Beneath the Cold Mask

nd threw her phone onto the sofa. It

se, she reluctant

, come to the pavilion

m an unkno

he sender seemed familiar with that name,

tened her clothes and headed to the agreed meeting

ven larger. Only wealthy people from the capital could afford to live here.

on the stone floor, growing closer. Looking up, she saw a tall man walking slowly toward her. H

sing a nickname that made Jeanne's skin crawl. She forced a laugh and replied, What... do you want? Bernard's eyes showed brief disappointment but he quickly smiled again. Nothing important. Didn't you say

was a well-educated prince in the capital with high social status.

volved, though Bernard seemed to see her only as a friend. Bernard, I appreciate you remembering what I like, but this gift is

Jessy, you know I- Before he could finish, the sound of high heels approached. Jeanne saw Alexa walking toward them. She fel

r again, he muttered. Jeanne, still stunned, pushed Bernard. What are you waiting for? Hide! Do you want Alexa to find out about us? But the dress...

ugh, Jeanne relaxed her expression. Alexa approached Jean

nne said. Stop pretending, Jessy! I heard voices here. You're so bold, doing indecent things outside and s

. How's the search? Should I call someone to prove you wrong? Alexa was too ang

her hand to slap Jeanne. Jeanne quickly thought and coldly said, Alexa, what are you doing? Then she glared at her. J

again to hit her. Jeanne stood up quickly and took two big steps back to

t as Jeanne was about to fall, a strong hand grabbed her waist and pull

trapped in the man's arms. She could hear the pounding of his

s showed emotion as he asked in a slightly cold tone, What are you two doing? William

t doing an

! Alexa glared at Jeanne angrily but looked nervously at William. "William, don't listen to her. I didn't hit

aid. In fact, with her complaining look, she seemed quite cute. His eyes showe

they left, Alexa stood there, jealous and almost furio

-

softly said, "Thank you." "We met just in time. I came looking for you because Grandpa wants to see you. There's

lk about?" "You'll find out when you meet him," William replied. They walked back to the row of vil

dpa's love for calligraphy and collectibles. In the st

d traditionally, his white hair a

e was a powerful figure. When William announced, "Grandpa,

e Jessy most of all. Usually proud, Jessy softened around him. Jeanne obedie

for a year; being apart too often isn't good for your relationship. From now

the cruel, cold figure she'd heard about. Instead, he was w

ing you two get al

uckle, his white beard shaking. The sudden topic change almost made Jeanne choke. William ca

rmed with embarrassment. After some time with the grandfather, William to

ut." William stopped and asked flatly, "What's the matter?" Alexa nodded happily

asked the chef to prepare your favorite dishes

eanne, "You come too." Alexa's smile froze, her expression falling. Jeanne was surprised but didn't mind Alexa's coldness. She stepped

Why? Can't she come with me?" Alexa

ng along? But she couldn't say that outright. Instead, she forced a sm

ame home, Jessy

etermined to expos

er anger faded, repla