Bride behind the mask novel (Marguerite) novel Chapter 646

An hour later, in the study of the Winston Mansion.

Marguerite's overcoat, which she had just slipped on, hung casually over Frederick's forearm. Despite claiming he couldn't smell a thing, the faint scent wafting from the coat was teasingly elusive, making him feel unexpectedly refreshed.

His gaze softened as it shifted from the fabric, turning to face Chuck, his eyes now businesslike and probing.

"What's the latest on Maurice?"

Chuck pondered for a moment before respectfully replying, "Mr. Winston, since that last fiasco where Maurice and his hacker pals siphoned off 30 billion from the conglomerate, there's been no peep from him. But I heard he's been dipping his toes into the tech industry, supposedly working on some kind of wafer."

Frederick didn't get the answer he was looking for. His eyes narrowed into a fierce glare. "I'm not talking about that."

"Not... that?" Chuck stood, slightly baffled, his parted lips betraying his surprise.

As Frederick's impatience became palpable, Chuck scrambled to connect the dots. Recalling the conversation Marguerite had in the car with Frederick, he met the man's gaze with disbelief, tentatively asking, "Mr. Winston, are you referring to... something about Marguerite?"

"Mhm."

Frederick's aristocratic brows furrowed slightly. "Miley investigating Maurice? What's that about?"

"Mr. Winston, Maurice has been going on about marrying Marguerite for ages without making a move. Miley suspects there's a compelling reason behind his hesitation. She wants to unearth that reason; perhaps then Marguerite won't feel coerced into marrying him."

At that, Frederick let out a derisive snort, his seductive lips curling into a cold smirk. "If she doesn't want to marry, she shouldn't. It's not like someone's holding a knife to her throat, making her do it. Always looking for a better offer—excuses!"

Chuck, not wanting to see the budding warmth between Frederick and Marguerite ruined by Maurice, quickly defended her, "Mr. Winston, Marguerite is in a tough spot! After all, she bore Maurice twins, and for the sake of the children, she can't just cut ties completely. Plus, haven't you forgotten? Three years ago, when you and Marguerite were to marry, you were a no-show, yet somehow the marriage certificate was issued. Maurice must have had a hand in that. If he could manipulate your marriage to Marguerite, why couldn't he secure his own union with her? That's precisely why Miley is digging into this matter."