Bride Behind the Mask novel Chapter 861

The next morning.

A thick fog blanketed Cresthaven at dawn, turning the sky an oppressive, ashen gray that seemed to squeeze the very air out of Marguerite’s lungs.

She woke early, ran through her morning routine, and slipped into a sleek black jumpsuit. Her makeup was light but precise—just enough to look put together.

The Polar Radiance launch was scheduled for ten o’clock. Marguerite needed to get there ahead of time, scope out the venue, and oversee the final details.

She glanced at her bare neck, debating whether a simple necklace might add a finishing touch, when her phone buzzed with a new message.

[St. Gabriel’s Cathedral, 10:30 AM.]

The text was from Silas.

He must be sending her the address for the wedding. Marguerite’s eyes tightened. She hurriedly locked her phone, but her gaze lingered on the jewelry box, resting on a deep blue silk scarf.

Her nerves were frayed. She didn’t notice Maurice appear silently behind her.

His long arms reached around her shoulders, fastening a pearl necklace at her throat.

“A woman in a suit looks sharp, but it’s best not to go too severe. Pearls are always the right choice.”

Marguerite’s heart jumped at his sudden presence.

Before she could protest, Maurice had already clasped the necklace and gently straightened her posture to face the mirror. “See? Looks much better, doesn’t it?”

Marguerite bit her lip, her eyes meeting his reflection. “Can we skip having Gertie follow me today?”

Maurice’s expression didn’t change. “Fine.”

Marguerite was taken aback. “You’re actually agreeing?”

Maurice’s hand remained resting on her shoulder—warm, yet sending an uncomfortable chill down her spine.

He smiled faintly. “Gertie’s not the right fit for today’s event. But something’s come up at my office, so you go ahead first and wait for me, all right?”

She studied his face. “Okay.”

Marguerite couldn’t help but notice how much Maurice seemed to enjoy her compliance, the way she always did as she was told.

He nodded, satisfied, and added with a pointed look, “Be good. Don’t do anything reckless.”

She knew exactly what he meant.

Today was the Polar Radiance launch—an event she’d waited three years for. No way would she throw it all away by crashing the wedding of a man she’d barely known a month.

Marguerite said nothing. She turned, left the apartment, and made her way to the parking lot, where the organizers had arranged a car just for her.

What she hadn’t expected was to find Janie sitting in the passenger seat.

Marguerite’s face darkened.