Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



On the road, Ludwik remained silent throughout the journey.

Parker glanced back at the receding silhouette of Pearl Plaza and couldn't hold back any longer. "Ludwik, you were right there in front of her, why walk away without saying a word? You seem compelled to help her. Maybe you should talk to her, see what her expectations and acceptance levels are regarding Sammy's condition..."

"Didn't you hear her? Getting married next month?" Ludwik scoffed, a cold laugh echoing through the car. "Her child goes missing, and she's in the mood for a wedding? That kind of woman doesn't deserve to know where Sammy is. She's not worthy."

His expression was icy, his cool composure shattered.

'Ludwik, a man like you, I wouldn't take even if offered on a silver platter.'

Ha, is that her attitude, her resolution? He was curious to see if a man like Bryce could truly make her happy.

Whitney, just you wait and see.

Parker sensed the dark storm brewing in Ludwik's eyes. Whitney had truly infuriated him this time, and in his growing rage, Ludwik was out for retaliation.

The mention of next month's wedding... It unquestionably struck a nerve with Ludwik, leaving him bitterly cold.

Parker had grown accustomed to their constant battles, quipping, "Can't you keep your emotions in check? Then why bother instructing me to bribe a top executive at the Sheldon Group? Isn't that to ensure Whitney can reclaim the Sheldon Group in the future?"

Ludwik turned, his face set in stone. "Stop all actions directed towards that end, effective immediately."

"Damn, just like that, you're cutting her off?"

"She has Bryce, doesn't she? Let him handle it!"

Parker mused over Ludwik's bitter words. "Heh, Bryce, that scoundrel, swooping in when she's vulnerable. Does he truly care for Whitney? Even if he could offer her a sliver of help, he wouldn't dare. Afraid of exposing his backers, if you ever caught wind of them, wouldn't you uproot him completely? Bryce wants both the empire and the woman. Too bad Whitney can't see through him."

"Then let her fall," Ludwik's words were icy.

Parker looked at him, feeling a chill. Ludwik's cold strategy this time meant Whitney would likely never turn back.

It seemed she truly had decided to get married, or why else would she announce it so openly?

After finishing an event at the mall, Whitney rushed to the hospital to visit her father.

Cody and the caregiver were there.

The caregiver repeated the concerns of the past few days. "Those strangers lurking around here, pretending to visit others, but I've seen them eyeing Jared's room... You must be cautious. Who knows what they plan for the old master? They might tamper with his oxygen or collude with the medical staff to administer harmful drugs."

These were all scenarios Whitney had considered. Hugh, in his desperation to solidify his hold over the company, might resort to the extreme. Even her father's fragile breath was a threat to him.

Whitney increased the security detail, insisting on guards with military backgrounds for added protection.

Sitting by her father's bedside, she held Hudson's cold hand, her eyes brimming with unshed tears.

"Father, Dr. Ivan believes there's a chance for you to wake within six months, to recover. I've seen cases worse than yours where the patient woke up after three years. I've developed a drug that might help, but I'm scared of potential side effects. Dr. Ivan is working on your surgery plan. You must stay safe until then."

Hugh wouldn't let her father undergo surgery without attempting to interfere...

Whitney's gaze hardened. She stood, instructing the caregiver, "From this afternoon, we'll have guards outside 24/7. Please alert me and Cody immediately if you notice anything unusual."

The caregiver assured her, "Miss, don't worry. The old master's fate isn't sealed yet."

Cody escorted Whitney outside, concern etched on his face. "Miss, when do you plan to act? Today or tomorrow?"

"Once Nyx confirms Hugh's schedule, I'll make my move today."

"Please be careful. Hugh has proven more cunning than expected. Mr. Sheldon has always favored his brother, and even Jared's wife is blinded by Hugh."

Whitney clenched her fists. "If Hugh had shown any goodwill towards my father, I wouldn't believe he was after the company. Now, exposing his and Florence's illegitimate relationship is the only way to reveal their true colors to the shareholders and my grandparents."

That way, the Sheldon Group could return to its rightful leadership.

Cody patted her shoulder. "Hang in there, Miss. The chairman will wake up." Whitney smiled faintly.

Once Sammy returns, once her father wakes up, perhaps things will start to look up. Even if by then she's married to Bryce, it couldn't be worse than the present.

She had resolved to cut ties with Ludwik and had succeeded, with only the wedding left. And he had ceased his pursuit. His cold, hateful gaze at the mall lingered in her mind. Good, it was better to have nothing to do with each other.

Taking a deep breath, Whitney stepped out of the car and headed towards Delight Mansion.novelbin

As she passed the second villa, a familiar yet chilling childish voice floated through the open gates.

"Grandma, if you come to live here, Sammy and I would be the happiest! This is Villa Two, it's designed differently from our Villa Four, single-level, perfect for you to get around easily."

The backyard might not have a swimming pool, but it's a green sanctuary with its own outdoor movie theater. When Sammy gets back, it'll be like we've got two mansions!

Sammy loves stargazing. We can

set up a telescope here at grandma's place. And he's all into crafting Sophisticated gadgets. Hey, to the real estate manager, when you're doing the renovations remember to add a spacious kids' room for my grandma!

"Yes... Yes, Natalie. This young gentleman resides in Building 4, is he your grandson?"

The real estate manager forced a smile as voices spilled out from the doorway.

Whitney stood at a distance, catching their conversation and instantly understood who this elderly lady was.

And she knew why she was here.

Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, a shadow crossing her thoughts. As they emerged, she tightened her grip on her bag and called out, "Danny."

“...Mom, mommy!" Danny, who had been all cool a moment ago, suddenly looked flustered.

The chatter around him quieted down as he turned to look at his grandma, then playfully stuck out his tongue and ran towards his mom. "Uncle Felix brought grandma over to check out our place."

"She's thinking of buying a place here?" Whitney asked, cutting to the chase, her brow furrowed.

Natalie noticed Whitney, her face tense and worried, which made Natalie's heart skip a beat.

Her reaction was expected.

"Whitney..." Natalie called out softly,

supported by a servant as she approached, her eyes momentarily brimming with tears, "It's not Danny's fault, dear. It's me... I wanted to see the houses here.

I really want to live close to Danny.

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I haven't made up my mind yet. Whitney, if you're not okay with me living here, then I... I won't buy it."