Chapter 42: Debut (1)
Back in her hotel room, Yeri sat calmly in front of the vanity while the makeup artist worked with great care. Every brushstroke was precise—soft pinks on her cheeks, a subtle shimmer on her eyelids, and a glossy finish on her lips. The hairstylist stood behind her, skillfully tying her long hair into a neat bun, wrapping a braid around it like a crown.
Everything was going smoothly until a sudden gasp came from the designer.
"Oh no..."
Yeri turned to see what happened—and there it was. A red stain, right across the side of her dress.
"It wasn't there earlier!" the designer said in a panic, her face pale. "I swear, Miss Yeri. I checked everything—twice!"
Yeri didn't even need to think. The timing was too perfect. Aunt Linda and Venice had barged into her room just this afternoon, acting innocent. She never let them near her things the whole time they stayed at the Zhi mansion. Today must've been their only chance.
She chuckled quietly.
"Where did they learn their schemes? From a TV drama?" she muttered to herself, amused.
What they didn't know was that Madam Zhi had always been cautious—and Yeri took after her. The stained dress was only a backup. The real dress had been kept in a separate box, locked and untouched.
Yeri stood up and said calmly, "Where's the other dress? I'll wear that one instead."
The designer looked surprised but quickly nodded, rushing to fetch it. Yeri didn't blame her—she knew this wasn't her fault.