Chapter 623
Dressed in a crisp military uniform, Mason looked like the very definition of professional restraint—a man of absolute abstinence. However, Janet was the only one who knew that his composed exterior was nothing more than an elaborate illusion. As Mason cleared his throat, a flash of slyness flickered deep in his eyes.
The reporters quickly noticed Janet’s arrival and immediately pivoted their cameras toward her. Under the bright glare of the lenses, Mason extended his hand with formal coolness. “Hello, Miss Jackson.”
The corner of Janet’s mouth quirked upward. “So, you’re the chief instructor?” she asked, her tone dripping with mock respect.
Before Mason could respond, the actual chief commander stepped forward, positioning himself between them. With his back toward Mason, he introduced himself to Janet. “I am the chief commander, Miss Jackson. However, Mr. Lowry here will be the one filming the recruitment video with you today.”
“I see. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Lowry,” Janet said, a small smile playing on her lips.
To her, the formal briefings were white noise. The only thing that truly mattered was the absurdity of the situation: she was about to film a high-profile recruitment video with Mason, and they were required to act like complete strangers despite being intimately well-acquainted. It was a bizarre, high-stakes performance.
Once the briefing concluded, Janet and Mason headed toward the heart of the training camp.
As they prepared for the first shot, the chief commander suddenly walked over to her. “Miss Jackson, please fix your collar. Your... mosquito bites are showing,” he noted helpfully, reaching out to adjust the fabric for her.
Janet’s entire body went rigid. Before the commander’s hand could touch her, Mason stepped in, blocking the man’s reach with a swift, sharp motion. “Allow me, Miss Jackson,” he said, his voice cold and laced with a hint of possessiveness that he couldn't quite hide.
“Thank you, Mr. Lowry,” Janet replied, turning her back to the cameras so Mason could reach her neck.
Even though the formal interview hadn't started, the reporters couldn't stop snapping photos of this quiet exchange. There was something about the tension between the two that felt like electricity; to the observers, it felt like love was in the air.
As he adjusted her collar, Mason’s cold, slender fingers brushed against the girl’s warm skin. The contrast in temperatures sent a shiver through her. Feeling a bit exposed under his touch, Janet’s eyes dimmed with a private intensity.
Meanwhile, one of the reporters, sensing a strange coincidence, let out an awkward cough. “Miss Jackson, could you also fix Mr. Lowry’s collar? It seems he has some... mosquito bites as well.”
A heavy silence followed. Janet stood still for a long moment before finally reaching out to straighten Mason’s uniform.
“See? Every one of these marks is your handiwork,” Mason whispered, his voice so low it was almost inaudible to everyone but her. He lifted an eyebrow, a triumphant smirk tugging at his lips.
“Likewise,” she replied calmly, her face a mask of professional indifference.
Mason let out a soft laugh and instinctively reached out to pull her closer. Janet took a sharp step back, her expression cooling. “Please behave yourself, Mr. Lowry!” she warned under her breath.
The chief commander, watching the clock with growing anxiety, cut in. “Hurry up, now! Don’t keep the press waiting!”
Janet and Mason immediately snapped into position, standing side-by-side with perfect military posture. To the reporters below the stage, they were a stunning pair—a handsome, powerful man and a beautiful, sharp woman. It was the perfect image for the campaign.
Without delay, the first reporter posed a question. “Mr. Lowry, why are you the one filming with this year’s top trainee?”
Mason delivered the rehearsed lines with practiced ease. “The chief commander hasn’t been feeling well and needed a replacement. Since Miss Jackson’s specific instructor this year hails from the Lowry family, it was only natural for the commander to approach me.”