Chapter 6 Intentionally Picking Ugly Dresses for Her?
Tonight's charity gala was a big deal for the Martinez family and Amelia. They'd all received invites.
For events like this, the men could get away with almost anything, but the women? They were in a secret arms race to outshine each other, planning their makeup and outfits down to the last detail.
The gala was set for 7:30 PM, but by 3 PM, Jenny and the others were already getting glammed up.
Amelia stepped out of the grand entrance of the Martinez Mansion and noticed a sleek, black stretch limo waiting by the curb.
She used her sharp senses to eavesdrop and caught Rachel and Jenny chatting inside the car.
"Mom, I get that you want Amelia to come to the gala, but why do we have to take her for makeup and styling too?" Rachel asked, sounding annoyed.
"She's a country bumpkin; what does she know about makeup and fashion? Wouldn't it be better if she showed up looking plain and underdressed?" Rachel continued.
"You silly girl," Jenny replied, "If we show up looking glamorous and she's the only one looking shabby, people will say I'm being cruel to her and making her look bad on purpose."
"So we have to help her get ready. Once we're at Crystal, we'll control the situation."
"We'll find the worst stylist for her and make sure they give her the gaudiest, most ridiculous look possible," Jenny added with a cold laugh. "Don't worry, sweetheart, even with that face that looks so much like her mother's, Amelia won't outshine you tonight. She'll be the joke of the evening."
"Mom, you're the best! I love you!" Rachel exclaimed, relieved, and hugged Jenny happily.
Crystal? What a coincidence.
Amelia had been debating whether to withdraw some money, but now it seemed unnecessary.
As Amelia approached, the conversation in the car stopped. Jenny and Rachel sat in the back, leaving Amelia to sit in the front passenger seat, as if she were a servant accompanying them.
"Ms. Jenkins, where are we going?" Amelia asked, playing dumb.
"You wouldn't know even if I told you," Jenny scoffed, thinking Amelia was just a clueless country girl. "Have you heard of Crystal?"
Amelia shook her head, looking puzzled.
"Amelia," Rachel said, pretending to be kind while showing off, "Crystal is the most famous and expensive private styling studio in River City, owned by the renowned stylist Mr. Bennett. It's nearly impossible to get an appointment there."
"Today, we're getting styled there because Mom booked it a week in advance."
"Is Mr. Bennett himself going to style us?" Amelia asked.
Rachel couldn't help but laugh at Amelia's naivety.
"Of course not. Do you know who Mr. Bennett styles? Only the most prestigious people."
"Mr. Bennett is low-key and mysterious, with a very aloof personality. He doesn't style people based on money, but on his mood and connections. Even top-tier celebrities can't book him for red carpet events. The ladies of River City’s elite often offer high prices to book him for galas, but he always refuses without hesitation."
"Is that so," Amelia mused, sitting up straighter, recalling a rainy night in England years ago when a drenched, shivering Ellison Bennett had looked up at her with defiance in his eyes.
She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, thinking how Ellison's attitude had only worsened over the years.
Half an hour later, the car pulled up in front of a grand French-style building with large windows, exuding an air of sophistication.
A gloved valet opened the back door, and a staff member named Nia hurried over, greeting them respectfully, "Mrs. Jenny Martinez, Ms. Rachel Martinez, welcome."
Nia continued, "The two dresses Mrs. Jenny Martinez selected are ready, and Jasmyn and Vivian are waiting for you both."
Nia didn't even acknowledge Amelia, who stepped out of the car in a long-sleeved T-shirt and blue jeans, assuming she was a servant like the driver.
"Thank you," Jenny said, used to the attention. She added, "By the way, Nia, I brought someone else today. She'll be attending the gala too and needs makeup and styling."
Nia finally glanced at Amelia, hesitating, "Mrs. Martinez, you know our top stylists require appointments a week in advance."
"Bringing someone in last minute means only our regular stylists are available, and the wait could be two to three hours."
"And as for dresses, she’ll have to pick from what's available in the store now, which aren't as refined."
Jenny was more than happy with this arrangement.
"No problem," Jenny said magnanimously, "We'll help her pick a dress first, and then she can wait. Right, Amelia?"
Jenny looked at Amelia, who nodded politely, "That's fine with me. Thank you for your concern, Mother."
Mother?
Nia was taken aback, realizing she might have stumbled upon some significant news.
They catered to the elite and knew many secrets. The Martinez family only had one daughter, Rachel. So why was this plainly dressed Amelia calling Jenny "Mother"?
It seemed River City's high society was about to have some new gossip.
Nia, still processing this revelation, led them inside.
The studio was spacious, divided into various sections. Jenny had mentioned helping Amelia pick a dress first, so Nia guided them to the clothing area.
"Mrs. Martinez, please take your time and choose whatever you like."
Amelia was faced with racks of colorful dresses, all crammed together.
As Nia had said, these dresses didn't look very high-end, or they wouldn't be displayed so carelessly.
Jenny walked around, casually picking out a dress, "I think this one looks good. Let's go with this."
When Nia saw the dress, she couldn't help but ask, "Mrs. Martinez, are you sure about this one?"
Jenny was holding a satin, hot pink gown.
Hot pink was notoriously unflattering, making even celebrities look tacky. The satin material felt cheap to the touch, and the design was unremarkable—no waistline, making anyone look twenty pounds heavier.
Jenny, known for her discerning taste, had clearly chosen this dress to make Amelia look bad.
"Yes, this one," Jenny handed the dress to Nia, giving her a knowing look, "And please find an 'experienced' stylist for her."
"Of course, Mrs. Martinez," Nia understood immediately, "Don't worry, I'll make sure this Miss Martinez is 'well taken care of.'"