Home / Romance / Love in Disguise / Chapter 17: The Unlikely Duo

Share

Chapter 17: The Unlikely Duo

Author: Emily Martins
last update Last Updated: 2025-03-02 22:48:12

Charles paced outside his father’s office, the weight of an unexpected call pressing on his chest. His dad rarely summoned him during the day unless it was something serious. He took a deep breath before pushing open the heavy oak door.

“Dad, you called?” Charles entered, attempting a calm tone, though the knot in his stomach tightened.

Mr. Lucas, Charles' father, sat behind an imposing desk littered with paperwork and an aura of authority. Without looking up, he waved his son closer. “Yes, Charles. Sit down.”

Charles sat but leaned forward, clearly impatient. “What’s this about?”

His dad looked up, his eyes gleaming. “There’s a project I need you and Mr. Mason to handle.”

Charles blinked, confused. “Mr. Mason? Why him? Why not…” he hesitated, thinking of a list of other suitable candidates. “...anyone else?”

Mr. Lucas chuckled, his voice deep and knowing. “Because I trust you both. This is a huge project, son, and I don’t want to hand it over to someone I don’t trust.”

Charles shifte
Continue to read this book for free
Scan code to download App
Locked Chapter

Related chapters

  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 18: Shadows of the Past

    Charles felt the sweat before he even saw her, the prickling sensation of unease crawling up his spine. He swallowed hard, but it didn’t stop the wave of tension tightening his chest. When he finally spoke, his voice came out strained, as if he wasn’t even himself. “Dad... what the hell is Veronica doing here?” The words spat out with more venom than he intended, his anger flaring like a match to gasoline. Emotions he thought were long buried threatened to resurface, shaking his usually calm demeanor.Veronica Kingston stood in the doorway like she owned the room. Her lips curled into a smirk, the same smirk that used to drive him crazy—and not in a good way. “Aren’t you happy to see me, Charles?” she cooed, her voice dripping with mock sweetness. “I’ve missed seeing you at my feet.”Charles’s pulse quickened. God, she hasn’t changed. He wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it all, but the laughter stuck in his throat. The last place he wanted to be was anywhere near Veronica Kingston

    Last Updated : 2025-03-02
  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 19: Heated Moments

    CharlotteI could practically feel Charles’ stare burned into me, though his eyes were far away, lost somewhere in the mess Veronica had left behind. His jaw was tight, his shoulders hunched, like the weight of the world—or maybe just her presence—was pressing down on him. A few moments passed, thick with tension, before he finally snapped out of it. “What’s the project about?” he asked, his voice rough, like the words had to crawl out of his throat. I blinked. Had he seriously just asked that? After all that, now he cares?“Well, Mr. Mason?” he pressed, growing impatient. “Do you have any idea how we’re going to handle it?”I sighed, leaning back in my chair and adjusting my tie. “He explained the basics,” I said, trying to keep my cool. “But I haven’t quite figured out how we’re going to approach it yet. If you can give me time—”“Time?” Charles shot out of his chair so fast I thought he might flip the desk over. “We don’t have time! Do you understand that?”His voice was sharp, l

    Last Updated : 2025-03-04
  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 20: Cracks in the Armor

    ---CharlesThe next morning hit me hard. My head ached as I slowly sat up in bed, still dressed in the clothes from the night before. The bar, Veronica’s whisper, the tequila—it all came crashing back in pieces. I sighed, pressing my fingers against my temples.What did I even do last night?I stumbled into the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face. As I stared into the mirror, I realized two things: . I looked like hell.. I couldn’t afford to screw this project up any more than I already had.Mason’s words came flashing back in my head. You disgust me. And even with the hangover haze, I knew she had a point. I had messed up—big time. But what was I supposed to do now? She wasn’t going to come back and help me. And Veronica, of all people, showing up now? Offering me some sort of backdoor deal? That wasn’t a coincidence. She had something up her sleeve, and it sure wasn’t going to be good for me.Still, I couldn’t stop thinking about what she had said: “Join the winning team.”

