Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 10

The assistant popped her head into Simon's office, saying, "Mr. Perlman, Mr. Daniel, the President of HN, is here to discuss a partnership!"

Simon was taken aback; his major deal hinged on HN for the latter half of the year. Despite Whitney's many attempts, HN had remained reserved. What had changed?

With a glint in her eye, Monica said, "Are you thrilled, Simon? I pulled out all the stops to land this."

Simon was over the moon. "You secured the HN deal?"

With a mischievous glance at Whitney, Monica nodded coyly.

"You're amazing, Monica!" Simon, fixated on the deal, planted a kiss on her cheek in front of everyone.

He stiffened, casting an involuntary glance at Whitney.

Her expression was icy, unfazed by his display of affection with Monica, which somehow unsettled him.

"Monica, bring Mr. Daniel in, will you? You're leading this partnership!" Simon declared with a sweeping gesture.

Monica basked in her triumph. She cast Whitney a nasty look and concocted a spiteful scheme, deliberately clutching at her. "Sis, that HN deal you were so after? I snagged it, and Mr. Perlman wants me to lead the partnership. Won't you stick around to see?"

Whitney's lips curled into a frosty smirk, aware of the true nature of the HN deal.

"You sure you want me in on the meeting?"

"Absolutely!" Monica was itching to humiliate her further.

Whitney chuckled lowly. "Don't regret it then."

Five minutes later.

Daniel entered the conference room, and Simon rose with the shareholders to greet him.

"President Daniel, welcome. I'm Monica, the General Manager and Head Designer at Skye Gem Ltd. I'm honored to have earned your interest." Monica beamed, extending her hand.

"Pleasure to meet you!"

Daniel moved past her, noticing Whitney's distinct aura. He inquired, "Monica, who's this lady?"

Monica's eyes flickered with scorn. "Oh, her? A dismissed employee with mental issues, stay clear!"

Daniel frowned; she did not seem the part.

Back to business, he smiled and said, "Monica, I was quite taken with your last submission. I'm here to ink the deal with Mr. Perlman, but I'd love to hear your interpretation of your work."

"Of course." Monica turned. "Assistant, bring my designs, please."

Simon grinned.

The shareholders praised, "Monica's got the real talent!"

"Whitney's just embarrassing herself. Why is she even here?"

Amid the disdain, Monica's lips twisted, and a splendid portfolio of jewelry sketches was brought forth.

Whitney's eyes narrowed; those were her designs!

Monica, claiming them as her own, flipped through the unique drawings, eliciting awe.

With a malicious glance, she relished the thought of Whitney watching her work being usurped, along with the deal and all the glory. She wanted Whitney to feel the cut of humiliation.

"Mr. Daniel, allow me to introduce my creations..." Monica began confidently.

But Daniel shook his head, "Monica, you're mistaken. I was hoping you'd explain your very last submission."

He laid the sketch on the conference table, "Your design is stunning but quite unorthodox. You've chosen an Egyptian blood diamond for the bloodstone at the heart of the Blue Ocean piece—any special reason?"

Monica stared blankly at the design; it was alien to her.

She was aware of the designs Whitney had given HN before and even memorized some of the concepts. However, she had never seen this last design in her life! The complex structure was beyond her ability to comprehend.

She looked up, and her eyes met Whitney’s, who was mockingly smiling.

“What did this bitch do?” She thought.

Monica’s face reddened, her throat clogged with gravel. She could not muster a word, "I used the Congo blood diamond because..."

"Egyptian blood diamond!" Daniel corrected, puzzled at her mistake.

Simon also knew Whitney's capabilities and didn't want her to continue. "Have you had your fun yet? Assistant, please show the former employee out."

"I find the lady's proposal quite fair! Let's determine my partnership based on the outcome of the contest!" Daniel, after mulling it over, surprisingly gave his approval. "Mr. Perlman, I must say I'm disappointed today. Consider our deal off for now. I'll take my leave."

"Mr. Daniel..." Simon quickly stood up to follow him.

The shareholders were also in a frenzy—this was the company's biggest deal!

Catching their glances, Monica feigned a heavy sigh. "Sis, to get back in the company, you've ruined today's major deal. I won't indulge in these childish games with you."

"What's the matter, scared to compete with me? Afraid to reveal you're all talk and no substance?" Whitney baited her with a cold laugh.

One shareholder glowered at Whitney, "You jeopardize our interests and overestimate yourself. Monica, take her on! You're a city-level top-prize winner. What is she?"

"There were rumors before that Whitney plagiarized your work. Don't go easy on her—show her up in this competition!"

"Exactly! You're a design prodigy. Give her ten years, and Whitney still won’t beat you. Let's watch her make a fool of herself!"

None of the shareholders had faith in Whitney, convinced she was bound to lose.

Flattered by the praise, Monica felt trapped but eventually agreed. "Sis, then don't blame me for not holding back. I'll make sure you lose!"

"Oh? I shall wait and see what little ability you have," Whitney said with a smirk, stepping out.

Monica felt like she had punched a pillow, her lips pursing in the cold. Then she saw Simon return, his face dark with displeasure, clearly upset about the lost deal.

A shiver of doubt ran through her, and with a squinting gaze, she suddenly pulled Whitney close and whispered, "Sister, you don't know, do you? I got your anxiety diagnosis from Simon while in bed with him. Compared to me, he said you're as dull as a block of wood in bed. No wonder he doesn't love you!"

Whitney turned and slapped her fiercely.

Unexpectedly, Monica tumbled to the ground. She clutched her cheek, crying in fear, "Sis, it's one thing to disrupt today's big deal with a competition. I just came to persuade you not to make things difficult for Simon. Why did you hit me?"

"Enough, Whitney!"

Simon rushed over, shoving Whitney aside to help Monica up.

He had been irritated with Monica, but seeing her swollen face, he was instantly filled with concern. His glare darkened as he turned to Whitney, "Monica has always had the company's best interests at heart. You, on the other hand, have ulterior motives, and you dared to hit Monica. Do you realize she's pregnant?!"