The Kiss that Sparked it All

“It doesn’t matter how transparent Imogen’s schemes are, if Francis remains oblivious. To him, she’s still the picture of a gentle, kind-hearted stepmother. Alright, you can leave

now.”

“Yes, sir.”

Nolan leaned back in his chair, his gaze returning to the unassuming invitation in his hands. Poor Regina seemed rather pitiable.

She used to be the apple of her father's eye, but now, with a new stepmom and stepsister in the Tanner family, her status had plummeted. Rumor had it she even moved out and got herself a job. Nolan couldn't fathom what kind of father Francis was, neglecting his own flesh and blood while doting on someone else's kid.

It was baffling, but it was none of his concerns.

Regina, prepping for the evening's gala, had headed early to her favorite makeup studio, only to bump into the very last people she wanted to see.

“There you are, Regina!” The voice belonged to Talon, the renowned stylist who founded the studio. His skills were legendary in the high society circles.

"Yeah, it's been ages, Talon. I've missed you!” Regina smiled, opening her arms for a quick hug. Talon playfully chided her, “Sweet talker. If you missed me so much, why don’t I see you around my studio more often?”

"Well, I've got my own gigs now, don't I? Always on the run, hardly have a moment to swing by your studio. Plus, where would I flaunt all that glam?”

Talon took Regina's hand and led her to her private makeup room, a space he'd reserved just for her, completely ignoring the mother-daughter duo seated nearby.

Imogen and Madeline looked sour. They had arrived much earlier yet were utterly neglected by the staff. When they asked how much longer they would have to wait, the staff kept saying it'd be soon, showing no respect at all!

Now it was clear; the studio team was in cahoots with Regina.

Regina hadn't even glanced their way. Madeline rolled her eyes dramatically and buried her face in her phone.

Imogen forced a laugh and then put on a sugary face, approaching Regina, “My dear, why

un session? Need any help? Tonight's event is crucial. Your father

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made me promise to remind you not to embarrass the family. We can't have a repeat of the last time, can we?”NôvelDrama.Org owns © this.

Regina took a deep breath, about to retort, when Talon squeezed her arm and patted it reassuringly.

“Lady, you've been sitting here looking like Cinderella before the ball. Are you all dolled up, or am I missing something?” Talon gasped dramatically, covering his mouth in mock surprise, “Or perhaps you're already done, and it's just that I can't tell? Tsk, tsk.”

His scrutinizing gaze swept over Imogen, leaving her blushing with embarrassment.

"We've been here since dawn, and the service has been atrocious. Kept saying we're up “next, but no one’s lifted a finger to help us with our makeup or hair. Is this how your esteemed makeup studio treats its guests?”

Imogen'’s tone was meant to be civil, but Talon wasn't one to mince words. He didn't care for niceties.

"Apologies, madam, but I'm not sure where you heard about our studio. Truth be told, without a VIP referral, we typically don't cater to walk-ins like yourselves. If we just let anyone in, wouldn't that lower our studio's standards?”

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