    Last Updated : 2025-03-04
  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 21: Revealing Secrets

    CharlotteSomething was wrong. Charles was not in the office and it was already past his usual time. He couldn't shake the smug look he had given Veronica earlier. She said something, but I couldn't understand it. My gut told me something was seriously wrong. I needed to know what Charles was doing. Maybe it wasn't my job, but the way he's been doing lately, the secrecy and the tension... it wasn't just work anymore. He couldn't let it ruin everything, neither for him nor for the company.I walked towards his office, not caring if it was a bad idea. When I opened the door, there he was, Charles, standing at the window with his back to me. His shoulders were stiff, his grip on the chair so tight he was clinging to it for dear life.When he finally came back, his face was pale and there was something in his eyes that I hadn't seen before: fear. "Mr. Mason," he stammered, his voice shaking, clearly caught off guard. She raised an eyebrow, watching him fidgeting nervously like a child c

    Last Updated : 2025-03-05
  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 22: Unmasking Intentions 

    CharlotteHearing the words, “I can’t do this without you,” from someone as proud as Charles was nothing short of shocking. The usual arrogance was gone, replaced by something that almost seemed... human. His tone sounded like he needed me. We stepped into the elevator to head back to his office, and while the quiet hum of the moving lift filled the silence, my mind raced, wondering what was coming next.When we reached his office, I stumbled as I walked in, and before I could regain my balance, he caught my hand, chuckling softly. “Always so clumsy,” he muttered, a smirk playing on his lips. I shot him a glare but couldn’t help smiling a little. It was strange—Charles was almost... nice?He handed me a stack of documents, his expression darkening again. “Veronica left these,” he said, a hint of anger slipping back into his voice. I sat down, flipping through the pages, and one particular clause made my stomach drop. If Charles signed this, it could ruin everything his family worked f

    Last Updated : 2025-03-05
  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 23: A Favor with Conditions

    CharlotteI was still reeling from the favor Charles had asked of me—to stay at his house until the project was finished. My mind was racing with questions, doubts, and a strange mix of feelings. I couldn’t believe he would ask me for something so personal, and I didn’t know how I felt about it.After a moment, I managed to respond, trying to keep my voice steady. “I… I need some time to think about it. There are a few things I need to sort out first.”Charles nodded, seeming almost relieved. “Alright. Take your time, Mason.”There was something in the way he looked at me, a rare softness like he was finally seeing me as more than just his assistant. It made me feel… strange. To make things even more surprising, he insisted on dropping me off near my place, instead of going straight to his house like usual. I watched in confusion as he turned his car toward my street, his face unusually calm.When he stopped at the junction, I tried to hide my surprise as I got out of the car. “Thanks

    Last Updated : 2025-03-05
  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 24 – Moving In

    CharlotteSitting across from Charles, I was doing my best to focus. Thoughts of the project were only half the battle—I was also wrestling with nerves about moving into his house. But, in this job, my personal worries had to come second.I shifted the conversation. “So… the project. Do you have any ideas? Do you understand what it’s about?”Charles let out a sigh and rubbed his temples. “Honestly? Not really. But it sounds like you do. What are you working on?”I smiled, relieved to finally talk about something I knew well. “Well, I’ve been researching ways to make sustainable building designs,” I explained. “The idea is to use eco-friendly materials that won’t just reduce costs over time but will also make the buildings energy-efficient. Natural lighting, ventilation—things that create a luxury feel but with a reduced environmental impact.”Charles looked intrigued, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “Okay, I’m listening.”“Imagine structures that blend high-end aesthetics with green

    Last Updated : 2025-03-05
  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 25: New Grounds

    After a moment of hesitation at the front steps, Charlotte took a steadying breath and called Charles. Her voice had an unintentional shake to it. “Hello, are you home?”“Yes, Mason, I’m here,” he responded almost immediately.Feeling her heartbeat quicken, she rang the bell. Charles opened the door with a welcoming smile. “Welcome to my home again,” he said.“Thanks,” she replied, giving him a small, appreciative smile.He gestured down the hall. “The room upstairs on the left is yours. Make yourself comfortable.”Charlotte gave a small nod and carried her modest luggage up the wide staircase, taking in the luxurious details along the way. Everything in the house radiated wealth and elegance, from the polished wooden floors to the tasteful artwork hanging on the walls.CharlotteWhen I entered the room, I couldn’t help but be taken aback. It was spacious, bright, and styled in neutral tones, with a huge, inviting bed draped in soft linens. I sank onto the mattress, feeling the plush

