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

host announced, “And now Mr. Lippert will announce the

the handsome and prestigious man on the stage made her forget the good looks of Simon beside

the grand Mr. Lippert present you with the first

you’re so lucky to be marrying off to

one for good appearances,

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

it was, and Phebe readily

stand up and walk towards the stage. She shot an evil smile at Whitney on her

Lippert did not

almost at the stage when she began to

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

Monica was stunned!

her name made

slowly raised her hand in

the man uttered

What did that mean?

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

speculated

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

expression, sneering as she looked at Whitney and lifted the mic with feigned concern. “Mr. Lippert, are you about to

man did not even glance at

the footage on

attention turned to the

Ltd’s President Simon and contestant Monica attempted to bribe

of color. She stepped back, unable to comprehend

in an uproar when the next piece of evidence

Vintage Diamond,‘ shows Monica’s design dated October 2nd. However, Mr. Lippert received Whitney’s original concept on September 28th,

it was Whitney’s turn to be shocked. She gaped at the screen. How did her nemesis have her draft from the

accepted bribes to aid Monica in cheating and is now under criminal investigation, to be taken into

appeared on stage and handcuffed a dumbfounded Aaron, escorting him

man of high esteem, was taken away just

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

room fell silent, everyone stunned by the dramatic

man. She could not understand how, with just a