Masks Falling One by One: The CEO's Wife Is Actually a Top Boss

give a gift

The Cavendish family was a veritable aristocratic household, sparing no expense to ensure every child received the finest upbringing possible.

Eldest brother Edmund Cavendish was a man of both martial prowess and literary grace. Blessed with striking looks, he had joined forces with his father and uncle to build the family business into an unrivaled success.

Second brother Julian Cavendish held a distinguished commission in the British Army, his chest adorned with medals earned from valiant service—his future shone bright with promise.

Third brother Sebastian Cavendish had already made a name for himself as a celebrated painter and musician, his works acclaimed across London’s elite circles.

As for Violet, though only nineteen, she excelled in all the refined arts. Trained by master instructors since childhood, her virtuosity on the violin and piano had made her a fixture in high-society gatherings, admired by all who heard her play. At school, she topped every class, earning constant praise from teachers and peers alike.

With four such exceptional children, Earl Philip Cavendish and Countess Elizabeth walked tall at every banquet, their pride evident to all. Who wouldn’t envy the Cavendishes for their impeccable parenting and accomplished offspring?

Yet Serena Cavendish’s sudden return had thrown the couple into disarray.

Her homecoming also dredged up a far more delicate matter: her childhood betrothal pact with Elias Hall.

Long before either was born, the Cavendish and Hall families had been close. Their respective patriarchs had struck a deal over a bottle of brandy, binding the unborn children in marriage. Then Serena was abducted, and the Cavendishes adopted Violet in her place.

Bound by decades of friendship, the Halls and Cavendishes remained inseparable. Violet and Elias, born only months apart, grew up side by side, their bond blossoming into love. The Cavendishes had even planned an engagement party for them by year’s end.

But now Serena was back.

Elizabeth rubbed her temples, sighing. “Elias is a fine young man—handsome, talented, perfect for Violet. This is the 21st century, for heaven’s sake. That silly old betrothal pact should mean nothing.”

“We’ll need Father to talk to Lord Hall,” Philip said gravely. “If Lord Hall refuses to dissolve the agreement, we’ll be in a terrible spot.”

Elizabeth sighed again. “I’ll go speak to Father at once.”

……

Meanwhile, in the old lady’s sitting room, Lord Cavendish was on the phone with the headmaster of Violet’s school.

“Headmaster Montgomery,” he said, “I need a favor regarding my granddaughter Serena’s transfer.”

The headmaster’s tone was polite but unyielding. “Lord Cavendish, you mustn’t put me in this position. The regulations are strict—transfers follow a strict process. I’m sure you understand the stakes; I can’t make an exception, even for you.”

He hung up without another word.

Lady Cavendish, who’d been listening in, exploded with anger. “We’ve donated a fortune to that school! And they won’t even do this tiny thing for us?”

“There’s nothing to be done,” Lord Cavendish muttered, massaging his temples. “It’s the most prestigious private school in Central London—thousands would kill for a spot. If the headmaster showed favoritism, he’d lose his job, and the school’s reputation would be ruined. We’ll have to find Serena another school.”

Just then, Elizabeth walked in. She listened to her father’s words, then shrugged indifferently. “If she can’t get into London’s top school, it’s simply because her grades aren’t good enough. Any other school will still be far better than that tiny country town school she came from. Father, don’t waste another minute on this—leave it to the butler.”

Lord Cavendish nodded, relieved. “You’re right. Forcing her into the top school would only set her up for failure. A less competitive school won’t stop her from getting into a good university later.”

“Exactly. A gold mine shines no matter where you put it.”

With that, Elizabeth explained why she’d come.

……

Serena settled into her new life at Cavendish Manor. She had her own private courtyard, and aside from meals, she rarely crossed paths with the rest of the family. For the first time in years, she knew peace.

One afternoon, Fiona appeared at her door, bowing respectfully. “Miss, the eldest and second young masters are here to see you.”

Serena rose from her chair, left her bedroom, and descended to the courtyard’s sitting room.

Edmund stood tall in a tailored gray suit, his hair perfectly styled, his broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist. With his chiseled features, he looked like a romance novel hero come to life.

Julian, by contrast, wore simple black army trousers and a matching T-shirt, his entire demeanor exuding the rugged toughness of a soldier.

When Serena entered, both men turned to look at her.

Edmund studied his long-lost sister, taking in her delicate eyebrows, clear eyes, slender frame, and ethereal, aloof aura. She was a pleasing sight, to say the least.

He cleared his throat, pulled a limited-edition luxury watch from his pocket, and held it out. “I’m your eldest brother. This is a welcome-home gift.”

Julian’s expression remained stern as he pulled a black card from his jeans—a card linked to the family’s private bank. “I don’t do sentimentality. There’s money in this account—buy whatever you like.”

Serena took both gifts, about to thank them, when the two men turned on their heels and strode away without another word.

Fiona stood frozen, utterly baffled. Were the young masters welcoming their sister home, or rejecting her?

……

That evening, after dinner, Violet arrived at Serena’s courtyard with a maid in tow. She placed a rare white jade statuette of Athena on the table—an artifact worth millions, one that even the Cavendish sons had never been gifted.

“Sister,” Violet said sweetly, “this was my 19th birthday gift from grandparents. It’s my most cherished possession. I know you have nothing to your name since returning, so I wanted to give it to you. But I hope you won’t resent the love the family showers on me. They favor me because I’ve always strived to be worthy of the Cavendish name—not just because I’m their adopted daughter. I hope you understand that.”

Serena’s eyes remained cold and impassive. “If it’s your most cherished possession, I have no right to take it. Please take it back.”

“Impossible,” Violet retorted, her voice hardening. “If you refuse, it means you’re still angry with me for ‘stealing’ your place as a Cavendish lady. This gift is priceless, and it comes from the bottom of my heart. You must accept it.”

With that, Violet spun on her heel and left with her maid, leaving the statuette behind.

Serena glanced at the Athena statuette, then turned to Fiona. “Take this to Lord and Lady Cavendish’s courtyard. Tell them the gift is too valuable for me to keep privately, and ask them to return it to Violet on my behalf.”

Fiona looked utterly perplexed. “Miss, once a gift is given, it’s yours to keep. That statuette is worth a fortune—none of the other young masters or mistresses have ever received anything so precious. Violet chose to give it to you. Why not accept it?”

Serena didn’t even lift her eyes, her tone calm but commanding. “Do as I say.”

Fiona hesitated, then picked up the statuette and made her way to the main house. She recounted the entire exchange to Lady Cavendish, word for word.

Lady Cavendish fell silent for a moment, then said slowly, “If Violet gave it to Serena, she should keep it. The Cavendishes have spared no expense on Violet’s birthdays over the years. A single gift is the least she can do. Tell Serena to keep it—she can admire it if she likes, or sell it for cash if she doesn’t.”