    Last Updated : 2025-03-05

Latest chapter

  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 56: A Father's Ultimatum

    Olivia's POVMy sister is one of the best people I've ever met in this world. She inconvenienced herself so she could feed us and pay our bills, but she could have told me the truth right from the start, and that was why we are sisters, right? Now everything made sense to me. The disguise I found in her wardrobe and how she has been acting suspiciously keep making me wonder how her boss hasn't noticed her. And how was she able to disguise as two people in the same location and at the same time?Running away from home will not solve the problem at hand and it will keep giving distances to the relationship between us. I ran away from home because I was angry at her, but at some point, I realized that I ought not to be angry, but I wanted her to realize the gravity of what she had done. We are family and we should get the approval of each other before we get involved in anything, especially this risky work of hers. She could go to jail for it if her boss could get that she's impersonati

  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 55: Masks And Revelation

    Charlotte's POV continuedI entered the house with my extra key and started tiptoeing to my room and suddenly I hit my head on the wall. I used my hand to search for the light switch to turn it on and see where I was going and the wall I hit my head on, and it was Olivia. She was dressed in shorts and a crop top. With the way she was tiptoeing, I knew she was trying to sneak out of the house probably to meet Adrian. For a second or two, we both stood staring at each other. Olivia tried screaming, but I was quick enough to cover her mouth with my hands so she wouldn't wake Mum up.“Relax Olivia. It's me, Charlotte, and not a thief who breaks in." I said. Olivia tried talking but my hands on her mouth restricted her from talking. Noticing her struggles, I decided to release my hand from her mouth hoping that she won't scream.“What the hell is happening here,e and why are you calling yourself Charlotte when you're not? Do you think I'm a kid?" Olivia ranted out. Noticing that words won'

  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 54: The Unexpected Obstacle

    Charlotte's POVI spent the night alone and the next day, I went to check up on Olivia at the hospital. I called Mum to give me directions to where the hospital was located and her ward number. I got to the ward to meet Adrian, who was feeding her, and my mum was sitting beside them.“Hey, mum. Good morning." I greeted her.“Good morning. How was your night and how was your journey?"It was fine mum.“It seems Mum is the only visible person here." Olivia mouthed.“No sis. I was about to ask you too. How's your health?"I'm getting better“I tried talking to you most times but mum said you're always sleeping."Yeah. The surgery stressed me, so I needed enough time to rest. How did your trip go in Hawaii?”Olivia asked me."It was fun and I took lots of pictures,” I replied to her back and brought out my phone to showher the pictures I took when I was wearing the red bikini."Oh, my goodness, Charlotte! You look like a water goddess.” Olivia exclaimed and I smiled ather.“How many guy

  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 53: Returning Home

    NEW YORK CITYMAVERICK SPECIALIST HOSPITALLinda Keller's POV (Charlotte and Olivia's mum)It's been three days now that Olivia has been in a coma, and she's responding to treatment, but she's yet to wake up. I could have told Charlotte on the phone but I don't want to disturb her fun. She's been trying to fend for the family and I admire her courage and selflessness in caring for the family. I rested my head on my lap when I heard Olivia calling me faintly.“Mum. Where am I?“Don't say a word yet. I will call the doctor to come check up on you." I said and went to call the doctor. The doctor came a few moments later and checked her vitals.“Everything is fine about her vitals but we will still have to keep her here to monitor her health because it's a miracle she woke up this early." The doctor said“Can she take food now?"You can only get her fruits. If you need anything, you should call me.” The doctor said and walked back to his office I guessed.“How are you feeling now?" I aske

