Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 72

After a brief pause, Whitney gazed at the man with teary eyes. "L, I want to discuss something with you. Sky Gem Ltd. has hit a rough patch, and a few shareholders have asked me to step in. I've agreed, and I'll be returning to work there. It's the company I founded, with my grandfather's seed money no less. I have to take back what's mine."

"That doesn't sound like a discussion, Whitney. That sounds like you're simply informing me," the man said, his handsome face growing cold.

A flicker of trepidation crossed Whitney's face.

The man, being a commanding presence, had originally brought her into his life for her well-being and the sake of their child. Even though he had assured her that he wouldn’t meddle in her revenge plans.

She softened her tone, a hint of defiance creeping in. "Hmph, I'm telling you because we're involved now. If it were still just a business deal, I'd make my own decisions without consulting you. I’ve respected you, haven’t I? I have my own career, my own battles to fight. I don't want to depend on you. I want to stand on my own. As my potential husband, you should be supporting me, right?"

His gaze was icy and intimidating as he stared at her, his voice laced with scorn, "So is that your way of saying you can work in the same company as your ex-fiancé, cozying up together?"

His sharpness cut to the core, highlighting the very issue she had hoped to blur.

But wasn’t he being too harsh?

Whitney was speechless.

"I'd have to be blind to have any more thoughts about that jerk. You're the one I care about now!"

Under his brooding expression, she quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, trying to charm him. "I'm not going to the office every day, I promise. As a pregnant woman, I'll balance work and rest. And I swear, I won't be giving you any reasons to be jealous, okay?"

He wasn't amused, his eyes deepening as he commanded, "Kiss me!"

With no way out, Whitney blushed deeply and leaned in to give him a peck on the lips.

It was the first time she initiated a kiss, and the soft sweetness stirred his heart and quickened his pulse, the taste as delightful as jelly. His muscles tensed at the sensation, and his eyes burning with heat.

Soon, the tables turned, and she found herself caught in his embrace.

…

The next day, the man told her he had to go on a business trip and warned her to behave herself before he left.

Whitney was speechless.

Today was the day the jewelry competition announced the shortlist for the next round and the day Monica would be officially fired for plagiarism.

The meeting was live-streamed, so the preliminary winners didn't need to attend.

With a stack of documents in hand, Whitney entered Sky Gem Ltd..

Returning to this place, she felt a wave of nostalgia as she looked around at the familiar surroundings.

The shareholders who supported her were waiting in the lobby with their top executives, shamefaced yet spontaneously welcoming her back.

Whitney made her way to the 16th floor, stopping before the door to the CEO's office.

Simon emerged from the executive elevator, dressed impeccably with sharp and distinguished features. Catching sight of Whitney, her stunning face calm as still water, dressed in a simple business dress that couldn't hide her elegant vitality, he felt a deep pull of attraction.

His voice roughened as he approached her, "Whitney, welcome back!"

Whitney gave him a cool glance and brushed past him.

Simon's mood seemed buoyant, and he didn't mind her coldness. He opened the door to the office for her, inviting her in.

Monica's personal items were still there, untouched.

Simon returned from HR with Whitney's new nameplate, eager to please. Handing it to her, he seemed earnest.

Looking at the 'General Manager' title on the nameplate, Whitney pondered, her gaze on Simon, who was as fickle as the weather. With a hint of mockery, she said, "You're sure about handing this back so soon? Monica hasn't been dethroned yet, and the competition hasn't announced her dismissal. If she makes a comeback, you'll have to make a new nameplate."

Simon's handsome face showed a flicker of embarrassment. A wave of tenderness filled his eyes as he looked at her. "Whitney, whether you believe me or not, I am genuinely happy you're back. I've finally realized that it's you I want to see every day at the company, not Monica. It's a shame I realized it after making so many mistakes. I'll do whatever it takes to win you back."

"Stop right there. My return has nothing to do with you. Well, it actually does, because I'm going to take back your shares. You better be prepared."

Whitney's heart was cold as a mountain stream. She looked down at her phone, preparing to join the jewelry competition's live-streamed meeting.

Tiana suddenly sent a trending message to her, her tone laden with urgency: [Whitney, trouble's brewing, you've got to see this video! There's been a twist at the jewelry competition!]

What sort of twist?

Whitney immediately clicked on the video, only to see Monica at the jewelry competition jury panel, sketching a design that was nothing short of breathtaking.

Before Monica stood a bearded foreigner, closely examining her work, his eyes lit with evident admiration.

Monica had been sketching for two hours. Whitney had seen that design before—it was even a notch above her own skill set, clearly not something Monica could have conjured up on her own.

It was the caliber of a top-notch jewelry designer.

Whitney's grip tightened, and she quickly tuned into the live stream of the jewelry competition meeting.

All the judges were in place, except for Ludwik from the Imperial Gem Corporation. Now, occupying the honorary seat beside the chairman, was the bearded foreigner. Presenting Monica’s on-the-spot design, he expressed clear satisfaction and declared, "As a member of the international jury, I just happened to be in the country. To encounter such a talented young designer is a stroke of luck. Regardless of her past plagiarism allegations, her ability to draft a design on the spot has won my approval. Disqualifying a contestant requires a unanimous vote, but I cast a dissenting vote. Talent should not be wasted. I believe Monica deserves another chance!"

Whitney's eyes widened, her almond-shaped pupils turning to ice.