Bride Behind the Mask novel Chapter 236

"What the hell are you implying, Missy?" Powell growled, punctuating each word.

Marguerite blinked, "Just as I said, Mr. Powell. No hidden meanings."

Lisette, idly resting her arms, crossed them over her chest, looking down on Marguerite from her lofty position. "Marguerite, don't you dare drag Maurice into this. If you're dreaming of becoming the lady of our house, you'd best leave Maurice out of it."

Lisette's gaze was cool and unnerving, but Marguerite didn't flinch. "Lisette, it's clear that Maurice's company replacing Frederick's partnership with Grandeur Square Mall was under your help, wasn't it?"

Even though all the photos on her phone were mysteriously deleted, she'd caught Lisette red-handed on a secret rendezvous with Garnett. Why should she be afraid?

What she didn't expect, however, was Lisette suddenly rising from her chair, striding up to her, and slapping her across the face.

The sudden assault left Marguerite stunned, as did Powell and Jocelyn.

Quickly reacting, Jocelyn stepped in front of Marguerite, shielding her from Lisette. "Lisette, Marguerite may be blunt, but you have no right to lay a hand on our younger generation."

Lisette ignored Jocelyn's pleas, pointing at Marguerite furiously. "I've had enough of your nonsense, Marguerite!"

Touching her burning cheek, Marguerite noted the sting and numbness in her teeth. If not for the audience, she was sure Lisette would've landed a heavier blow. But she knew Lisette wouldn't dare go too far. The slap was meant to silence her, to keep her from spilling the beans about Lisette's affair.

Regaining her composure, Marguerite asked, "Lisette, this is our first formal meeting, isn't it? What grudge do you have against me? Or have we met elsewhere before?"

Just as Lisette was about to lash out again, a stern voice rang out, silencing them all. "Enough! Everyone, shut up!"

Lisette's arm froze mid-air. She glanced at Powell and reluctantly dropped her arm.

Turning to Marguerite, Powell narrowed his eyes. "Who do you think you are? When did Frederick and Maurice's business become your concern? How my corporation expands, who I register companies with, how does it concern you?"

Marguerite knew Powell was angry, but she didn't care. Lisette's slap had left her feeling off-kilter.

"Is it not related to me, then why am I here today? Is it just because of the baby I'm carrying? Let me tell you, Mr. Powell, the only reason LuxeScents International survived was because Frederick acknowledged our child! If you want to help Maurice, that's your business, but Frederick isn't so easily replaced. If you've got any tricks up your sleeve, feel free to play them. As long as Frederick doesn't divorce me, I'm his wife. No matter what happens, I'll face it with him."

Marguerite's words only served to infuriate Powell further.

"Do you think you can just waltz into the Winston family? You think you can handle everything for Frederick? You're the one who messed up Maurice's business! Let me tell you, if Maurice can compete with Frederick this month, he can replace him next month! If you're counting on Frederick to get into the Winstons, you've got another thing coming."

Unfazed, Marguerite looked straight at Powell and retorted, "Well, who else would I rely on? Surely not Maurice."