Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 423

Hudson rubbed his temples, clearly exhausted from the recent argument that left him no room to speak. He finally said, "Ludwik, please, don't get it twisted. I've never favored one daughter over the other. Mom, there's no need to worry. The truth is, since Florence was born, I've gradually transferred 8% of the shares to her. She's been frail, so I had Holly look after them. Perhaps she didn't mention it..." At this, Hudson cast a cool glance at Holly. Her pupils shrank imperceptibly, but she quickly masked it with a smile, "Mom, I didn't really pay much attention to the shares, so it slipped my mind..."

"Is that so?" The grandmother's face turned awkward, yet she remained unsatisfied with Whitney. "Even if Florence has 8%, you can't just recklessly give someone else 10%. She's getting 2% more than Florence!"

At heart, the grandmother was set against letting outsiders into the Sheldon Group!

Hudson shook his head helplessly, turning to Florence with a tone of compassion, "Florence, your grandmother didn't know, or she wouldn't say I've given you nothing. Both my girls are precious to me. If the fact that Whitney has 2% more bothers you..."

"If it bothers my little sister, I'll gladly give her 4%, so no one can say I've been unfair. I can manage those shares for her until she's well enough to take them on her own, compete fairly. It's better than handing them over to some professional manager." Whitney's gaze didn't even flicker towards Ludwik. But her words were a carefully crafted comeback. A woman with a grudge, sharp and untouchable.

Ludwik managed a wry smile, his expression freezing. He hadn't known Florence already owned 8% of the shares and thought she had nothing, which led him to believe Hudson was biased. To stabilize the girl's emotions, he had spoken harshly. He looked over at the women somberly.

Whitney, oblivious to the man's gaze, continued, "Mom, since Whitney is willing to give 4% to Florence, let's settle the share dispute here. The company is not a game. Florence can live comfortably on her dividends, and Whitney is willing to share the burden and join the company. Shouldn't we be happy for such sisterly harmony?"

Hudson hoped for a harmonious family above all and said with a smile. The grandmother snorted, but Whitney's gesture left her without an immediate comeback. Yet, she was not ready to let go of the shares so easily.

Florence hid her thoughts, stepping forward with a mature smile, "I didn't even know I had shares. Mom didn't go into details. Dad, I've never been greedy, and thank you, sis, for your generosity, giving me an extra 4%. Maybe I should try joining the company, learn from my sister. You're right, sister; being ill is no excuse, even those with terminal illnesses should stay positive..."

With a bittersweet smile, Florence glanced at Ludwik. Whitney's smile widened. Florence didn't know about her 8% shares? Hard to believe. Her words were laying the groundwork for joining the Sheldon Group.

"Yeah, little sis, the world doesn't revolve around who's weaker or who's right. You'll understand this one day," Whitney said, her words laced with meaning. Florence felt a chill, but her face showed innocence, "Sis, I've never believed that being weak makes me right. I'm happy you're taking the shares, and I'm glad you're back to support our parents in their old age, especially since I... I..." She broke into a fit of coughing, her eyes sorrowful as she looked at Ludwik.

Their exchange seemed like a coded message. Ludwik frowned, wondering why Whitney had to be so sharp, repeatedly hurting Florence, who was battling a terminal illness...

"Ms. Valentine, you've already won. There's no need to be so aggressive. Let her have a moment of peace," Ludwik said, his voice cool. He offered Florence a handkerchief, "Take it easy..." "Sorry, Ludwik, I get carried away when I talk..."

"It's not your fault," Ludwik replied coldly, giving Whitney a chilling glance. That look stung Whitney deeply. Was Florence such a delicate subject that Whitney couldn't even speak her mind without upsetting everyone? Incredulous that Ludwik seemed bewitched, always defending Florence, even to Whitney's detriment. With a cold 'hmph,' Whitney stood up and left the dining table.

"Whitney, where are you going?"

Whitney forced a smile, "Feeling a bit sick. I'm off to the kitchen to wash my face."

Ludwik's expression turned icy. Another jab at him. Hudson stood as well, sighing, "I've arranged a small villa for you, Holly had it cleaned. Shall we take a look?" Whitney, eager to escape, nodded.

As the grandmother waved her cane, discontented, she announced, "Hudson, it's late, and I should take Sienna home. Aren't you going to see us off?"

Holly was already assisting the grandmother, "Mom, Hudson just wants to show Whitney around."

"Couldn't that wait?" the grandmother pondered aloud.

As Hudson and Whitney left, first seeing the grandmother and Sienna off, the night enveloped them, the garden lights casting a serene glow on the grass. Hudson, protective and affectionate, took Whitney's hand to guide her. From the car, Sienna lowered the window, scoffing, "Grandmother, look how Uncle dotes on that child. If she grows closer to Uncle, she might overshadow Florence. I feel sorry for Florence."

"Hmph," the grandmother scoffed lightly. "Parisa's daughter will never win my affection. The Sheldon estate is vast, but she'll replace it's not so easy to replace comfort here."

"You really need to give her a harder time, make Whitney pay for crossing Florence!" The thought of Whitney's sharp words leaving her flushed and fuming filled Sienna with envy. And to make matters worse, Whitney was not just prettier, but also seemed to outshine even Florence in depth and charm. Sienna felt her position threatened. Here she was, still unmarried, and now there was another contender vying for the attention of the most eligible bachelors in the city.

"Oh, you and your 'doing it for Florence' spiel. Don't think for a moment I don't see through you. Cozying up to Florence, all for your own selfish gains," the grandmother said, hitting the nail on the head.

Sienna's face stiffened. Being a cousin to the Sheldons, she was always a step behind Florence, who, despite her frailty and quiet demeanor, was adored like a little princess by everyone in the family. Being close to Florence was Sienna's ticket to a life where she too could bask in the elders' affection.

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The Sheldon Estate was vast, with around six or seven scattered villas. Whitney had been wandering for a while when she stopped in front of the last villa, situated a bit apart from the others. This villa was peculiar; its windows and doors were all sealed shut, and ivy climbed its walls, giving it a dark, almost sinister appearance. For some reason, her heart skipped a beat as she pointed to it and asked her father, "Dad, who lives in that villa?"