Chapter 208: "A Softer Approach"

**A Natural Setting for the Ad Shoot**

The perfume ad shoot relocated to a scenic nature park, an environment filled with fresh air and lush greenery. The crew's spirits were high, and Claire Grace's mood mirrored theirs. Everything seemed to fall into place seamlessly, and the shooting progressed without a hitch.

"Claire, your makeup today looks fantastic on camera," the director said warmly as the crew began packing up for the day. His familiarity with Claire was evident in his casual tone, a sign of the camaraderie they'd built over the course of the project.

"Thanks! I used to assist Blaine Jackson, so I picked up a few tricks along the way," Claire replied with a modest smile.

"Ah, that explains why your style resembles his so closely," the director said, nodding in realization. After a moment's thought, he added, "Since Blaine couldn't make it today, are you heading home on your own? Should I call Lucas to come pick you up?"

"It's fine. I'll grab a cab and head back myself," Claire answered quickly.

"How about I give you a ride?" he offered generously.

"That's kind of you, but I'd rather take a cab. I need to stop and pick up a few things along the way," Claire said with a wave before heading off.

Blaine had been swamped with clients at his salon, his growing popularity making it impossible for him to join the shoot. As Claire checked her watch, she decided to forgo her initial plan to sneak in a hospital visit for a check-up. There was still plenty of time in the day, so she opted to drop by Blaine's studio to see if he needed help.

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**At Blaine's Salon**

"Mr. Jackson, Mrs. Lin, one of your returning clients from last year, has been waiting for two weeks to get an appointment with you," Blaine's assistant, Tara, said with a stifled giggle. "She's requesting the same 'Phoenix Rising' look you gave her last time."

Blaine paused for a moment, the corners of his mouth twitching as he recalled the now-infamous look. It had been a spur-of-the-moment creation to defuse a potential disaster, but somehow, it had become a trend. Clients even requested it by name.

"Tell her that style's no longer in fashion this year," Blaine said after a beat. "Give me ten minutes, and I'll create something new for her. She'll love it." He muttered under his breath, "No way I'm risking jail time again."

Tara stifled another laugh and nodded before leaving the room.

As Claire entered the salon, she spotted Tara exiting the service area. Claire gestured for her to stay quiet and pointed toward Blaine's private styling room. Tara caught on and playfully mimed zipping her lips before walking away.

Claire tiptoed up behind Blaine, who was meticulously working on a client's hair. With a mischievous grin, she covered his eyes with her hands and lowered her voice to a gravelly pitch. "Guess who?"

Blaine stiffened for a moment, his scissors poised mid-air. Then, with a slow, deliberate tone, he said, "Claire, I'm working. Don't start."

"Come on, guess who I am," Claire insisted, ignoring the furrow forming on his brow.

"Seriously? You think I wouldn't recognize you?" Blaine retorted with a chuckle. "Claire Grace."

"Ugh, you're no fun! How did you know it was me so quickly?" Claire asked, releasing him and slumping into a nearby chair.

Blaine turned to give her an amused glance. "Your hands are small, your skin's cooler than a man's, and you're wearing a new fragrance from Zeller Corp that hasn't even hit the market yet. I'm around this stuff all the time. Who else would it be?"

Claire sighed dramatically. "Wow, so I wasn't as sneaky as I thought."

"What brings you here? Finished with work already?" Blaine asked, returning his attention to his client.

"Yeah, the shoot wrapped up early. We moved to a park for the location, and everything went smoothly. I figured since you mentioned being busy this morning, I'd drop by and see if you need help." She glanced around at the packed salon. Even the waiting area was full.

"Help? From you?" Blaine smirked. "No way. You're pregnant now. If Lucas finds out I let you lift a finger, he'll cut my funding faster than I can say 'hairbrush.'"

"Oh, come on! You're all being so dramatic. I'm not fragile," Claire said, rolling her eyes. "I feel fine, aside from a little backache now and then. All I'd be doing is handing you makeup or tools. That's hardly strenuous."

"You came here straight from the park?" Blaine asked, changing the subject.

"Yep. Took a cab," Claire replied.

"You should've called Lucas to pick you up. Pregnant women shouldn't be taking cabs alone. It's not safe," Blaine scolded lightly.

"Oh, please! You guys are making me paranoid. The streets are full of pregnant women taking cabs, and they're all fine," Claire said, tossing him a comb. "You're all overreacting."

"It's Lucas I'm worried about. The man's one meltdown away from driving you everywhere himself," Blaine teased.

"He's busy today with clients, both this afternoon and tonight. I checked his schedule, so I didn't want to bother him," Claire explained.

Blaine's expression softened. "Are you happy?" he asked suddenly.

Claire blinked. "What?"

"Being the queen of his world," Blaine clarified, a wry smile tugging at his lips.

Claire laughed. "He's so overbearing and controlling. He checks everything I eat, researches if it's safe for pregnancy, and only then lets me have it. It's infuriating, but..." Her words trailed off as a radiant smile spread across her face, betraying her happiness.

"Ugh, you're just rubbing it in now," Blaine groaned with a shake of his head. "I'm single, you know. Stop making me jealous."

"Well, since you're not as overbearing as Lucas, you can treat me to dinner tonight," Claire said with a grin.

"Deal," Blaine replied with a laugh.