Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 427

At a quarter past eleven, Ludwik's phone abruptly rang, pulling him from his thoughts. It was Dr. Ford from Banyan City on the line. Ludwik's face turned ashen. "Why would she suddenly start coughing up blood and go into shock?" Dr. Ford relayed the events with a tone of resignation, "Natalie seemed to have been on the phone with Ms. Valentine when it happened..."

-

Whitney had been hiding downstairs for two hours until Danny's call came through. The little guy was still awake at this hour, clearly worried about his mom. After a good cry, Whitney felt somewhat calmer. Her heart felt numb. She reminded herself that she didn't come to Emperor City just for romance; she was here for her mother, to replace Sammy. She had to make a life here; she wasn't leaving!

The Sheldons, mother and daughter, seemed to have been scheming around her for a while. Florence was more than she appeared. Now that her competitive spirit was ignited, Whitney was determined to penetrate the Sheldon's secrets and settle old scores. After splashing her face with cold water, Whitney headed back upstairs to her room.

"Mummy! Did anyone at grandpa's house bully you? I checked, and the most prestigious estate in Brew Hill belongs to the Lipperts. Did you see daddy when you were there?"

Danny was like a little watchdog, waiting anxiously at the door for her. After a hefty sigh, Whitney looked at her adorable son. Right, she still had her son. He was her last line of defense. She hugged the boy tightly, exhausted yet unwilling to let him see her hurt by the truth about Ludwik, so she said nothing. "Mummy is really hungry, Danny. How about we have some pizza together?"

Whitney asked the nanny to order two large pizzas. Danny, already full, watched as his mom devoured her slices. He sensed his mom wasn't happy, forcing food down as if it was a chore. Just as he was about to ask, Whitney's phone rang.

"It's daddy!" Danny lit up, eagerly answering the call for her. Whitney's face froze, too late to stop him. Before she could speak, Ludwik's stern voice came through, "Whitney, it's not you; it's me. Why provoke her? Do you have any idea, because of what you said, she's coughed up blood and is in shock. She's adamant about coming to Emperor City to replace you... you don't know she's..." suffering from leukemia.

Dumbstruck, Whitney glanced at Danny, then ran to the bathroom to lock herself in. Her heart felt cold, as if Ludwik's words couldn't hurt her anymore. "I didn't know you were so vengeful! Staying in Emperor City just to get back at me? I have ways to make you leave." Before Ludwik could continue, Whitney cut in with a cold laugh, "I never knew a man could be so low, lying even to his own mother! You're the one who cheated, why don't you tell her that? I don't get your mom's logic, trying to deceive me into feeling sorry for you. I was played, but why shouldn't she see the truth? I owe your mother nothing, don't shift the blame. And Ludwik, I'm staying in Emperor City, come at me if you dare!"

After her outburst, Whitney stood motionless, realizing that no matter how Ludwik hurt her, she wouldn't be surprised. But she hadn't expected her anger to trigger Natalie's condition. What was going on? Feeling slightly remorseful yet wondering why she should feel guilty at all, Whitney composed herself and opened the bathroom door, only to be met with Danny's pale, incredulous face.

"Mummy, did daddy replace someone else?"

"Danny..." Whitney's eyes welled up as she frantically pulled him close. The little guy was furious. "How could he do this to us? The big jerk, if he dares to betray you, I never want to see him again! Mummy, you're not alone, you have me, and Sammy. I feel like he's here in Emperor City..."

Danny hugged his mom tightly, comforting her. That warmth was what Whitney needed. Perhaps, with Danny's twin intuition, they might even replace Sammy... One step at a time.

-

The next day, Hudson called Whitney, "Whitney, come home this afternoon. I've received an invitation for tonight at the Lippert Resort on the mountain. Jason is hosting a welcome party for Ludwik. Florence and Holly will be there. You should come with your father." Hearing that name, Whitney immediately refused, "Dad, I'd rather not go..."

"Listen to me, Whitney," Hudson said with a heavy heart, "You're the Sheldon family's daughter. It's time you were introduced to the elite circles of Emperor City. It'll help you establish yourself, and pave the way for joining the Sheldon Group. Besides, you're single now. Without Ludwik, I've thought about introducing you to other eligible bachelors from Brew Hill..."

Knowing her father's intentions were in her best interest, Whitney couldn't ignore his last remark. If she wanted to stand firm within the Sheldon family, attending was inevitable. As soon as Hudson hung up, an indignant voice piped up, "Uncle! A first family's gala, and you're letting a nobody attend? Aren't you worried she'll embarrass the Sheldon family?"

"Since when did you start eavesdropping? You're becoming more impudent!" Hudson snapped back, clearly displeased. "And for your information, she's not a 'nobody'. If you can't learn to respect your cousin, I might just revoke your invitation tonight." "Uncle..."

"Sienna, stop throwing a tantrum," Florence chided gently as she walked over. "Whitney is the Sheldon family's darling. I think it's wonderful that Dad is taking her out."

"Seriously, Florence? You're actually defending that country bumpkin? You're way too naive," Sienna fumed, stomping her foot in frustration.

Florence blinked innocently. "Why should there be any scheming among sisters?"

At that, Hudson softened his gaze toward his daughter. "Florence, you're the sensible one. Sienna's just spoiled rotten by her grandma... petty and narrow-minded..."

He shot Sienna a stern look before turning to see Holly emerge, seizing the moment to give her instructions. "Dear, are you going shopping for Florence's dress? Pick up a few dozen for Whitney too, only top brands, and have them sent directly to her room." "Of course, darling. Whitney is naturally beautiful. Tonight, the Sheldon family's daughters will shine," Holly responded with a smile.

This seemed to improve Hudson's mood considerably. "I'll head to the office now."

Sienna couldn't fathom her aunt and Florence's attitude, her frustration bubbling over-But Florence pulled her aside into another room. Sighing, Florence said, "Sienna, stop picking on Whitney. She hasn't had it easy, you know. I heard she was married back in Banyan City and even has a child..."

"What?" Sienna was utterly shocked. "She has a child? She's nothing but damaged goods!"

Florence looked at her, taken aback by her reaction. "Maybe Dad is just trying to replace her a decent match. But honestly, Whitney's beauty is so striking, she outshines everyone else wherever she goes."

Sienna clenched her fists. She had always thought Whitney had a bewitching beauty! If Whitney showed up tonight in full glamour, Sienna would surely fade into the background, especially since the Nelson family's heir, the man she'd been secretly pining for, would be there too.