Chapter 686

Chapter 686

The sketches spread out before them were a study in escalating provocation. The first dress featured a daring, thigh-high slit; the second showcased an open-waist design; the third was a sleek halter-neck; and the fourth featured a V-neckline that plunged dangerously close to her navel.

While Mason found the fourth dress borderline scandalous, he managed to bite his tongue. However, when his eyes landed on the fifth design, his jaw practically dropped.

It was a mermaid-cut gown, tailored to cling to every curve of an hourglass figure, with a bodice specifically designed to accentuate a woman’s cleavage. The mere sight of it forced Mason to cross his legs, struggling to suppress a very physical reaction.

He wanted to be the only person on earth to see her in a dress like that. If she walked into a ballroom in front of hundreds of other men wearing that garment, he knew he’d lose his mind—he’d likely end up detonating the entire venue just to get her out of there. She had already pushed his buttons once with her New Year’s Eve performance outfit; he wasn't about to let a repeat performance happen.

When Mason didn’t immediately respond, Janet opened her eyes and scanned the drawings. "I think they're all quite lovely," she teased, a playful glint in her eyes. "But the fifth one? That mermaid cut is truly impressive."

Taking the bait, White Python nodded eagerly. "I'll make the arrangements with the company's head designer right away and have it tailored for you, Miss Jackson."

"She won't be making anything," Mason interjected, his voice dropping to a deep, ominous growl. He reached out and snatched the drawing, his fist tightening until the paper was nothing more than a crumpled ball in his hand.

White Python recoiled, a look of pure despair crossing his face. He glanced at Janet and saw the mischievous smirk tugging at her lips, realizing too late that he had been used as a pawn in her game. He shuddered. How can she be so sinister? She’s laying traps in her daily conversation!

"You can leave now," Janet said calmly, watching White Python’s panicked exit with impish delight. Once the door clicked shut, she let out a soft laugh. "Relax, I was only joking. Why are you getting so worked up?"

While she enjoyed seeing Mason lose his legendary composure, she also knew that being this exasperated all day wasn't good for his health—or her own peace of mind.

"Is that so?" Mason’s voice dropped into that seductive, low register that always made her skin tingle. He leaned in close, his warm breath tickling the sensitive skin of her neck. "Do you really enjoy seeing me angry that much?"

He felt entirely helpless against her. Whether she was mercilessly teasing him or trying to make him jealous, she always seemed to have him wrapped around her finger.

Janet tilted her head away from his breath, trying to regain her focus. "I don’t," she lied, tucking her legs beneath her on the couch. She picked up her phone and began tapping on the screen. "Fine. Since you hate those so much, I’ll just design my own evening dress for the banquet."

With only a couple of days left, there wasn't enough time for a professional redesign anyway. Since she was free, she figured she might as well take matters into her own hands.

Mason stepped back, his expression turning stern as he issued his "requirements." "The dress must cover your arms, your thighs, your chest, your waist, and your back!"

Janet blinked, momentarily speechless. By those standards, I might as well show up in a burlap sack, she thought. Ignoring his ridiculous list, she began sketching a rough outline on her phone.

Fifteen minutes passed in silence before Janet handed the device to Mason. She bit her lip, watching his reaction. "Take a look. See if this is more to your 'taste.'"

She had envisioned a modern, elegant cheongsam. It was conservative enough to cover the "important bits" but designed with a sophistication that wouldn't look out of place at a high-society banquet.

Mason took the phone. A look of immense satisfaction washed over his face as he appraised the design. It was perfect—most of her arms and legs would be covered, meaning she wouldn't be showing too much skin to the public, nor would she catch a cold in the drafty hall.

"I approve," Mason declared, the corners of his mouth finally tipping into a genuine smile. Then, a sudden realization hit him. He turned to her, puzzled. "Wait... did you just finish a complete design sketch in fifteen minutes?"

Even the director of the Lowry Family Conglomerate’s fashion department would need half a day just to produce a rough concept. How was it possible for Janet to do it in the time it took to drink a cup of coffee?

"I picked up fashion design for a while back in the day," Janet answered flippantly, leaning back into the cushions with her trademark lazy grace.

Mason smiled, his eyes overflowing with adoration and a touch of awe. No matter how much he thought he knew her, she always had another secret waiting to be uncovered.