Chapter 130

Chapter 130

Trust is the bedrock of any relationship, but between Janet and Mason, it was a currency neither was quite ready to spend.

Mason didn’t answer Janet’s question. Instead, he closed the distance between them, leaning in until his voice was a low, velvet whisper against her ear. “Do you miss me?”

Janet was momentarily rendered speechless. Then, she let out a short, dry chuckle. “Mr. Lowry, your narcissism really knows no bounds…”

Before she could finish the sentence, Mason moved. He swept her off her feet, carrying her effortlessly toward the sofa. He sat down and pulled her onto his lap. Janet’s brow furrowed, her muscles tensing with a primal urge to strike back and break his hold.

However, she forced herself to remain still. She knew that if she fought him with her full strength now, Mason would immediately confirm his suspicions about her identity. He already knew she was Master Nato; she could feel it. He had likely investigated every corner of her life and was simply waiting for her to trip over the evidence.

Mason reached up, turning her face to meet his gaze. “Don’t call me a narcissist. It’s the middle of the night, Janet. Any man would misunderstand your intentions in coming here.”

Janet looked at him blankly, feeling a rare, frustrating sense of weakness in his presence. Mason smiled, his fair hand lightly caressing her cheek. “Don’t worry. You can come to me whenever you miss me.”

In response, Janet coldly swatted his hand away. She reached for the bracelet-necklace around her neck and yanked it off. “Take it back.”

The air in the room instantly chilled. Mason let out an inaudible gasp, a rare, cold glint flickering in his charming eyes. Janet knew he was angry, but she didn't care. They weren't close enough for her to accept such a heavy gift; returning it felt like the only logical choice.

Janet turned her head away in discomfort, but Mason wasn't finished. He reached out, yanking her head back around, and crashed his lips against hers.

“Urgh…!” Janet’s eyes widened in sheer shock. She shoved him away with a burst of frantic energy, wiping her mouth hard with the back of her hand. “Have you lost your mind?!”

Without thinking, her instinct took over. Her fist connected squarely with Mason’s eye.

Mason hissed, recoiling from the blow. He licked his lips calmly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth despite the pain. “I’m not crazy. You were the one who lied to me first.”

Janet stiffened. “Is there something you want to say?”

“Are you talking about the painting?” Mason asked, watching her steadily. He said nothing more, simply waiting for her to crumble.

Realizing that hiding the secret was becoming a losing game, Janet lowered her voice. “I never intended to lie to you. I’m sure you’ve already investigated me and my bank records. My... friend helped me with the paperwork.”

She knew she had to give him something. If she didn't blame a "friend," he would start digging into the bank officials, and that would lead to even more exposure.

A triumphant smile curled the corners of Mason’s lips. Just as I expected. Not only had he confirmed her identity, but he’d managed to steal a kiss in the process.

“You are full of surprises, Janet,” Mason whispered, his gaze fiery. “Only you can surprise me over and over again.”

So, she was both the legendary Doctor Sandra and the enigmatic Master Nato. He wondered how many more masks she wore. But it didn't matter. No matter how many identities she claimed, he had already decided: she belonged to him.

Janet saw the "know-it-all" look on his face and fought the urge to punch his other eye. The one she had hit was already beginning to swell. Does this man not feel pain? Mason actually did feel it—the throbbing was finally starting to catch up to him—but he refused to let it show.

Janet looked at him with a mix of irritation and a tiny, buried shred of guilt. Mason touched his bruising eye. “Can I read your expression as regret?”

Janet snorted. “It wasn't a heavy punch. You’ll recover in two or three days. Just try not to act so... flirtatious... while you’re healing.”

With that, she turned on her heel and walked out.

“Flirtatious?” Mason’s lip twitched uncontrollably.

Late that night, Janet scaled the wall of the Jackson residence and slipped back into her room. Sitting in front of her mirror, she stared at her reflection, her chest tight with fury.

She had lost a necklace, her secret identity as Master Nato was compromised, and—most infuriatingly—he had stolen a kiss. Her fingers traced her lips, and her eyes flashed with a dangerous, dark light.