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.

a devilish smirk, “And the chair, six million, imported

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

me!

ankle, his muscular arm bracing against the chair.

of a smile hiding in his eyes. “As you know, a greedy and lustful man like me

wickedly playful as he leaned in and

Lippert, are proposing indecent favors in exchange for

17:48

scrambled away from his imposing figure like a

after

“Shameless! Despicable! You hold a grudge, but I’ll tell

rather welcome the challenge in

He was a scoundrel!

me! ! have a husband, and I love him. I

man’s lips curled further. “How would

fled without a word, her

in with two lunches.

The man settled back in his chair, his eyes falling on a scrap

the sweet scent

she calling

with pleasure.

just to tease his wife. Tsk tsk, the rich and their

Whitney climbed into

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

Whitney replied while putting her laptop back in her bag, smiling despite

at the Aquatic Harmony Club, where Stella had just

how did you manage to escape the

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

now.” Whitney blinked

hugged and headed

of rose–colored curls, the embodiment

getting more and more enchanting. Tell us, any love interests?” Tiana was ever

“When would I have the time? And Tiana, how are things with the Lutz

He’s a

“And yet you’re totally

hitched slightly as she glanced toward Whitney, “I heard from Tiana that you’re expecting… Is

her brows. “Who told you he’s

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

her foot free, her skin trembling. She scrambled away from his imposing

after her with

You hold a grudge, but I’ll tell you

doing a thing, I’d rather welcome the challenge in bed.” His eyes narrowed, the corners of his mouth