âIn the bustling world of the service industry, itâs a given that youâll cross paths with a few oddballs throughout the year. I had grown accustomed to it. If youâre not interested in getting dolled up, I kindly ask you to make your exit. I have other patrons to attend to.
Daisy must have invited you in with the best of intentions, not for you to throw a wrench in the works,â
said the stylist, her smile unwavering, which only served to unsettle Imogen.
Imogen slapped the back of Madelineâs hand in a sharp, sudden gesture. âYou think youâre still at home, donât you? Iâve warned you about overstepping your bounds.â
Then, turning back, she offered an apologetic grin. âIâm terribly sorry about that. My daughter here has been a bit spoiled by me, hence the temper. Please donât take it to heart. Sheâs just overly eager to look stunning for tonightâs gala. Plus, thereâs been quite the buzz about Talonâs handiwork, so sheâs got her heart set on having him in charge. Of course, we trust you completely! After all, you are Daisyâs personal stylist, and I know full well you wouldnât be in that position without some serious talent.â
Madeline stood behind her mother, the picture of frustration. Upon reflection, her earlier comments had indeed been a slight to Daisy.
Today, she would have to make do with this stylist handling her makeup.
It was a shame, really.
Regina didnât seem to realize her own place; how could she be fit for Talonâs touch?
Each stylist at Talonâs studio had studied abroad, honing their unique aesthetic and skills, That was why, when faced with the likes of Imogen and Madeline, they exuded such confidence, unshaken by any provocations.
After the session, both Imogen and Madeline were quite pleased despite their earlier reservations. If this was the level of a junior artist, they could only imagine what Talon himself could do with Regina.
They left Regina behind and climbed into their car, Imogen still fretting and admonishing Madeline, âHavenât I told you to keep that temper of yours in check when weâre out? You act as if youâre still under the Tanner roof. Rumors of your behavior could tarnish your reputation.â
âMom, youâre Mrs. Tanner now. Canât you show a little spine? Youâre too nice, always yielding to the other ladies, making it seem like youâre their servant. Youâre their equal, after all. Just like with Daisy earlier, you didnât have to grovel!â
Imogen sighed. âI may seem their equal now, but you donât have grandparents to back your up. How can you compare with them? My climb to this point was full of struggle, and you have no idea how hard I worked to earn this status. Thatâs why I sent you to piano and cello lessons â the same ones their children take. I want you to be indistinguishable from those wealthy kids, inside and out.
So, darling, you must always be mindful of your actions to maintain the image weâve worked so hard to build!â
Hearing her motherâs efforts were for her sake, Madeline was moved and leaned against her shoulder.
âMom, I knew you loved me more than anyone else in the world. Donât worry, Iâll make you proud. Iâll at least surpass that womanâs daughter!â
âThatâs the spirit. But how could you not surpass Regina? Youâre my daughter, after all. Look at her now â she doesnât even resemble a lady. Dressed in rags, gallivanting about â your father might not say it, but heâs far from pleased.â
Imogenâs words were sharp as she criticized Regina. The resentment for that woman and her daughter ran deep. Why should they be born into privilege while she had to claw her way to what they took for granted?
Now, her daughter had finally risen to her level, but Regina still had the safety net of her motherâs familyâs wealth. Imogen knew she could never let her guard down.