that…

"Well, you do know you can come to me if you ever feel wronged at home, right? You don't have to be afraid of your stepmom and stepsister. You're the only true, heiress of your father's fortune. Nobody has the right to take your inheritance away from you, you hear?"

Rita would always feel moved whenever she met an old friend of her late mother. This meant she was not the only one who still remembered her mother.

"Don't worry, Miss Lisa. I won't let them bully me." S~ᴇaʀᴄh the FindNʘᴠᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

After telling Rita to take care of herself a few more times, Lisa finally returned to her seat to finish getting her hair done.

When they were alone, Rita said to Denny, "You didn't have to offend those two because of me. There's no point talking sense into them. They're much more difficult to deal with than you think."

"Hmph, do you think I'm afraid of them?" They both sat down in Rita's exclusive makeup room, where Rita relaxed as if she were at home. Rita's makeup was always done by Denny himself, a privilege onty she enjoyed. en.FindNovels.net

"The only reason you'd say that it's because you haven't dealt with them before, Isara Rita.

Rita allowed him to work on her face, trusting that he could bring out her beauty even more.

"Are you saying that because they've already made things difficult for you

before?" Denny paused in his movements and looked at Rita with tenderness in his eyes in all then years meivekhiown each other you've never once told me about your family's situation. Even though Miss Lisa offered to help, I bet you'd never take it, right?" Content belongs

to en.

Rita bit her lip. Just as Denny said, she had never sought help fromm others. Even hecfather did not believe what Karen had done to her, so what more to say about others?

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2687-Denny sighed. "Why are you so stubborn? You don't want to trouble us, yet aren't you always there for us when we're going through something? If it weren't for you back then…there might not be the Denny you see now. Sometimes, showing a little vulnerability doesn't mean you're weak. You're just too strongwilled; that's why those two women always get the upper hand. At the end of the day, your dad is just an ordinary man, and no man can ever resist feminine wiles. I think you need to adjust your strategy a bit."

Rita laughed as she listened to Denny's earnest advice on how to deal with Karen and Sadie. "We're not in some kind of soap opera. There's not that much scheming and plotting in real life, you know?" "Trust me, all the things I'm teaching you will come in handy someday. So just keep them in mind, yeah?"

"Alright, alright. How about we focus on getting my makeup done first, so that I can at least get through tonight's dinner party?" Rita closed her eyes tiredly. "I'm going to take a quick nap… I didn't sleep well las night."

"Go ahead. Rest assured you're in good hands. I promise to make you look a hundred times more elegant than that mother-daughter duo!" Sᴇaʀ*ᴄh the ꜰindNʘvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

Denny could not help but sigh when he noticed Rita had fallen asleep in under a second. He then could not help but grit his teeth as soon as he touched her flawless face.

'She claimed she didn't sleep well last night, but there's not even a hint of dark circles under her eyes! That's so unfair!' he thought.

By the time Rita woke up, Denny had prepared her outfit.

"Umm, how long did I sleep? It feels like it's been ages."

"Only about an hour. Seriously, how long has it been since you've had a proper rest? One moment you're talking to me, the next you're asleep. Even pigs don't sleep as much as you do."

Rita yawned and was about to pat her face to wake herself up when Denny grabbed her wrist.

"You fool. I just finished doing your makeup. Patting your face now would ruin all my hard work!"

"Oops, sorry. I was still half asleep," said Rita with a sheepish smile. "Wow, you're amazing! All the imperfections on my face are gone, and I look so radiant!"

"Hmph! I must admit that only with your face can I fully showcase my skills. After all, you already have a flawless face to begin with."

Rita's beauty was something he could ever fully capture. Yes, he could enhance her beauty through the use of makeup, but it was not something he could ever fully capture.

"Every time I do your makeup, I feel both delighted and frustrated.

Delighted because your natural m complexiog is so good that it allows me to freely showcase my skills, but frustrated because you're already so beautiful that my makeup just adds a tiny fraction of enhancement," Denny said.

Rita immediately gave him a glare.

"Nonsense! My complexion looks terrible, but after you do my makeup, I look like l've had ten hours oPsleep every day! Alright, could you leave the room? I gotta change into my evening gown and call the driver to pick me up. Otherwise, Dad will start lecturing me again. You know, the older he gets, the more he loves to repeat himself. It's annoying."

Even though she was complaining, there was a faint smilegn he face, which reassured Denny. No matter how Rita's family dynamics

changed, as long as Vince, heral ne father, still cared about her, that was enough.