  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 52: The Morning After

    Chapter 52: The Morning AfterCharles POVI woke up the next day and used my hands to tap the bed to see if Angela was still there and if she was sleeping peacefully like the angel she was. I snuggled closer to her, taking in her sweet scent while she let out a little sound. The little act of hers made me chuckle. I moved closer to her and gave her a peck on her forehead. My hands moved to her silky blonde hair, and I brushed it aside, taking a better look at her face. I moved her hair sideways as I stared at the birthmark on the side of her neck, which looked too beautiful to be natural. I have seen this girl once again and I'm never going to lose her. I took my business phone and tried taking her facial pictures but it was out of power. I took my private phone and took her pictures in different poses as she slept. I'm so happy to get her pictures because if she should disappear again, finding her won't be a difficult thing. I got down from the bed to charge my phone, which was out o

  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 51: Lost In The Moment

    Emma's POVThe party was awesome and I enjoyed it a lot. In short, everyone enjoyed the party well except for my bestie. Talking about my bestie, I haven't seen her ever since she went to meet Charles and guess she was bored. I just hope she's not doing something risky. After the dance, I was about to look for her when I saw her walking into the party looking hot in her red bikini which made her the center of attraction at the party, and I guessed she had missed her real self and spotlight as an actress. I saw her walk over to Charles and push the girl who was seducing him aside before sitting on his lap. It's glaring that my bestie is all over thisguy. The short period of time they've spent together was enough to make them fall in love with each other. It's just that their love is in disguise, portraying what they are not and what they don't want, which makes it harder for them to accept their true feelings for each other. Soon, I saw both of them heading inside the lodge, and I kne

  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 50: A Night Of Seduction

    Mason's(Charlotte) POVAs we entered the beach fully, I felt more of the urge to do something crazy, but I tried to control myself and my feelings. I walked around with Charles as he had fun and I knew he wasn't comfortable. I left him alone to enjoy the party while I sat in a lonely corner to watch what wasgoing on in the party. I saw Emma giving Liam a lap dance and other couples kissing each other. I moved my eyes to where Charles was and I saw he was also having his fun. I guessed I'm the only one not having fun here. I stood up to meet Charles and lied to him that I was not feeling good and that I was going to rest in my room, but I had other plans. I went back to the lodge and I saw Tessa talking to one of the drink servers."What is she doing here?" was the question that came to my mind, and I was about going to meet her when I heard her speak."Have you given Charles the drink I told you to give him?." I heard her ask him."Yes ma'am"Good." She said and walked away. Charles

  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 49: Undercover At The Beach

    Alex's POVI chatted with Noah, but he wasn't replying to my messages. Then I decided to use another way to message him, and that got him to reply to my message.💬 I've been going through your page for a while now and I'm impressed about your drawing.You're a talented person.💬 Thank you very much. Art is me and I love expressing it💬I hope you don't mind working for me?". I sent him.💬With what?💬It's just that I need a drawing or just a sketch of an access card. I have an island somewhere in this country and I've been told that it's been used as a tourist attraction which I don't like so I'm thinking of creating an access card that only the owner of the access card can haveaccess to the island." I lied smoothly before sending him the message.💬 That's an easy thing to do. I will help you create one with my idea and you can give it to someone who's going to make my sketch a reality." Noah replied to me and went offline.💬 Okay. I will be counting on youA few minutes later,

  • Love in Disguise    Chapter 48: Deception And Desires.

    Tessa's POVI sat down in my room, waiting for Alex's message or maybe a call to inform me of Charles' location, and just like I had thought, Alex's call came in, and I picked it up immediately."Hello, ma'am."Hello. Have you found an update?"Yes ma'am. Presently, Charles isn't in the state. He had gone on a short vacation with the company's staff in Hawaii to celebrate their recent success."Wow. That's a good thing. Is there any way I can go there to meet him and maybe seduce him?"I will look for a way around it and I also heard that a beach party will be held tomorrow."That's an opportunity to get him, Alex. I would be wearing my bikini since it's a beach party and you know how sexy I'm going to look."Yes, ma'am, but there's one more thing that can restrict you from attending the party."Which is?"The lodge they are staying at is a private island owned by the Goldbergs which means you willhave to get an entrance key or card to have access to the island and it's only the Gold

Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status