Chapter 46
Sweet Subterfuge
A series of heel clicks could be heard rushing up, revealing the impatience of the newcomer.
Soon, a head poked out from the corner where the stairs were.
âVivian!â
The grating voice caused Kevanâs brow to furrow.
Having spent so many years in the entertainment industry, Vivianâs observation skills were as sharp as a tack. The moment she noticed Kevanâs expression shift, she immediately went and blocked the newcomer at the stairs.
âKarin! Why didnât you let me know that you were coming?â She grinned.
Karinâglared at her. âDonât I often come by without telling you that I am? But this is the first time Iâve been intercepted by your staff downstairs.â
She still had a nasty countenance, but the insolence and arrogance shown toward the staff before were not displayed in front of Vivian. Only her tone remained unfriendly as she complained.
Vivian hugged her arm with affection as she tried to soothe her gently. âWell, thatâs because someone booked the third floor! Just wait downstairs for a little, hmm? Iâll be finished soon, and itâll be your turn to be styled, alright?â
âNo,â Karin said.
Seeing the smile freeze on Vivianâs face, Karinâs attitude turned soft at once, and an expression of being wronged appeared on her face.
âI have to attend a banquet today. It starts at 7 pm. I have to leave here at 6:30 pm at the latest. You know as well as I do that it takes two to three hours to style meâ¦â
Î Vivian had worked with Karin several times, and their relationship was pretty good. Not to mention the fact that Karin was an Aâlist actress, Vivian naturally did not want to offend her.
As for that âMr. Shieldsâ⦠although he was not a man of many words, he was clearly not someone to trifle with either, based on his powerful and imposing aura.
Vivian could only come up with a compromise. âIf youâre really in a rush, Iâll intercede on your behalf.
You pick your clothes on the third floor and try them on downstairs. Let Amanda style you, how about that? Sheâs the secondâbest stylist in this studio right after me, and sheâs styled many socialites for banquets and is quite experienced.â
Although Karin was very displeased, she still agreed to it. âFine.â
Vivian was one of the top stylists in the industry. She needed her in the future. Thus, she did not want to create an embarrassing situation.
Having taken care of Karin, Vivian was partially relieved. Right after that, she ran back to Kevan in her heels.
Larissa had gone to try on her clothes, and Kevan was waiting for her on the sofa. Hearing the sound of clicking heels, he turned over to look, a hint of suspicion in his apathetic eyes.
When she locked eyes with him, Vivian was shocked to feel her heart racing. After taking time to compose herself, she carefully said, âMr. Shields, itâs like thisâ¦â Because she was asking him for a favor, she bent her head. âI have a customer who is in a rush. Would it be possible for you to do us a favor and let her come up to pick a few clothes? I assure you that she wonât disturb you or your companion.â
Kevan raised an eyebrow, and his voice was cold. âI do seem to recall that I reserved this floor.â He did not show much emotion, but it was easy to sense that he was unhappy.
Smiling apologetically, Vivian continued politely, âWe just need ten minutes, and Iâll refund a portion of the payment you made as compensation.â
Seeing that Kevan was unmoved, Vivian brought out her trump card. âYou might know the customer, Mr. Shields. Itâs the famous star, Karin Gallagher.â
The name got Kevanâs blank face to shift. Vivian was just rejoicing in secret when she heard him say, âNot even for a second.â
Staring at the stylist, Kevan said, âMs. Watts, we signed a contract.â His sharp gaze caused Vivan to hunch and look down.
âIf you insist on letting her come up, that means the contract is breached. I have the right to demand for double compensationânot just something as simple as a partial refund.â