Behind the Mask

mother, was chopping tomatoes for lunch when her son strode in a

ounced at the executive meeting that Klara J

, but the air between them thickened. "Yes. She is my heir

th my own hands. I've spent years shaping it into what it is today, and now, all you want to

ou shown, Christ? What do you have to prove that you're responsible? No w

away. "I already have t

tandard? And what exactly

his lips. "I

cuse me? Since when? And

o report every detai

ts!" she snapped. "Bring her f

hed. "Fine

ing now? Then, an idea struck him, a slow grin spreadi

Christ entered the office, his pres

I need y

sual urgency, sending

. "Help w

ing out, "I need you to p

m in disbelief

ice. "Do you want to attra

arms. "I w

the company to my sister because he thinks I'm irresponsible. I told

ll pay you nearly made me

s

nsive treatments. Th

ne, glistening under the office li

I should have walked away. But inste

o the mirror, I barely recognized myself. A stunning wo

, exhaling. "I love thi

into the Jefferson mans

e décor, golden chandeliers, t

ll me she was this beautiful," she said, turning to Ch

taring at me as if seein

else was w

s Jef

g too long. Unlike his wife, there was something

the last to start eating-I had never used such fine cut

ferson spoke suddenly. "

a café called Drink Coffe

"And your pare

ard. "I'm an

os quickly apologized on my beh

get engaged?"

r the table. "Two weeks ago.

inced. "But she's been

"I wanted her to understand the c

l gaze lingered, but

happy, holding my hand a little too long

y. "This scent... I've smelled it

respond, my phone v

unknow

knew my son had such fine taste. B

y fingers trembled a

s Jef

oblivious, driving wi

her wan

game was no longer

about s