Chapter 239 The Deception.
Chapter 239 The Deception
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Two days later, Lenora received two reports on the substandard materials used by Richic.
One was from a private evaluation agency, and the other was from a re–examination by the relevant authorities.
The wording of the two reports differed slightly, but their conclusions were the same: there were indeed problems with the materials.
Lenora speculated with the utmost suspicion that Richie must have known about the material issues but had feigned ignorance and even confidently let Connor have the materials assessed to confirm his supposed lack of awareness.
The previous data Gordon had shared indicated that Richie had moved his entire family abroad under the guise of a job transfer. In the early years abroad, they lived quite well, far beyond what his salary could support. The Morris family wasn’t wealthy initially, with limited savings.
Gradually, their standard of living declined, and by the time they returned home, it had reverted to the level they’d had domestically.
In theory, since the Morris family had bought a house abroad for Richie’s job transfer, his salary should have been high, and their quality of life should have improved. Yet, it worsened.
Lenora guessed that Richie never had any high–paying job abroad and relied entirely on some illicit fortune provided by someone in the background. When that money was exhausted, their living standards naturally fell.
After returning to the country, Richie wanted to re–enter the renovation business but lacked both connections and funds. Driven by a need to make money, he used substandard materials and embezzled part of the owners‘ materials budget.
However, Lenora’s goal was to help Connor solve this issue and earn his trust, not to expose Richie just yet.
She’d let him keep pretending to be unaware for now. First, she’d pull out the supplier behind the defective materials as leaving them around would only bring harm to others.
Lenora sent the electronic versions of both reports to Connor: The test results are out. The materials are substandard. Mr. Morris was likely deceived by the supplier.
Connor must have been quite shocked to see the reports.
The chat interface showed “typing” from his side for several moments before he finally replied a few minutes later: Understood. I’ll explain everything to my dad, then report the supplier to the relevant authorities and demand compensation.
Lenora replied: Do you want me to find you a lawyer?
Connor: Yes, please. My dad and I aren’t familiar with the market here, and we’re getting taken advantage of by the supplier. Thanks, Ms. Wilkin. If it weren’t for you, I’d probably still be hitting a wall right now.
Lenora: You’re welcome. When are you free over the next two days? Let’s set up a meeting with the lawyer and bring the receipts for the materials Mr. Morris purchased.
Connor: How about tonight? I’m off work at five–thirty. Ms. Wilkin, please schedule an appointment with the lawyer.
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Chapter 239 The Deception.
Lenora: Got it.
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Lenora sought out Tristan from the Fuller Group’s legal department, who rarely took on private cases. But because it was Lenora asking, he agreed immediately, even going above and beyond.
With official test results and purchase proof, this case was relatively straightforward.
However, negotiations over compensation with the supplier could break down, possibly requiring a lawsuit to protect their rights.
Following Tristan’s guidance, Connor reported the supplier and sought compensation.
The relevant authorities acted quickly, confiscating the defective materials, ordering the factory to make corrections, and organizing a mediation meeting.
At Golden Phoenix Award Ceremony, Sophia had been busy since afternoon.
The award ceremony would feature several performances interspersed throughout. Sophia was applying makeup to backup dancers in the communal dressing room.
An assistant rushed over. “Sophia.”
“Hmm?” Sophia answered while keeping her focus on the dancer’s face, her hands moving swiftly with her brush.
“The makeup artist for Mr. Zirk isn’t feeling well and went to the hospital. Could you head over right away? He still has a rehearsal coming up and is short on time.”
Sophia stood up, packing away her eyeshadow palette and brushes. “Sure, you take over here.”
“Got it. You go ahead. Mr. Zirk is in Dressing Room 3.”
“Okay.”
Sophia gathered her makeup case and headed to Dressing Room 3.
This room was a cut above the communal dressing area, shared between Jonas and another popular actor.
The dressing room door was open. Sophia knocked before stepping inside and walked over to Jonas, who was seated at the mirror.
His assistant immediately handed her a cup of coffee. “Thank you, Ms. Tortell. Cindy suddenly had to go to the hospital with stomach pain.”
“Just set it on the table. When is his rehearsal?” Sophia set her makeup case on the vanity in front of the mirror.
“In an hour. Also, here are the signed postcards you asked for,” Jonas said, pointing at several postcards on the counter. “Don’t forget them.”
“Great, thanks.” While opening her makeup case and pulling out her usual brushes, Sophia joked, “Thanks again for the other night. Luckily I walked into your private room by mistake. Otherwise, I’d have been so embarrassed.”
“No problem,” Jonas replied with a warm smile.
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Chapter 239 The Deception.
“Have you done your skincare routine?”
“Yes, it’s done.”
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Sophia took a look at Jonas‘ complexion and chose a primer from her case. She patted his face lightly, saying, “Jonas, your skin is incredible. I hardly need to apply any makeup.”
It was Sophia’s first time working with Jonas.
His assistant jumped in, “Right, Ms. Tortell. All the makeup artists who’ve worked with him say he’s the easiest to work with.”
Next to them, another makeup artist silently lamented their actor’s rough, dull skin.
After applying primer, Sophia gave Jonas a light base layer and started on his eyebrows.
She already had the shape in mind and leaned closer, holding an eyebrow powder palette in one hand and a brush in the other, using the powder to outline a basic shape.
She then set down the powder and picked up a flat–head eyebrow pencil, steadying his head with her free hand. “Hold still.”
“Mm.”
Sophia began to sketch each individual eyebrow hair carefully, her steady hand creating an incredibly lifelike effect. Each hair seemed vivid and realistic, even the stray ones.
Jonas, expressionless, glanced up at her.
With their faces so close, he could see the roots of her eyelashes.
Her skin looked flawless, even up close. Despite wearing makeup, she had no patchiness or flaking, looking far more natural than many other celebrities.
In shows, Jonas often saw celebrities whose skin looked uneven and yellowish under makeup, requiring good lighting and post–production to salvage. Their retouched photos looked unrecognizable, and candid shots were strictly prohibited.
Her eyes were crystal clear, intently focused on his eyebrows without a hint of movement. The serious expression on her face was a stark contrast to her usual lively demeanor.
Jonas‘ assistant showered her with praise, “Ms. Tortell, your eyebrow work is top–notch. They look so real!”
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After a while, an employee with a staff badge knocked and entered. “Mr. Zirk, are you ready? It’s almost time for your rehearsal.”
Sophia shook the setting spray in her hand. “Almost done.”
After a final spritz of setting spray, she packed up her makeup case. “You’re good to go. Time for rehearsal.”
Jonas stood up and adjusted his outfit facing the mirror. “I’m leaving.”
“Bye.”
Jonas left for rehearsal, and Sophia, makeup case in hand, stepped out into the hallway. Suddenly, she
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Chapter 239 The Deception
stopped in her tracks.
In the corridor ahead stood a figure, unmistakably familiar.
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