Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 48

The man looked at her with a mysterious smile. “Surprised to find me so unremarkable?”

It was not that.

The monthly rent for this office space could not even match the cost of a single button on his suit. It was a glaring mismatchi

The petite woman eyed him with suspicion.

His smile was deep–seated as he offered a gentlemanly gesture, “Please, take a seat.”

Whitney turned to see the only chair in the office, its foam innards spilling out through a tear.

Frankly, she had never sat on such a shabby piece of furniture. What on earth did he do for a living?

Clutching the hem of her skirt, she perched on the edge of the chair, revealing a pair of milky–white, slender legs that dazzled the eye. She sat with a demure grace that barely touched the seat.

He appraised her attire from head to toe; her pink blouse enhanced her porcelain complexion, and her hair cascaded over her shoulders, a few wisps playfully framing her forehead. Today, she looked particularly youthful, her figure outlined by a subtle curve.

Who had dressed her like this? The directness of his gaze unexpectedly brought a blush to Whitney’s face.

“What did you want to see me about?” She asked.

Only then did his gaze drift from her figure, and he pressed the intercom button..

Soon after, a male assistant arrived with a woman who looked like a seasoned executive assistant – attractive face, curvy figure, obviously high–class. She glanced at Whitney, then turned pale as she faced the man behind the desk, “Boss.”

His voice was icy as he began, “Iris, where was I on the afternoon of October 1st? Did you take any calls for me without permission?”

The executive assistant faltered, “You were at the Coastline City branch. After the emergency meeting concluded at five, you rested in the lounge and left your phone outside.”

Whitney blinked, realizing he had summoned her to clarify.

The assistant’s voice trembled, “I saw the call was from Madam, and I’ve admired you for so long that I foolishly answered the phone. Please forgive me, boss!”

He continued attending to his paperwork, simply gesturing towards Whitney.

Whitney suddenly felt her dignity had been acknowledged.

Iris bit her lip and approached Whitney to apologize, “Madam, I’m so sorry, I was out of line!”

did you say you were in the same room as him?” Whitney remembered the voice on the phone;

wanted you to

That made sense.

the woman she had seen in L’s car that morning. Was it the

She was not sure.

the man’s gaze settled on Whitney, his voice lazily deep, “Are you satisfied

reality, her gaze clashing with

silently pursed

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Chapter 48

voice was cold and ruthless as he

executive assistant begged, “Give

assistant escorted her

The office fell silent.

her head,

He was watching her!

the sudden brightening of her

now…”

Do you still think I’m a womanizer?” He asked with a mocking lift of

flushed, her hands tightening. She appreciated his efficiency but was not ready to concede, “I don’t know… It would be

her intently, seemingly

and he furrowed his brow to deal with

did not

28th floor, Ludwik stood

graceful figure entered, her poise

Ludwik finished his call and turned, his brow creased at the sight of her, “What brings you from the branch office?”

the secretary. She carried a professional aura and exquisite features that spoke of a high–society upbringing. She said with a slightly apologetic smile, “Iris was one of my subordinates I left behind. I

than it would be for any other

undercurrent of warmth.

was a loyal partner and held an important position, now serving

reason

with a teasing smile. “Nolan mentioned there’s something special about Whitney.

to work,” he replied,

a respectful nod,

Iris accepted a card from the woman and said, “Thank

confidante, not enamored with Ludwik but following Elaine’s orders to answer the phone and rile Whitney by pretending they were

Gem Corporation