Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 435

Whitney's voice held a hint of feigned grievance, increasingly laced with lazy amusement.

She stared at Florence, whose face was finally betraying hints of panic, turning a sickly shade of pale.

Confronted with Ludwik's fiery, thunderous glare, Whitney managed a sheepish grin. "I'm sorry, Ludwik. My bad, really. Guess I'll steer clear of red dresses from now on. Or maybe Florence could give me a heads-up on her outfit choices daily. That way, I won't accidentally twin with her and ruffle her feathers. And let's not forget, folks, Florence here is Ludwik's pride and joy. Cross her, and well, you won't know what hit you."

Her last words were directed at the audience around them, causing the socialites who had been flocking around Florence to shift uncomfortably.

Whispers of discontent started amongst the other gentlemen and ladies present.

"Isn't that a bit much? Only she gets to wear red? Whitney looked better in it anyway, and now she's got Ludwik making people change their outfits?"

"Never pegged Ms. Sheldon for the petty type. Thought she was all delicate and sweet. Guess rumors can be deceiving."

"And Whitney's dress is torn. She must've been pressured into changing. Men don't care about fashion faux pas; must've been Ms. Sheldon whispering sweet nothings."

The crowd exchanged knowing looks, some snickering, "Thought Ludwik was above this love-struck foolishness, dictating women's wardrobe choices."

"Better steer clear of this 'Golden Couple' from now on, unless you fancy getting caught in the crossfire like Whitney."

"Whitney, what nonsense are you spouting!" Ludwik's face darkened with anger as he overheard the crowd's murmurs.

Whitney just stuck out her tongue and sauntered off, leaving Florence in the most awkward position. She had cultivated an image of being pitiable, and now, the elite were starting to suspect her of being jealous of Whitney, spiteful, even... Clutching her handkerchief tightly, Florence scrambled to compose herself, knowing she needed to regain Ludwik's trust more than ever.

"Ludwik, why would she say such things about me? I never forbade her from wearing red, I never..."

Tears choked her words, her frail body nearly collapsing.

Ludwik, his mood sour, barely glanced at her before hoisting Florence into his arms to prevent her fainting, his brow furrowed in concern. "This isn't your fault. I made her change. Just calm down, no need to get worked up."

Coughing weakly, Florence tried to play the sympathetic card, "I just want to get along with her. I won't be around much longer, and she'll be the family's pillar. She shouldn't see me as a threat... Maybe it's my fault, maybe I did something to upset her." Ludwik, moved by her supposed condition, couldn't help but spare her a glance of pity, "You did nothing wrong. Forget about her."

Florence, sneaking a glance at Whitney, leaned closer into Ludwik, her eyes downcast, seething inside.

She had intended to embarrass Whitney without lifting a finger, letting Ludwik force her to change gowns, thereby isolating her. Instead, Whitney turned the tables on her.

That cunning woman, not so simple after all.

Once Florence was safely in a resting room, she quickly texted her mother, Holly: "Is everything ready on your end? It's time to make a move."

Remembering Whitney's public mockery, Florence's anger flared. Tonight, she would ensure Whitney's downfall.

-

Watching Ludwik fuss over Florence as if she were made of glass, Whitney's eyes darkened with unspoken thoughts.

Sienna, coming to her senses after witnessing the entire ordeal, pointed an accusing finger at Whitney. "Think you've won just because you mocked Florence and stood up to Ludwik? See how much he treasures her? He'd offend all these nobles just for her. You can't even begin to understand that kind of love."

Love? The word stung Whitney, but she scoffed, her gaze icy. "Nor can you, Miss. I've told you to smarten up, but it seems some lessons are lost on you."

"You... Don't you dare drive a wedge between me and Florence. She's kind, unlike your vile self."

Whitney smirked knowingly, too drained to entertain further. She simply walked away, leaving Sienna dumbfounded.

The mansion's butler announced the commencement of the dinner, leading everyone to the dining hall.

Whitney, unfamiliar with the layout and unnoticed by the servants, couldn't replace her father, Hudson.

Just as she pondered her next move, a flirty voice called out, "Whitney, hey! I'm Justin from the Lippert family. Let me show you the way."

His voice was teasing, his demeanor too casual for Whitney's taste. His gaze lingered on her dress a tad too long, reminding her of Orion, though Justin seemed even more frivolous.

Taking a step away, Whitney nodded politely. "Thank you, Justin."

They reached the dining hall in silence. The table was elegantly set, the atmosphere warm but Whitney quickly realized she was at the wrong table, surrounded by the Lipperts, not seeing Hudson anywhere.

Caught in an awkward situation, Whitney's questioning eyes turned to Justin, wondering how she ended up here.

Justin winked mischievously at her, oozing what he thought was suave charm. "Babe, I brought you to the Lippert family's feast. Your folks? They're dining out, just a stone's throw away."

Whitney was speechless. Standing up now would be too awkward, so she reluctantly took her seat.

At the head of the table, Jason glanced her way only briefly before looking away with disinterest. He wasn't the type to sweat the small stuff.

Ludwik was seated next to his father, a tall and striking figure, exuding an air of quiet strength as he smoked.

As the dishes began to arrive, he stubbed out his cigarette. Florence wasn't here?

Whitney averted her gaze, taking in the other members of the Lippert family.

The distinguished lady sitting to Jason's left must be Mrs. Lippert, Thea? Next to Thea sat a middle-aged man Whitney didn't recognize. Further down was Jarvis, a familiar face.

Whitney blinked in surprise as Jarvis sent a mischievous smile her way.

Ludwik's expression darkened.

Whitney could feel it. Ludwik and Jarvis were clearly at odds. One the heir, the other the adopted son.

Her gaze lingered, suddenly noting a striking resemblance between Jarvis and the middle-aged man next to him.

Turning her attention to Thea, Whitney felt puzzled... The three of them together seemed oddly harmonious, almost like...

A family?

But Jarvis was an adopted member of the Lippert family, with no blood relation to Thea.

Shaking her head as if to clear it, she felt puzzled.

Perhaps sensing her gaze, Thea suddenly looked up-

Mrs. Lippert's gaze was piercing, but she quickly masked it with a gracious smile. "You must be the Sheldon family's lovely daughter. How charming... Justin, you brought her here?" Thea skillfully diverted Whitney's scrutiny from her table.