Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 50

Took! The CEO of Imperial Gem Corporation has just arrived!

“Why is Mr. Lippert here? That man is so stunning. He’s giving me a heart attack!

“Imperial Gem Corporation is the jury for the jewelry competition. Does Mr. Lippert need a reason to attend his own award ceremony?”

Royalty has graced us with his presence, and everything shines brighter!”

Amid the cacophony of screams, Whitney snapped back to reality as Tiana pulled her briskly into the center of the hall, exclaiming, “OMG, my idol! Whitney, could it be your nemesis might actually show up to back you?”

Whitney blinked away the dazzle from the man’s aura and gave Tiana a wry look. “How could that be?”

Tiana grimaced. “Yeah, right. He didn’t even show up for the prelims. Why the sudden appearance at the awards?”

Whitney was just as puzzled, her gaze fixed on the man on the stage in a sharp black suit, standing tall and striking.

He adjusted his tie with an air of elegance, taking his seat under the spotlight. His angular face, straight nose, and thin lips gave him a deeply chiseled look that was breathtaking no matter how many times one looked.

Suddenly, his gaze cut through the crowd and landed a piercing intensity on Whitney.

Whitney paused. Had she seen it wrong?

He looked away, picking up his phone and furrowing his brow as he typed something out.

Whitney’s thoughts were hazy when a staff member suddenly brought over two chairs and placed them in the middle of the audience, gesturing for them to sit.

Tiana was speechless.

“Whitney, who’s showing you such kindness? Giving a seat front and center to someone on the verge of being fired?”

Whitney was just as confused. “Must be a mistake.”

Again, she felt that commanding gaze upon her. Looking up, it was gone.

to the small commotion, Monica was busy

“And now Mr. Lippert will announce

as the handsome and prestigious man on the stage made her forget the

you with the first prize,

so lucky to be marrying off to a genius

good appearances, beamed

“Phebe, when I go up to

an honor it was, and Phebe

towards the

Lippert did not start the

stage

was when the deep, powerful voice of the man echoed,

Monica was stunned!

magnetic voice calling her name made Whitney freeze,

raised her hand

the man

What did that mean?

was now awkwardly standing there, guessing that Mr. Lippert was about to strip

audience speculated as

probably going to kick Whitney out first! After all, one bad apple spoils the bunch at an award

and lifted the mic with feigned concern. “Mr. Lippert, are you about to fire the plagiarizer? Could I possibly ask you to cut my sister

we’re firing the plagiarizer.” The man did not even glance at her, his face cold

assistant immediately cast the footage on the big

turned to the

list of individuals who attempted to bribe the judges. Here is surveillance from October 1st at Imperial Gem Corporation’s office. Skye Gem Ltd’s President Simon and contestant Monica attempted to bribe Mr. Lippert with

color. She stepped back, unable to comprehend

when the next piece of evidence hit

Monica’s design dated October 2nd. However, Mr.

it was Whitney’s turn to be shocked. She gaped at the screen.

judge Aaron has accepted bribes to aid Monica in cheating and is now

appeared on stage and handcuffed a dumbfounded Aaron, escorting him

a man of high esteem, was taken away just

situation, looked in awe at the man in the

fell silent, everyone

a ghost, her mind a muddled mess as she stared at the formidable man. She could not understand how, with just a few