Chapter 66
Chapter 66 The Masquerade Continues
Chapter 66 The Masquerade Continues.
“I was just considering that same possibility.
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“Before I rejoined the Hamiltons, I wouldn’t have thought twice about risks like that. But now, with my current standing, meeting him in person is complicated…” Arabella’s gaze, clear and calm, rested on the items laid out before her as she pondered.
Colton gave a slow nod. “You’ve got a point. If people found out you’re Marla while you’re known as a Hamilton heiress, it wouldn’t just surprise your family–the Macdonalds would catch wind of it, too. That could seriously interfere with pulling our funds out. Might even stir up unnecessary trouble p>
“Exactly. Those bastards in the Macdonald family are always circling for more. If they realized I was Marla, they’d never let us withdraw smoothly. And if they brought drama to the Hamiltons‘ doorstep, it’d just create headaches for my family. That’s the last thing I want p>
Arabella preferred to keep her dealings with the Macdonalds separate from her life with the Hamiltons. She was confident handling things on her own. Besides, she had only recently returned to the family and had no intention of causing them any trouble, however small.
“So for now, no one can know I’m Marla,” Arabella concluded calmly.
“Absolutely. It has to stay that way. But how are you going to handle Matthew?” Colton looked at her questioningly.
“For the time being, I’ll just avoid meeting him. Matthew’s swamped with his corporate responsibilities every day. He’ll probably forget about Marla soon enough.
“Also, hold off on any new investments for a while. Let the identity of Marla go quiet. We can’t draw his attention, or avoiding him will become impossible…” Arabella narrowed her eyes thoughtfully.
“Got it.
“Don’t mind me asking, but what if Matthew keeps tabs on Marla’s activity and still insists on a meeting later?” Colton ventured cautiously.
“Then you’ll have to come up with something! I’m not meeting him, period.” Arabella shot him a look of mild irritation.
He hadn’t even managed to book a proper private suite earlier and had almost blown her cover. Luckily, she’d been careful–wearing a ha and a mask. Otherwise, running into Andy at her door would have given her away entirely.
“Alright. I’ll deal with it when the time comes,” Colton conceded, not wanting to upset her
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Chapter 66 The Masquerade Continues
further.
“What do you want to do with these?” Colton gestured toward the acquisitions.
ས ༩ 11 p>
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“I’ll keep the ‘Phoenix Reborn‘ painting, the calligraphy scroll, and the blue–and–white vase. You can take the rest,” Arabella directed.
“Okay. Let’s head out then.” Colton gathered the remaining pieces and stepped toward the door.
“Check if anyone’s still in Suite One first,” Arabella said, preferring to err on the side of caution rather than walking out blindly.
Colton glanced down the hall toward the suite. The door stood open, and no one was in sight.
“Looks empty. It’s wide open,” he reported.
Arabella felt a wave of relief. Matthew must have left by now.
She shouldn’t have to worry then.
Pushing the door open, she stepped into the hallway. “Let’s go p>
At that same moment, Dylan arrived with Harper in tow. Running into the CEO of Horizon Corp was a rare opportunity, and he was hoping to get a moment to make a good impression on Matthew.
Down the corridor, Dylan was still scanning door numbers.
“Harper, do you see Suite One anywhere?” he asked.
“Not
yet. Let’s try that way,” Harper suggested, pointing in the direction from which Arabella was approaching.
Arabella was midway down the hall when she overheard familiar voices. She looked up and was startled to spot Dylan and Harper.
Why were they still here–and upstairs, of all places?
As the distance closed, Arabella turned her face way and tugged her hat lower, avoiding recognition.
Colton also noticed Dylan and Harper, wondering silently why they were on this floor.
Preoccupied with locating the right room, neither Dylan nor Harper paid attention to Arabella as they passed.
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Chapter 66 The Masquerade Continues
Still, Dylan did cast a fleeting glance her way.
Why was someone wearing a hat and a mask indoors?
Odd. There was something vaguely familiar about her silhouette.
“There it is–up ahead,” Harper announced, pointing toward Suite One.
Distracted by her words, Dylan followed her gesture. “You’re right. Let’s hurry p>
They quickened their pace toward the suite.
Meanwhile, Arabella and Colton carried their items to his car in the parking lot.
Colton glanced over at her. “Where’s your car p>
“I took a taxi here p>
“A taxi? Didn’t the Hamiltons arrange a ride for you?” Colton’s eyes widened slightly.
“They did. I had the driver drop me off a few blocks away to avoid being noticed. Let’s just get in the car,” Arabella replied casually, opening the passenger door and slipping inside.
Colton stored the pieces carefully in the trunk before taking the driver’s seat.
“I’ll drive you home, then,” he offered.
“Alright p>
He started the engine and pulled out onto the road, heading toward Cloudrise Manor.
“Those two we passed upstairs–that was Dylan and Harper, wasn’t it?” Colton asked, a slight frown forming.
“Yeah p>
“They didn’t recognize you, did they?” Arabella pressed.
“Probably not. Besides, they don’t really know me. What about you? You weren’t recognized either, were you?” Colton turned the question back to her.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.