Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 35

“Who cares? He’s my archenemy for life. Especially after he dared to accept Monica’s painting. That man is nothing but a devious snake, a greedy wolf in sheep’s clothing, pretending to be a gentleman but with the

heart of a jackal

Whitney approached the bookshelf with a scowl, slapping the picture of the man back and forth with disdain.

Tiana, quivering nervously, whispered, “Isn’t it a bit much to be trash–talking and hitting his picture in his own

office

“Do you really think he’d have surveillance in his office?” Whitney snorted, scanning the room suspiciously.

She noticed a one–way mirror on the wall; the other side was probably another office.

At that moment, just a mirror away, the tall man stood with his arms crossed, an assistant beside him sweating bullets as he listened to the young madam’s tirade.

But the boss had a deep, amused smile on his lips like a man watching his kitten put up a playful fight utterly adorable

“No use. Tiana! With the way Monica cozied up to him, he took the bait. What’s the point of me even trying?”

Whitney slumped into a chair, her defeat weighing heavily on her.

“If only I could’ve taken him down before all this,” she gestured around the imposing office. “The desk, the

chair… It would all be mine.”

“Am I also yours, Ms. Valentine?” A deep, lazy voice suddenly came from the doorway, laced with a teasing lilt.

Whitney, who had been facing away, stiffened and spun around in her chair.

Tiana had vanished, and there stood a strikingly handsome man at the door, hands in pockets, his dark eyes fixed on her.

A heavy silence fell.

Whitney was a leading socialite, known for her grace and poise. Yet there she was, her legs disrespectfully thrown over the boss’s desk.

Whitney stiffened, then stood abruptly.

“Stay put.” The man raised an intrigued eyebrow, strode over, and grasped her delicate foot in his warm palm with one swift move. “This desk is worth three million, a fitting throne for your dainty feet.”

Before Whitney could react, he playfully tickled the sole of her foot, sending her face into a blaze.

She tried to pull away, but his firm grip held her in place, immobilizing her with just three fingers.

into a devilish smirk, “And the chair, six million, imported fine wood, a worthy

cheeks flamed as she realized the implication, “You… Mr. Lippert, you were

me!

arm bracing against the chair. With only three fingers, he had pinned her to

a greedy and lustful man like me tends to give some contestants an unfair advantage. Some are willing to

playful as he leaned in and

Lippert, are proposing indecent

17:48

foot free, her skin trembling. She scrambled

seated, looking after her with an

hold a grudge, but I’ll tell

welcome the challenge

He was a scoundrel!

you dare think about me! ! have a husband, and I love him. I will never stoop to your level. You’re not even half as handsome as he

man’s lips curled further. “How would you know

a word, her suspicions

stormed out, the assistant walked in with two lunches. “Sir, why did

Arrange for a car to take her home.” The man settled back in

held the

she calling

rose with pleasure. She dared to curse

purpose just to tease his wife. Tsk

Whitney climbed

good news. “Stella wants to meet up, a little

while putting her laptop back

Harmony Club, where Stella

how did you manage to escape the

wrapped up, Whitney.” Stella gave her a once–over, eyes brimming, “I just

good now.”

hugged and headed to their private

hat, revealing a cascade of rose–colored curls, the embodiment of a screen

more and more enchanting. Tell us, any love interests?”

the time? And Tiana, how are things

He’s a philanderer.”

friend’s dramatics. “And yet you’re

heard from Tiana that you’re expecting… Is it true the

told you

before she quickly recovered, laughing off her faux pas, “Oh, maybe I got it mixed up with something I saw on TV. My bad. Anyway, let’s drop that. I’ve heard you guys are really

She scrambled away from his imposing figure like

seated, looking after her with an amused

a grudge, but I’ll tell you this – I’ll

win lying down and not doing a thing, I’d rather welcome the challenge in bed.” His