Chapter 26
Sebastian was getting increasingly better at teasing Daphne. Sometimes, she didn't know how to respond. But she wouldn't let this situation slide without defending herself.
"In the future, I'll go to the ends of the earth for you, Mr. Turner," Daphne exaggerated, making a playful promise.
Sebastian chuckled softly. "I don't need anything. Just call me Sebastian from now on."
"Fine, fine. If that's what you want, I'll call you that until you get tired of it. Sebastian, Sebastian, Sebastian!" Daphne teased, laughing. He was handsome, so she didn't mind playing along.
Sebastian's smile deepened. "I won't get tired of it. I enjoy it when a superstar calls my name."
After hanging up, Daphne got into her car. Seeing her flushed cheeks, Ava immediately asked, "Daph, why are you blushing? Are you coming down with a fever?"
Daphne's face flushed even more. "It's nothing. I'm just feeling a little warm." She waved it off awkwardly as Ava and Wendy exchanged puzzled looks. It was fall; Daphne claiming to be too hot was ridiculous.
The next day, Zane was arrested. Daphne wanted to check the online chatter, but then she saw Yvonne was trending. It was a clarification statement: #SlanderHasNothingToDoWithYvonne.
Ava, always up-to-date, commented, "Yvonne's quick to cover her tracks. As soon as we posted the police report, she's already putting out a statement."
Wendy, scrolling through her phone, rolled her eyes. "Everyone knows about her ties to Zane. She had to do damage control fast."
They were certain Wilson was behind the PR push.
Ava sighed, putting down her phone. "Anyway, Daph, we've got a shoot this afternoon. Turner Group wants us to take some promotional photos for their campaign."
The photoshoot was at a suburban photo studio. Daphne had been there before for other endorsements. It was a large facility with several studios.
"Ms. Yeager, you're here." "Hello, Ms. Yeager."
The staff, about a dozen people, greeted Daphne warmly and respectfully.
Daphne smiled sweetly, responding politely, "Hello, everyone."
A tall, slender woman in a suit with her hair neatly tied up stepped forward. "Hello, Ms. Yeager, I'm Teresa Wood, and I'll be overseeing today's shoot. I'll take care of everything." She gestured to the makeup artist. "This is our makeup artist. There are a few details she needs to discuss with you."
The shoot was for Turner Group's new cosmetics line. Daphne's makeup was exquisitely done, highlighting her best features, resulting in a polished and elegant look. Wendy filmed behind-the-scenes footage for a vlog.
Daphne posed confidently and effortlessly; the atmosphere was relaxed and professional. What was supposed to take five or six hours only took three.
After the shoot, Daphne was removing her makeup when she saw Yvonne preparing to enter the neighboring studio. Yvonne was wearing Story's latest collection and surrounded by people. Seeing Daphne, a smirk spread across her face. "Well, well, if it isn't Ms. Yeager. I didn't expect you to still be getting endorsements. Looks like you're still able to book jobs, after all." Her words dripped with sarcasm.