Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 425

Holly gave Florence a knowing look, her voice tinted with suspicion. "So, he's on to us, huh? Bringing Ludwik into the picture was a tad too convenient. Did he ask if you were setting him up with Ludwik on purpose?"

Florence's delicate features brightened with a smile, her eyes lowered, lashes fluttering slightly, revealing a hint of contentment. "Seeing Whitney's downfall today was utterly satisfying. Dad always had a spot reserved for the 'favored daughter,' and I knew his illegitimate child held a special place in his heart. We weren't worried when rumors of her demise circulated; the Sheldon empire was destined to be mine. But her sudden resurgence is a thorn in the side, and Dad, in his attempts to make amends, will surely offer her the most advantageous marriage alliance within the Lippert circle.

That's why I rushed to Banyan City as soon as I landed, concocting a flawless plan to secure Ludwik first. Everything's falling into place seamlessly, Mom. No one will suspect a thing."

"But Whitney," Holly frowned, "I sensed her animosity towards you tonight. Who knows what she might suspect? That girl is no pushover, snatching the 10% shares right from under Dad's nose... She's proving to be more troublesome than her self-righteous mother." Holly had underestimated Whitney, thinking her small-town roots would make her malleable. However, tonight's exchanges proved that Whitney was not to be underestimated.

Florence remained calm, her smile unwavering. "After all, I did take her man. Her hostility is expected. Even if she suspects something, I've kept my hands clean in Ludwik's eyes. Plus, I'm now his mother's lifeline; he's quite concerned about me. What does it matter if she has 10% of the shares? Do you think she'll easily consolidate her position? Do you believe Grandma won't be on guard? We'll stir the waters of the Sheldon family enough to drown her."

After a brief pause, Holly snorted dismissively, "I'm not worried. She dreams if she thinks she can compete with us. I've dealt with all sorts of people in my life. If I could bring down Parisa, her daughter won't be a challenge."

Leaning in, Holly's voice dropped to a whisper, "Florence, you must ensure that child remains hidden..."

"Don't worry, Mother." Florence's grip tightened around her glass, her smile deepening. "No one will replace out where he is."

----

In the car, Whitney closed her eyes, reflecting on the evening's brutal confrontations, feeling utterly drained.

As they descended the hill, the car came to a sudden halt.

Brew Hill was expansive, its roads wide and well-lit.

A blinding set of headlights approached from ahead, forcing Whitney's eyes open.

"Please wait a moment, Miss," the Sheldon family's driver turned to inform her.

Ahead, a car blocked their way, its headlights shining directly at them in a clear act of provocation.

Whitney hadn't even begun to frown when she recognized the sleek, prestigious silhouette of a Bentley.

Her heart sank.

Before their driver could react, a man from the Bentley approached, speaking to the Sheldon family's driver before luring him away for a smoke. Whitney, sitting in the car, remained motionless, the chill night air mirroring her mood.

As she contemplated making a getaway herself, the Bentley's rear door opened, revealing a man whose presence chilled the night air further.

Whitney couldn't bear to look at him, locking the car door instead.

But she'd forgotten the window was open, allowing his deep, haunting voice to drift in. "Whitney, we need to talk..."

Hearing her name made her stomach churn.

Whitney's gaze remained fixed ahead, her expression cold and distant.

Suddenly, his arm reached through the window, unlocking the door with a swift, undeniable strength. Whitney's attempts to resist were futile; she was quickly swept into his Bentley, the door slamming shut and locking behind them. "What are you doing? Ludwik, I'll scream!"

"Disgusting, let me go!"

Her fury was palpable, but it did nothing to deter him as he effortlessly carried her into his vehicle.

Whitney glared, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "This isn't right, Ludwik. You barely know me, remember?"

The dim light from outside cast stark shadows across his face, emphasizing his stern features and the cold determination in his eyes. Ludwik lit a cigarette, his actions deliberate, the smoke curling from his lips adding to the menacing aura in the confined space. "Leave Emperor City," he finally said, his tone emotionless. "The Sheldon family has nothing for you here. Go back to Banyan City." Whitney caught his cold gaze, the meaning behind his words slowly sinking in.

He was driving her away, impatient to remove her from his and his new flame's life.

Her laughter was bitter, tinged with sorrow and indignation. "So eager to send me away, am I in the way of your love story?"

Ludwik's grip on his cigarette tightened, his frustration palpable.

"The Sheldon family isn't for you, nor is Emperor City. Take what you want from Skyfaith Group, but leave Banyan City," he insisted, his voice devoid of warmth.

Whitney's mocking laughter echoed in the car, a clear testament to the absurdity and cruelty of his demand.

Actually, he was simply afraid that if she stayed, she would end up heartbroken like she was tonight...

Given his inevitable relationship with Florence and his frequent visits to the Sheldons, showcasing their so-called affection, it was bound to hurt her every time they met. Why go through all that pain?

He was clueless about what had transpired in Banyan City that suddenly made her the eldest Sheldon daughter.

But fitting into a new family isn't easy, and her leaving would allow him to deal with the situation here alone, helping him get through his mother's tough phase faster.

Snap!

A light slap landed on his face, unexpected.

Ludwik's head turned to the side from the impact.

Whitney's heartbeat spasmed, and the pain gradually numbed.

Finally, tears broke through the woman's resolve, and she laughed bitterly, "I know when to step back, but why should I make it easy for you, Ludwik? What right do you have to send me away?!" 'Your presence in the Sheldon family suppresses Florence'...

This was the man she had loved, but it hurt more than being stabbed while pinned to the ground.

Her genuine love had been wasted.

Whether he was a man or a beast, she had finally seen him clearly.

Whitney took deep, shuddering breaths, trying to stifle the heavy sobs, like a wounded animal, hissing and clawing in a frail attempt to defend herself in front of him, evoking pity.

His heart softened, nearly making him relent.

Ludwik averted his gaze, a pained smile breaking through, "Can't you just let me have this one thing?"