The CEO’S Unplanned Heir novel (Aurelia and Leopold) novel Chapter 786

Marianne chuckled, her eyes crinkling with amusement, "Well, I spent three years working as a makeup artist in Hollywood, and let me tell you, every star wanted me to be their personal makeup artist."

Avery's lips quirked up in a half-smile, a hint of jest in his voice, "Sounds like you're very versatile."

Just then, Leah breezed into the room, her eyes widening in surprise when she learned that Marianne was the newly hired makeup artist.

"I thought you were into music or something."

Marianne laughed lightly, "My mom's a makeup artist and I grew up learning makeup from her as a sort of daughter."

Leah couldn't help but wonder if Marianne was just another fanatic who had Avery's star power drawn her all the way here.

"You must've had a confidentiality agreement, right? You can't be snapping pictures of Avery without his say-so, much less posting them online. And don't even think about leaking his schedule or personal info..."

She was cut off mid-sentence by Marianne, "Leah, please don't tell me you think I'm some kind of obsessive groupie. I'm not that bored. I take my job seriously. I know what's off-limits."

Leah responded a touch apologetically, "Sorry, Marianne. It's just that as Avery's assistant, I've got to watch out for him. I can't let overzealous fans or pesky paparazzi get too close."

Marianne flashed a thumbs-up, her smile bright, "Well, Leah, you're undoubtedly the top assistant in showbiz. How about this? Give me a trial month. If I don't cut it, I'll walk away, no fuss."

Avery nodded slightly, "That's fair. You can go now."

After Marianne left, Leah turned to Avery, her voice tinged with doubt, "Don't you find Marianne a bit off?"

Avery shrugged casually, "She's fine. She's a friend of Beverley's. That's a hell of a lot better than hiring some unknown."

"Yeah, I guess," Leah muttered, still unconvinced.

Regardless, she planned to keep a close eye on Marianne. Just in case.

That afternoon, Avery was shooting a campaign for a top-tier luxury brand. He was a phenomenon, the only celeb with global endorsements from not just one but five luxury brands. Plus, countless other high-end labels were clamoring for his attention.

Marianne was strikingly beautiful, fair-skinned, with an elegant frame.

Avery gave her a long, measured look. He didn't really care if she was one of his fans. As long as her makeup skills were solid and her conduct impeccable, nothing else mattered.

When she finished, Avery glanced at himself in the mirror.

Since his debut, Kiri had been his stylist and makeup artist. It was going to take some time to get used to someone new. But at first glance, he was pleasantly surprised.

Marianne smiled softly, "The light's going to fade as evening approaches, so I went with a bright makeup look. It'll make your handsome face blend perfectly with the golden glow of the setting sun."

The crew was ready, and the shoot started promptly.

Leah, as always, stood close by, keeping watch.

Marianne sidled up to her, her tone teasing, "Leah, after being by Avery's side for so many years, how do you keep from falling for him?"