The Billionaire's Mask

AY

his room. You can do whatever you want in the house but never go inside his private space unless you are permi

tied in a bun forever. She has a strong countenance and is about fi

and.” I gu

enty-eight, a self-made billionaire, and the sole owner and chairman of Grethe and Elga En

tery. No single soul has seen him in person. He never shows up anywhere p

s he allergic to sunrise?

ie? I just wa

dging the hesitation in my voice. We

eally not

re thing: this is the last

yes? I swa

nsion’s grandeur. I didn’t know mansions still existed in New York City, but

and the floors are so clean it seems as though no single speck of dirt has ever touched them. Yet I can’t miss the dark gray draperies covering the tall

red in snow. But what captures my attention the most is the portrait of a handsome young man hanging in the center of the space. He

, who’s he?

walk, we stop in front of a hand-carved wooden door on the second floo

passage are for the guests,” she says as she unlocks the door and hands me

ven know h

nside.” I smile, wondering if she wou

meet you in the living room in one

you.” I smile, t

luggage behind me, and my eyes

anxious someone might hear me. I look around, astonished at the realization that I am meant

of Italian marble, a stone fireplace occupies the far wall, and there’s a sitting area with two small, padded loungers. Also, the curtains a

But the thing that startles me most is the MacBook g

And as expected, the bathroom is luxurious. My highest hope was a clawfoot bathtub or s

, but who am I to complain? My new boss is probably

ull out my few articles of clothing and hang them in the wardrobe or tuck them away in drawers

mmediately grab my

ht away. It’s Martin, the one who cried the lou

t’s Al

ls excitedly. “Are

I answer, staring at the

want to ta

e him pouting. “Fin

ss you! When are

re you have good grades at school and

l give me a c

t you have to share it w

se Mira wan

n you give the pho

youngest of twelve adopted siblings. I chuckle again at hearing his voice. I hear his

t?” It’s M

he’s on the pho

cratches on the other line

om

Are you at the mansion?” she asks.

” I sob. “I m

Are they n

nnie was nice, but I s

t for the head housemaid, bu

was beside me, she would have already wra

all so much. I wanted

ngs love you,” she says softly.

I only have an hour to prepare,

m glad you called, but make

” I pr

you, d

ve yo

siblings, and Mom needs help paying for her neuromuscular scoliosis treatment and the debts sh

throom. It takes everything in me to avoid using

tfit, fix my hair into a bun, and don’t bother to put on makeup, though I apply a small amoun

who’s

ristwatch, and I

ked the door behind me. My limbs feel like they

s an employee as well, and this mansion probably has more emplo

the stairs, Ms. Lenn

e. Late,” she point

B-But y

time, on ti

. I’ll rem

the library. The third and fourth are for the Master’s use. As the assistant chef, Alayna, you are allowed to enter his study on the third floor. I don’t permit the hous

tand, Ms.

the kitchen and intro

med of. It’s polished with a gourmet marble island, professional-grade appliances, and ample food storage.

n in a white shirt and jeans standing in t

he turns. I can’t believe how young and attractive he

asks, and God, his voice...

nt chef,” Ms. Lennie says. “This is Alayna H

o, Alayna. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you. I’m Oliver Katrakis,” he says poli

re’s a part of me that doesn’t w

prise. “I saw you in the articles. You’re the CEO of Grethe a

le. “Technically, you are correct, Miss Hart. And yes, I’m

s all I

Katrakis as the chairman’s cousin in public records

e cuts in, her expr

Ms. Le

job description. I’ll leave yo

han her, despite being the CEO or the chef or whatever—no offense to her

grand tour?” he asks

es, except for t

dn’t see th

ng fountain and th

rt, I see.” His eyes gleam.

en smile. “