Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 429

Holly was on edge, watching Hudson's mood darken. She quickly chimed in, "Darling, it looks like it was just an unlucky fashion overlap with Whitney."

Whitney snickered at the comment. Such a carefully crafted statement, yet it still pointed the finger at her for the fashion faux pas.

Florence, feeling helpless, glanced at Sienna, "Sienna, I told you not to stir things up. It's just a coincidence, after all. Besides, I went for a traditional look, and she embraced a more Western flair. They're not the same."

The implication was twofold: blame Sienna for the drama, and subtly accuse Whitney of trying too hard with her Western glamour.

Whitney couldn't help but smile, "My dear sister is right. She's so slim, traditional attire demands a certain silhouette, one I certainly can't compete with."

Laughter broke out around them. "Ms. Sheldon is too slender for a mermaid dress; she couldn't fill it out."

Florence clenched her handkerchief, taking Whitney's jab about her figure personally.

"Looking at Whitney now, her outfit doesn't seem too over the top. She actually looks quite stunning in it."

"I was about to say, she does stand out. Even among the elite in Emperor City, she's a beauty," remarked Justin, a known playboy from the Lippert family with a less-than-stellar reputation.

Holly smirked, glancing at Jason with a knowing look, "Whitney, see how popular you are with the gentlemen! Florence, on the other hand, doesn't know the first thing about fashion. It's a wonder Ludwik ever took a liking to her. Speaking of, where is Ludwik, Jason?" Everyone's attention shifted to Jason, their expressions filled with respect.

"Mrs. Sheldon, Ludwik had to make a quick trip back to Banyan City, but he should be here soon," Jason replied with authority.

After a pause, he turned to Hudson, "Hudson, is this your estranged daughter?"

His directness caught Hudson off guard, who replied politely, "Jason, she's my eldest, the heiress to the Sheldon family. Whitney, say hello to Jason."

Whitney had met Jason before but never really interacted with him. Sensing his cold demeanor, she greeted him with a bow, "Jason, good to see you."

Jason, remembering the trouble she'd caused Ludwik, was unimpressed by her bold red dress. He ignored her greeting, instead praising Florence, "Ms. Sheldon is well-bred, knowledgeable, and modest."

Holly was ecstatic inside; Jason's approval of Florence and his dismissal of Whitney felt like a victory.

The crowd sensed Jason's disapproval of Whitney, the scandalous heiress of the Sheldon family, contrasting with the revered Lippert lineage.

Hudson, concerned, reassured Whitney, "Don't worry, dear. Jason just doesn't know you well."

Whitney remained unfazed, "Dad, I don't need everyone's approval," especially not Ludwik's father.

Just then, someone announced Ludwik's arrival.

All eyes turned as Ludwik entered, his black suit sharp and his presence commanding. The elite of Brew Hill buzzed with talk of Ludwik, attracting the attention of every lady present, including Whitney. Ludwik, spotting Whitney, remembered Dr. Ford's warnings about Natalie's health, her urgent need for a treatment due to her leukemia.

His heart sank, but his gaze eventually found Florence, who approached him with a weak smile.

Sienna, smugly glaring at Whitney, supported Florence, complaining to Ludwik about the day's events.

Ludwik, after hearing Sienna's exaggerated tale, glanced coldly at Whitney. Her elegance, reminiscent of a classic movie star, didn't soften his disdain.

Whitney, realizing the gossip Sienna stirred, didn't care anymore.

As Hudson joined Jason among the elite, Whitney was left alone, untouched by the petty social games.

Then, an elderly lady approached her, "Feeling out of place, dear?" She had a dignified air despite her simple dress, drawing Whitney into a different kind of conversation.

Whitney thought she was talking to one of the elderly ladies who had come to the banquet, offering a polite smile, "Dear, have you found yourself on your own too?"

"My situation is a bit different from yours. Those folks earlier were saying you're quite the schemer, but honestly, I think your dress is a bit... quaint. And that bit of lipstick on your face is the only pop of color you've got. And then there's Mrs. Sheldon, complaining her daughter doesn't know how to dress up? That girl's gown might look simple, but it's worth a fortune, and her makeup? Subtle but perfectly applied. She's put in the effort, alright."

Finally, someone who got it. Whitney couldn't help but smile, "My dear, you might seem a bit out of touch, but your eyesight is impeccable."

"I've been around, dear. Seen more fashion cycles than I've had hot dinners," the elderly lady said with a warmth that was immediately endearing.

Whitney chuckled, her gaze softening as she steadied the woman, "Let's make sure you're steady on your feet, dear. Let me help you to a quieter spot."

After assisting her a few steps away, Whitney kindly handed back her cane. Unexpectedly, the elderly lady held onto her hand, chuckling softly as she sized Whitney up, "Everyone's been praising your sister, but I think you're quite the catch."

A wave of unfamiliar warmth washed over Whitney, "Thank you for your kind words. You have quite the discerning eye."

The lady laughed, "Go mingle, my dear. Meet some new people. Someone like Ludwik, perhaps?"

Whitney paused for a moment, a suspicion crossing her mind. Could this be one of the Lippert family matriarchs?

But she simply offered a small smile, shaking her head slightly, "I'm afraid he's not quite my type."

From a distance, Florence watched Whitney chatting with Camilla, her grip tightening slightly...