 

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2688-Sadie wore a discontented expression as she was being made up by Lisa's personal makeup artist. She had done her research before going there, and she knew that the most skilled person at the makeup studio was Denny.

Despite her dissatisfaction with his somewhat unconventional appearance, she had heard that he possessed remarkable skills and could transform ordinarylooking women into unforgettable beauties. Although Sadie considered herself beautiful, it did not hurt to be even more beautiful.

Moreover, she had grown tired of being overshadowed by Rita. Whenever Rita was around, it seemed like others could not see Sadie at all, and she had had enough of this. She was determined to make all men notice her at the dinner party.

"Mommy, can you ask that Denny guy to do my makeup? I don't want just anyone doing it!" Sadie said.

The makeup artist, who was about to apply foundation on her face, smirked upon hearing her request.

'Does she think the boss would handle every client? Who does she think she is?' thought the makeup artist.

Karen gave her daughter a stern look. "Hurry up and get it done, then we'll go home. We can't afford to waste any more time."

"But I want Denny to do it! You did say tonight's dinner party is very important.

So what's wrong with me wanting the most skilled person in this studio to do my makeup? Don't you want everyone to be captivated by me?"

Sadie blinked coquettishly, and Karen hesitated.

However, they had just clashed with Denny. It was obvious that there was no way he would be willing to do Sadie's makeup.

"Stop making a fuss. The makeup artist you have now is quite good. She caters exclusively to Miss Lisa."

Sadie stomped in frustration. "But Miss Lisa is so old, and I'm only nineteen.

Can it be the same?"

Karen was not going to let her daughter's rudeness slide. She immediately gave her a stern look and scolded her, "Shut your mouth! You should just stay silent if you don't know how to speak properly."

She then smiled at the makeup artist. "It's all my fault for spoiling her. Please don't mind what she's saying. She doesn't know what she's talking about."

"

The makeup artist's expression remained indifferent. "The boss hasn't done makeup for anyone for years, so you should just give it up." Sadie scoffed coldly. "Do you think I'm stupid? He's doing Rita's makeup now, isn't he?"

"Yes, Miss Rita is the exception.

Besides her, no one can get the boss to do makeup for them. Like I said, you should just give it up."

"You're just a makeup artist, in other words, a mere servant How dare you mock me? Do yu know who I am?"

Sadie had not heard anyone speaking so sarcastically to her face in a long time.

'This makeup artist is either really bold or really foolish,' thought Sadie.

However, the makeup artist did not seem to take what she said to heart.

"No, I don't know who you are. Isn't thatreven more pitiful? Besides, what does who you are have to do with me anyway?"

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2689-"I come across plenty of oddballs in this line of service, so I'm pretty used to it.

Please leave if you don't want to get your makeup done. I have other customers to attend to. I'm sure Miss Lisa didn't invite you in here to have you trample all over her kind gesture."

The makeup artist maintained a smile throughout, which unsettled Karen. She tapped Sadie's hand abruptly. "This isn't your home, Sadie. So I'm warning you, you better behave yourself."

She turned to the makeup artist with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. It's my fault for spoiling her too much. I know she doesn't have the best of temper, but I hope you don't take what she says to heart. She just wants to look her best for tonight's dinner party, and with all the hype about Denny's skills, she's quite

eager to have him do it. Of course, we also trust you. After all, you're Lisa's makeup artist, and we know you must be skilled enough for her to keep you."

Sadie stood behind her mother with a look of frustration. Upon reflection, she realized that her earlier remarks had been disrespectful to Lisa.

'Ugh. Fine. I guess I'll let this makeup artist do my makeup just for today,' she thought.

'I feel so sorry for this girl,' thought the makeup artist sarcastically. 'She needs to take a good, long look in the mirror if she thinks she's worthy for the boss to handle her makeup.' Everyone in Denny's studio had studied abroad, and they all possessed their aesthetics and standards. Otherwise, she would not have had the confidence to ignore Karen and Sadie's provocations.

After their makeup was done, Karen and Sadie were relatively satisfied. They could not help but wonder if some junior makeup artist could make them look this good, then Rita must look even more amazing since Denny was the one who did her makeup.

They boarded the car home ahead of Rita.

Karen worriedly warned Sadie, "How many times have I told you to control your temper when you're outside? Did you think you were still at home, where everyone had to cater to your wishes? It won't do you any good if word gets out about your temper tantrums!"

"Mom, have you forgotten you're now Missus Russell? What's the point of marrying a rich man if you can't throw your weight around? You're too kindhearted, and that's why you always get bullied by the other rich men's wives.

