Wed To The Forbidden Uncle

CH 6

Zara lounged comfortably in the VIP section, surrounded by a mountain of snacks and drinks.

[Lan] was the top makeup studio in the country, catering only to elite families and popular stars. Even the apprentices here had to be top graduates from prestigious schools.

Zara had to pester Fallon for quite a while before he managed to book her a spot.

Hearing Mercy's voice, Zara paused, but her makeup artist didn't seem like anyone special at first glance.

Just then, the door opened and the receptionist greeted, "Mr. Allen is here."

Allen was tall and strikingly handsome. As he walked in against the light, Zara felt her cheeks flush.

The girl sitting next to her looked on enviously, "Zara, Fallon really went all out for you, bringing in the internationally renowned Allen to do your makeup. I heard he's won several international awards."

Feeling quite pleased with herself, Zara let out a small huff, raising her voice slightly with a pointed tone, "Hmph, my makeup artist is naturally better than some random guy someone else found."

Mercy and the so-called random guy she mentioned paid her no mind.

Allen glanced over at Zara, his eyes lighting up as he strode towards her.

As he was about to reach Zara, she lifted her head, ready to flash a graceful smile, but the man walked right past her without a second glance.

What?

Zara's perfect smile froze on her face, her expression twisting for a moment as she turned her head to watch him.

Allen eagerly approached Mercy's makeup artist. "Hey there, Master, let me lend you a hand. This young lady is really pretty, no wonder she got you out of retirement."

What? That unassuming man was Allen's mentor?

Zara couldn't believe it. The seemingly ordinary middle-aged man was actually the legendary figure in the beauty industry—Joe. He had been in the business for thirty years, providing makeup guidance for countless films and TV shows, and later founded the top makeup studio in the country, [Lan]. His name was known by everyone and many big names in the beauty industry were his students, yet he remained incredibly low-key.

Hearing this, Zara couldn't sit still. She walked over and politely asked, "Mr. Allen, I had an appointment with you. Can you do my makeup first?""Hmm? I don't have any appointments today," Allen said, checking his phone and then the front desk records. "Oh, there's a booking under the name Fallon for a regular package," he said, pointing to a junior apprentice. "You go ahead and do her makeup."

"What?" Zara was stunned. She looked closely at the ticket in her hand. It was indeed a VIP seat, but there was a small line of text underneath—regular package. Her face turned a mix of red and green, like the neon sign at the door.

That cheapskate Fallon! How could he embarrass her like this?

The girl who came with Zara smirked quietly, seeing her in such a predicament. Serves her right! Zara always acted so superior, like everyone should bow down to her.

Having two top-tier makeup artists in the beauty industry exclusively serve Mercy was such an honor! Zara was almost driven mad with jealousy. During her makeup session, she kept glancing over at Mercy, which resulted in her eyebrows being drawn crooked and her scalp being pulled painfully. She was fuming with anger.

Zara, with her comically arched eyebrows, glared at the makeup artist. "Clumsy! Do you even know how to do makeup?"

"Stop squirming like a worm and she'll get it right," Joe chimed in lazily from nearby, having overheard the argument. Zara had never been spoken to like that before, but she had heard that Joe had connections that even the Rivers family couldn't afford to offend. Reluctantly, she muttered under her breath, "You're the worm," and decided not to cause any more trouble.

Zara arrived early, finished her makeup and left in the Rivers family's car. She had no intention of waiting for Mercy, hoping she wouldn't have a ride to the party.

The party was held at a villa on a hillside, celebrating the 80th birthday of the Chen family patriarch. The Chens were a prominent family in Riverside City, so the guests were all wealthy and influential.

As Zara entered the banquet hall, there was a moment of silence, followed by a wave of whispers.

"Whose family is she from? She's stunning!"

"Oh my, is such beauty even real? And look at those long legs!"

With her chin held high, Zara walked beside the Rivers couple, treating the lively hall as her personal runway. This, she thought, was the kind of attention the most beautiful woman in Jinjiang City deserved.

But as she strutted past, the guests continued craning their necks to look behind her. Curious, Zara glanced back and saw Mercy just entering the room and her expression instantly soured.

Mercy wore a perfectly tailored red dress, her slightly curled long hair cascading over her shoulders. With just a touch of makeup, she looked radiant, like a blooming red rose—stunning and vibrant.

Mercy's features were delicate and versatile, capable of looking glamorous with heavy makeup or sweet with a light touch. Joe had crafted a look that was perfect for the occasion and Mercy's natural grace made her seem like a royal princess gracing the event with her presence.

When Michelle saw Mercy outshining Zara, she quickly pulled her aside and scolded, "Why are you being so flashy? Didn't you say you didn't want to marry into another family? I was hoping to find a nice young man for your sister today!"

Mercy raised an eyebrow at this. "Is it my fault she's not as pretty?"

Michelle's hand trembled with anger. "Watch your mouth, you brat!"

But given the occasion, she had to lower her voice and warn, "You don't know anyone here, so find a corner to sit in and don't say anything that would embarrass the Rivers family!"

"Got it." Mercy replied casually, already planning to find her uncle later, not interested in arguing further.

When he turned, Callan gave Mercy a second glance. For the first time, he realized his daughter could clean up nicely. He assumed the dress was something Michelle had ordered for her and was surprised by her generosity. So, he complimented, "Mercy, you look quite nice today."

At least she wasn't embarrassing him.

"Thank you, Dad." Mercy replied with little enthusiasm, standing off to the side.

Zara, not receiving any praise, turned her face away in frustration.

The banquet was filled with elegance and style, many people had heard about the Walker family investing fifty million in the Rivers family. They flocked to Callan’s side to get acquainted.

"Mr. Rivers, being Mr. Dexter's first partner in Jinjiang City is quite impressive!"