Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 432

Joanne's expression shifted slightly, a hint of displeasure crossing her face as she said, "Holly, what are you still doing here? Haven't you left yet?"

"Joanne, I heard last time that you invested in a beauty startup and it tanked?" Holly asked, feigning concern.

Joanne's face stiffened. The entire investment, all 5 billion, gone! Although she was a Nelson, she wasn't the favorite, and a financial flop like this wouldn't get any sympathy or help from the Nelson family.

A calculating glint flashed in Holly's eyes. Approaching Joanne tonight was perfect timing.

She quickly pulled Joanne aside, "I truly consider you a friend, Joanne. I can lend you the 5 billion to get you out of this tight spot! But, you'll need to do me a small favor tonight."

Joanne's eyes sparkled briefly, her tone lofty, "What favor?"

"My family just welcomed back a young lady, you know her, right? My husband adores her, even gave her a 10% stake in Sheldon Enterprises. Her status isn't below that of Florence. Anyone who marries her wouldn't get any less of a deal than Ludwik. I remember Justin is still single, isn't he?"

The corners of Holly's eyes shimmered with a cold light as she spoke...

-

In the restroom.

Florence, appearing fragile, was holding Sienna's hand, tears in her eyes as she explained, "Sienna, I didn't mean to deny it just now. It's just that my sister was so aggressive, I was too scared to speak up. And when I told you, I made you promise to keep it a secret, yet you revealed it in front of Mr. Nelson... I really wanted you to understand my sister better. But now she misunderstands me entirely, and it breaks my heart..."

Sienna, initially a bit angry, softened as Florence cried, indirectly blaming herself for not keeping a promise. Sienna lost her resolve.

"Sienna, we've grown up together. You know I mean no harm," Florence said, her voice weak.

"Florence, I believe you. I get it now, it was that witch trying to drive a wedge between us!" Sienna said, now fully convinced of their friendship and furious at the manipulation, "Whitney's scheming knows no bounds!"

"I just don't understand my sister anymore. I really want to get along with her. But she wears the same red dress as me and then publicly mocks my figure, making me the subject of gossip everywhere, saying I'm trying to copy her and looking ugly doing it. I've never been so upset, Sienna...ugh!"

Florence then leaned over the toilet, starting to vomit.

"Florence! What's wrong?"

"It might be the beef liver soup I drank too much of, plus the stress, Sienna. Could you please get Ludwik for me?"

"Florence, I'll go get him right now," Sienna said, dashing off.

From the shadows, Florence calmly stood up, wiped her mouth, and revealed a cold smirk. She was confident Sienna would deliver the message perfectly. Earlier, only a few socialites heard Whitney gossip about her, but Florence was determined to get her revenge.

-

At the top of the banquet hall stairs, Jarvis descended.

He caught Justin leaning on the railing, wine in hand, eyeing a beauty across the room.

Following his gaze, Jarvis saw Whitney, stunning in a red dress, and chuckled, bumping Justin's shoulder, "What's up, little bro? Got your eye on the new Ms. Sheldon?"

Justin turned, a sly smile on his face, "She's got a nice figure."

"I see, she's a knockout," Jarvis raised an eyebrow.

"But I heard a rumor she's had a child..." Justin commented, a hint of judgment in his voice.

Just then, another figure descended the stairs, his steps measured.

Jarvis turned to see Ludwik, his smile turning wicked as he leaned towards Justin, "What's it matter if she's had a child? Makes things more interesting, doesn't it? Plus, they say women who've had kids know how to take care of a man in bed." "That's true," the young Justin's eyes sparkled as he licked his lips.

Jarvis laughed maliciously, "You always had a thing for experienced women. If you're into her, why not have a bit of fun? A second-hand item like her, even if she's a Sheldon, no strings attached."

Justin seemed eager, "Exactly, she's dressing provocatively to catch the eye of men like us. They say she's 27, not too old..."

"Old? Please," Jarvis sneered, making a crude gesture towards Whitney's chest, "Can barely keep it contained in that dress." "You're getting me worked up, damn..." Justin cursed, his desire evident.

"Thud!" Something fell from above, followed by a shout, "Who the hell threw that? You hit me!"

Ludwik's chilling gaze retreated from the car keys in his hand as he made his way down, each step more intimidating than the last.

Reaching Justin, he grabbed him by the tie without a word!

"Ludwik..." Justin was startled by those piercing eyes, swallowing hard, realizing what hit him, he was about to retaliate when Ludwik threw him down the stairs. "Ah-Ludwik, what's wrong with you!" Justin yelled, infuriated.

Jarvis watched, amused, provoking the already seething Ludwik, "What's the big deal? Little brother just wants to have some fun with a flirty woman. Did he hit a nerve?" Justin, too, looked up, puzzled.

Ludwik, expressionless, stared at Jarvis, his eyes cold as frost, enveloping Jarvis in an icy grip.

Without a word, Ludwik walked away, leaving a lasting impression of his ominous presence.

"Man, he's seriously screwed up," Justin blurted out, frustration lacing his voice. "Why should he care if I want to hook up? It's none of his damn business!"

Jarvis chuckled, eyeing Ludwik's retreating figure with mockery. "Exactly, aren't you Florence's boyfriend? Since when did you start caring about her sister?"

At that comment, Ludwik stiffened, his lips sealed in anger, his fists clenched tight enough to crack.

Descending the stairs, his icy gaze swept the party hall, landing on Whitney. Her figure, clad in a striking red mermaid dress, seemed to taunt him as she flirted with another guy. Ludwik's face turned stone cold.

Just then, Sienna, who had been looking for him, rushed over, her presence almost immediately subdued by the aura of fury surrounding him.

Catching her breath, she stammered, "Ludwik, something terrible has happened! It's Florence..."

"What?" Ludwik's icy demeanor thawed slightly as he looked up, concern flashing in his eyes.

-

Meanwhile, at the top of the staircase, Justin, still cursing under his breath, straightened his shirt.

Joanne finally caught up to him and called out, "Justin! What are you doing standing here? Come down, your mom wants to talk to you."

"What could she possibly want? Don't ruin my night," Justin retorted, his gaze lingering on Whitney.