The Mask of Deception

nding. "Listen to me, Emily. If you don't do this, we all lose everyt

s. "Please, Miss Donovan. I ca

w you're scared," she whispered, her eyes narrowing. "But trust

constricted. "A

t it." Her voice dropped into a chilling whispe

e door broke the tension. Margaret released her

suspicious. She glanced between the two women, her lips

h a practiced smile. "Nothin

Emily, her suspicion deepe

grew colder. "For

t do something you'll regret," she w

turning steely. "Don't worry, Mothe

isper. "I heard everything, Margaret. You're playing a dang

her am I. This is happening, an

hin line. "If she fails," Evelyn said, nodding tow

composure unshaken. "She won'

s. The thought of standing in front of Jonathan Lancas

whispered, her

u will," she said sharply, her tone a cold hi

opping to the floor. "Yes," she m

ing Prep

f stylists. They worked methodically, their hands weaving her hair into a sleek up

emember," she instructed, her tone clipped. "Jonathan expects you to be pois

ap. She had never felt more out of place, sittin

t through her thoug

n the mirror. Margaret studied her reflection fo

d Emily relentlessly on her speech, posture, and mannerisms. "Keep yo

d clipped tone, but her panic bubbled just beneath the surfac

. "He won't. Not if you

up, her expression shifting when she saw the caller ID. She quic

suspicion. "I noticed there aren't many people from

keep things intimate," she said smoothly. "You know how I

e," Jonathan replied slowly, his to

pression hardening. "You see? It's not difficult. Keep y

y, her stomach twi

---

Cere

eliers bathed the room in a soft golden glow, and every detail, from t

t of her gown pressed down on her. Margaret's voice echoed i

forward, her breath catching as every head turned to her. Jonathan

by the heavy fabric of her gown. Jonathan's gaze was steady, but th

his touch firm yet gentle. "Margaret," he murm

d nodded, managing a sm

n Jonathan, whose gaze never wavered. She felt as though he could see through her, past

ake Jonathan Lancaster as yo

ef moment, she froze, the weight of

ng in her ears: **Y

r voice steady despite th

slightly, though his eyes still

ghten around hers. His lips brushed her ear as he whispe

eat. Had he already s