They treat you like their servants, even though you're on equal footing with them. You acted the same with Miss Lisa just now. You don't have to be so submissive, you know!"

Karen sighed lightly. "It may seem like we're on equal footing with them, but you don't have wealthy or influential grandparents to support you. So how can we win against them? We should count ourselves lucky that I was able to marry your stepfather. You have no idea how much effort it took me to climb to this position.

"That's why I sent you to learn the piano and violin, something those rich kids will surely learn. I just don't want you to end up like me, without anyone to rely on and still looked down upon by them. I want you to be no different from those rich kids. That's why you must be mindful of your words and actions in the future. Make sure you do what you say, and say what you do."

Sadie, hearing that Karen's actions were all for her sake, was moved to lean on her mother's shoulder. "Mom, I always knew you were the person who loves me the most in this world. Don't worry, I'll make you proud. At the very least, I'll make sure I'm better Rita."

"That's all I needed to hear. I have no doubt you'll be better than Rita.

You're my daughter, after all. Look at her now; she doesn't look like a young lady from a respectable family at all. She's always dressed in tattered clothes, running around outside. Even though your father doesn't say anything, make no at all."

Karen kept going on and on about Rita's failings. She hated Rita's mother, but she hated Rita@venm more. Wity Were they born into privilege while she had to struggle for so many years to achieve what they had effortlessly obtained?

'Even though Sadie is finally on the same level as Rita, I still can't afford to be careless: That ittle runt's maternal grandparents could just easily take all this away from us.'

mistake that he's not happy about it

The Day I Kissed An Older Man Chapter 2690-"Remember, you must behave well in front of the guests tonight. The more obedient and gentle you are, the more unruly it'll make Rita look. No man would dare to want her then!" said Karen smugly. "Oh, don't worry, Mom. Haven't I always been well-behaved around others? Besides, I think Dad favors us more than Rita now, so there's no need to worry too much about the future. Rita may have her maternal grandparents, but I don't see them showing any favoritism toward her. Their relationship might not be good at all! Not to mention, her mother's long dead. Unlike me, who has a wonderful mother like you. I know I'll always have someone to count on as long as you're around."

Karen put her daughter's head on her shoulder. "I can't afford to relax until I find a suitable match for you to marry."

Her greatest concern was Rita's marriage. Even though Rita's mother had passed away early, everyone still felt there was only one true heiress in the Russell family, and that was Rita. This was entirely due to the fact that she was still connected to her maternal grandparents.

As Sadie's mother, how could Karen allow Rita to monopolize all the glory of being a Russell? Rita had already enjoyed that position for many years, and it was time for someone else to take her place. Rita had never once imagined that Karen and Sadie would be vying for her position. To be honest, she did not care much about that position. However, that did not mean she would not fight back if someone tried to forcefully take it from her.

When a dolled-up Rita walked out of her exclusive makeup room, all the staff stopped their work and stared at her as if they were in a trance.

Denny leaned against the door frame smugly. "What did I say? All of them will turn into statues whenever I work my magic on you. Hey, hey, hey, close your mouths. Don't let your jaw drop to the floor."

"Wow, Rita, you're just too beautiful. So this is what it feels like to see an angel on earth. Boss, when can I have the chance to do Rita's makeup? I can die without regrets if I can do her makeup. Her face is an absolute masterpiece!"

Rita kept a faint smile on her face. "If you like, you can do my makeup the next time I come."

"Ah! Rita, are you serious? I have to record this. My schedule is wide open for you. As long as you allow me to do your makeup, I promise K pull out every trick in my arsenal to create the most amazing look for you! Oh, please, please, please let me experience what it feels like to work my magic on that face of yours."

The other makeup artists were also eager to try. They all looked at Denny with hopeful eyes. While they were skilled in transforming ordinarylooking people into stars, doing makeup on Rita's flawless face was a different matter O altogether. They all longed to experience the joy of creating without any worries.

Unfortunately, every time Rita came, it was always Denny who took charge of everything for her, including choosing the tight-fitting gown she was wearing at that moment. Although it looked ordinary in the shop, it fit Rita perfectly as if it were tailored for her.

Rita moved gracefully, her gown shimmering with every step as ifshe had the Milky Wayl draped over her.

This only served to highlight her elegance.

"No wonder you were so determined to buy this haute couture. I thgught it was for a spepific bent's request, but ittwas for Rita. Now that I think about it, it all makes sense."

Rita smiled at Denny. Even when he was away on business, he woylch was away on business, he woulth occasionally find quirky dresses with Rita as inspiration and bring them back for her to wear.