Bride behind the mask novel (Marguerite) novel Chapter 871

Marguerite’s brow furrowed slightly. “Sweetheart, I’m going to take care of something important. This isn’t a playdate.”

Hayes pouted. “But Mom, I don’t want to stay at the hospital.”

Manley, savoring a bite of ice cream, nodded vigorously.

“Yeah, yeah! Ms. Marguerite, the hospital’s disinfectant smells awful. Hayes and I just want to keep you company!”

Hayes looked up at Marguerite, raising three fingers in a hurried oath. “Mom, Manley and I will just sit quietly to the side, or maybe play on the computer in the office next door. We promise we won’t bother you!”

Jocelyn chimed in, “Marguerite, just let them come along. Robert and Miley are out, Penelope’s busy with the lawyers, and honestly, they’re best off with you. I’ll stay here with Maurice at the hospital.”

With Jocelyn’s insistence, Marguerite could only agree, albeit reluctantly.

After a quick meal, the three of them hurried out to Janie’s car. Half an hour later, they arrived at Winston Group headquarters.

There was no denying it—Maurice had been rolling in success these past six months. Since the Winston Group moved to Cresthaven, they’d managed to claim an entire campus right in the heart of downtown.

The tallest building—a slender, gleaming tower—was not only the city’s newest landmark, but also the office hub for Maurice and his core team.

Janie led the trio inside, still eager to sing Maurice’s praises. “Ms. Lockwood, Mr. Winston treats you like royalty. When the Group relocated, he had an office built for you on the very top floor, right next to his. He even brought in a designer to match everything to your style. All you have to do is say the word, and you can take any position you want at Winston Group.

Honestly, Mr. Winston’s never done this for any other woman. If you’d like, I can show you around after this?”

A swirl of emotions swept over Marguerite. Maurice’s devotion was undeniable—perhaps even overwhelming.

But the last thing she wanted was to hear, once again, about everything Maurice had done for her. Who would have guessed that being the object of someone’s affections could be this much… pressure?

“Let’s just take care of business first,” she replied, her face unreadable.

But Hayes, standing nearby, was soaking up every word. If Mom’s office is right next to Maurice’s, then his office must be up on the top floor, too!

Under the dim stairwell lights, the endless flights looked like torture. Manley’s face fell. “Do I have to go?”

“Yes! I need you to stand guard for me!”

With a resigned sigh, Manley lumbered up after Hayes.

Four flights were nothing to Hayes, but Manley—being a bit on the chubby side—was trembling by the time they reached the top, sweat beading on his forehead.

Luckily, there were only two offices on the top floor. One was under renovation—probably Mom’s. The other, door tightly shut, had to be Maurice’s.

Hayes stepped up to the door, only to find it required a keypad code.

He frowned, trying to figure out what to do next, when suddenly, from down the hall, a soft “ding” echoed—the elevator doors were opening.

Someone was coming!