Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 421

"Geez, my memory is like a sieve today. We just had lunch, and I ordered zucchini," Florence said, her gaze softening as she looked at the man across from her.

Ludwik paused, his deep eyes suddenly lifting to meet hers. He saw her stiffen, her eyes turning icy, a silent sneer crossing her lips. That smile was like a knife, cutting through the air towards him, filled with disdain and disgust. The man's gaze hardened. Why bother? She wouldn't appreciate it, would only misunderstand.

Florence took a big bite of her zucchini, trying to prove she really liked it. "Ludwik, thanks for looking out for me."

"Eat up," he responded.

Ludwik made it a point to monitor her meals, making sure her diet was rich in iron. He'd piled her plate with pork liver, spinach, and dates - all good for enriching blood - neatly served in a small bowl in front of her. "My God, Ludwik is so attentive to Florence," Sienna observed, exaggerating.

"The most eligible bachelor of Harmonia Country, and he dotes on his girlfriend like this. How did you manage to snag such a man, Florence?"

"Stop teasing me," Florence blushed, her eyes pure as she gazed at Ludwik. "Actually... Ludwik just wants me to get better. He's really just worried about me, making sure I eat properly."

To Ludwik, her words were merely stating the obvious.

But to others, it hinted at something deeper, leaving Whitney feeling as if she was chewing on wax.

She warned herself not to look, not to demean herself further, but when had Ludwik ever treated a woman like this?

She hadn't received such attention, and neither had Elaine, probably.

Was this what they called true love? The man who was once unattainable, now completely smitten by a girl? Hah, as if... A piece of pork chop landed in her bowl.

Looking up, Whitney met Hudson's complex gaze. "Whitney, it's your first time here, eat up. Dad has a present for you later."

A bittersweet warmth spread through Whitney's heart.

Holly tightened her grip, smiling. "Honey, today's also the day Florence and Ludwik make their relationship official. You've given your blessing, so don't skimp on their gift either."

Hudson's expression darkened slightly but softened as he looked at Florence's pale face. He knew, deep down, Ludwik was Whitney's child's father.

But somehow, things had taken a turn with Florence?

Now that it had come to this, he couldn't just force Whitney on Ludwik.

Pondering, Hudson cleared his throat and announced, "Ludwik, when your father and I discussed a union between our families, we decided that, upon your relationship with my daughter becoming official, I'd hand over 5% of the Lippert Group's shares for you to manage. Since you're with Florence... I won't go back on my word. Consider it a welcome gift for today's visit."

Ludwik barely cared about the 5% share. He'd have to stick to the 'relationship' for two years, until Florence's passing.

He nodded slightly. "Thank you, Ms. Sheldon."

"Ludwik, with my father's blessing, we're officially a couple now. You see how happy my mother and grandmother are."

She hadn't forgotten her excuse for bringing him home - to make her family happy.

The grandmother beamed with pride. "Florence, Ludwik is a catch, and you, with your simplicity and purity, match him well despite your frail health. You two are a match made in heaven, congratulations!"

The Sheldon family's alliance with the top bachelor of Harmonia Country would be the talk of the town, a powerful union in the Emperor City's elite circles.

The Sheldon family's status was bound to rise, perhaps even surpassing the Nelsons.

"Thank you," Florence said shyly, her eyes then darting to Whitney with concern. "Sis, you look a bit pale. Are you okay?"

Ludwik's heart skipped a beat at the awkwardness of the situation, something he hadn't expected.

His fingers tightened, his gaze cold as he avoided looking at her.

"Oh, she's probably just jealous that Florence snagged the top bachelor of Harmonia Country as her boyfriend," Sienna said sharply.

Hudson knew the underlying issues and snapped, "Sienna, nobody would think you're mute if you kept quiet!"

"Enough, everyone calm down. I have something to announce," Hudson said, producing a document. He'd gone to the study earlier for this very reason.

The words "Share Certificate" glinted, catching Holly's eye.

She watched as Hudson stood, announcing, "Since deciding to bring Whitney back home, I've taken 10% of the Sheldon Group's shares as a welcome gift for her. I'm making good on that promise today."

"Hudson! 10% of the Sheldon Group's shares are worth billions. You didn't discuss this with your father or siblings. It's too hasty.

Whitney is too young to handle such a large shareholding.

Besides, Florence hasn't received such a grand gesture from you ever. This is too much favoritism!"

The grandmother was the first to voice her opposition.

Florence's expression remained gentle, though her hands clenched slightly at her sides.

"Honey, Mom's right. Such a big decision should at least go through a shareholders' meeting..."

"She's just a girl fresh off the plane. How do you think this makes Florence feel? Do you favor her just because she's non-confrontational?"

Grandma said this, but her main concern was to guard against Whitney. After all, how could the Sheldon family's shares end up with an outsider?

"Cough, cough..." Suddenly, Florence started coughing violently, bending over with the effort.

"Florence!" Ludwik's lips tightened.

Florence leaned towards him, her pale face flushing red from coughing. She was furious inside, but her words came out weak and pitiful, "Mom, Grandma, please stop fighting. Actually... actually, it's good that the shares are going to my sister. Look at me. Who knows how long I'll last with my health like this." Holly's eyes filled with tears, "Florence, what are you talking about?"

"I've been sickly. Despite trying my hardest since I was little, I missed a lot of school. I've never been ambitious, so I never joined the family business to compete for power and glory.

I really wanted to help Dad and share his burdens... but I just didn't have the strength. I understand why Dad made this decision.

Giving the shares to my sister is a good thing..."

Her laugh was generous, but within it, there was a tinge of sorrow and loneliness that made it even more heartbreaking to witness. Whitney couldn't help but internally applaud her performance - playing the victim while showing restraint, how pitiable.

Sure enough, Grandma and Sienna were both annoyed and heartbroken, "Hudson, look how upset you've made the child!

Florence is so pitiable, frail, and not as educated, yet she's still trying so hard to make you happy, always so accommodating.

Some people, why should they get 10% of the shares just by showing up? If Florence were as healthy as her, who knows how much more accomplished she would be! Ludwik, you must speak up. These 10% shares, they shouldn't go to Whitney, right?"

Suddenly, Grandma turned the conversation onto Ludwik.

Whitney, who had been watching the drama unfold with a detached interest, was taken aback, her cold gaze shifting to meet Ludwik's chiseled features.

She couldn't help but smirk, eager to hear his response.