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.

small commotion, Monica was busy accepting congratulations. from all

host announced, “And now Mr. Lippert will

silent. Monica’s heart raced as the handsome and prestigious man on the stage made her forget the good looks of Simon beside her. Her girlish heart

you with the first prize, I’m so envious, and

so lucky to be marrying off to a

for good appearances, beamed

cooed, “Phebe, when I go up to receive my award, I’d

was, and Phebe readily

not wait to stand up and walk towards the stage. She shot an evil

Lippert did not start the award

stage

deep, powerful voice of the man echoed, “Where’s Whitney? Raise

Monica was stunned!

voice calling her

raised her hand in

man uttered

What did that mean?

Mr. Lippert was about to strip Whitney of her

speculated as

first! After all, one bad apple spoils the bunch at

Monica steadied her expression, sneering as she looked at Whitney and lifted the mic with feigned concern. “Mr. Lippert, are you about to fire the plagiarizer? Could I possibly ask you

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

the footage on the

turned

October 1st at Imperial Gem Corporation’s office. Skye Gem Ltd’s President Simon and contestant Monica attempted

color. She stepped back, unable to comprehend what was

was in an uproar when the next piece of evidence

October 2nd. However, Mr. Lippert received Whitney’s original concept

to be shocked. She gaped at the screen. How did her nemesis have her draft from the day she consulted

to aid Monica in cheating and

dumbfounded Aaron, escorting him

of high esteem, was taken away

slowly grasping the gravity of the situation, looked in awe at the man in

room fell silent, everyone stunned by the

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