Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 36

Whitney turned her head to see Stella's expression hidden by a curtain of blonde hair. Then Stella lifted her gaze, chuckling, "I've been dying to land that Imperial Gem Corporation campaign, and you, my dear Whitney, could give me a crash course in all things sparkly."

Whitney curled a lip, powering up her laptop to show her. "I've only got halfway through the design."

"Wow, this is gorgeous," Stella admired intently, her voice filled with genuine appreciation.

After a while longer in conversation, Stella stood up, "I'm going to freshen up in the ladies' room. Anyone care to join?"

Tiana tossed her a mask, "Go ahead, you knockout."

With a playful laugh, Stella swept through the curtain and left.

Whitney's gaze casually followed, and for a short moment, she thought she saw Monica.

She stood up quickly and peeked outside, but the hallway was empty.

"What's up?"

"Must've been seeing things," Whitney shrugged it off. Aquatic Harmony Club was their secret little hideout; how could Monica possibly know about it?

Her thoughts were interrupted by a slight frown furrowing her delicate brows.

"What's on your mind?" Tiana nudged her.

Whitney pondered momentarily, "Tiana, don't you feel like Stella seems a bit different since she got back?"

"Different, how?"

Whitney could not quite put her finger on it; there were no apparent changes. Maybe it was just her imagination, "After all that's happened to me, she only asked once. And she seemed a bit edgy, steering the conversation toward the jewelry competition out of the blue."

"You overthink things because you're too smart for your own good. It's normal for her to be eager for success in showbiz. She's also chasing that ad campaign, which explains her sudden interest in jewelry. Chill out. We've been besties for years. Don't let the Valentine family drama make you distrust everyone. At least you can trust me and Stella."

Tiana gripped her hand with a reassuring laugh, and Whitney's gloom lifted. Right, why was she doubting her best friends?

Stella returned from the restroom and touched up her makeup, and about two minutes later, another charming figure exited and went in a different direction.

The trio headed to Tiana's place, where Whitney had left some reference books.

Stella's agent soon picked her up while Whitney stayed behind, browsing through books as she continued her designs.

As evening approached, Whitney thought about L, who should be finishing work soon. The thought of her rival Ludwik Lippert getting fresh with her made her feel guilty about L back home. Should she call him?

As if reading her thoughts, Tiana teased, "Missing your pretend hubby? Call him. You should have him come to pick you up; you’re pregnant, after all."

Before Whitney could respond, Tiana snatched her phone, found L's number, and dialed.

As soon as the call connected, she returned the phone to Whitney. With a heated cheek, Whitney answered, "Hello, L?"

"May I help you with something?" A woman's soft and pleasant voice answered from the other end.

Whitney stiffened, and Tiana's expression darkened, "Who's this? Where's the owner of this phone?"

"He is resting. Did you need him for something?" The woman's tone was nonchalant, but Whitney sensed an intimacy in her claim.

Whitney recalled the female silhouette in the car that picked up L one morning.

Her smile faded, and her lashes fluttered down as she quickly said, "It's nothing."