Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 461

The clinic right below the office building was a godsend for Whitney as she helped her assistant, Sandy, inside. Sandy winced in pain from the burn as the doctor began the treatment, biting down hard to endure the pain.

The assistant, fuming with anger, recalled Whitney's words earlier, "Deputy Manager, why can't we seek justice for Sandy today?! She's been burned so badly. If you insist on checking the security footage when you get back and show it to Ludwik, we can expose Nyx's

deliberate act!"

Whitney gave a cold laugh, squinting her eyes, "You're thinking too simply. Even if we get the footage, what do you think Florence will say?"

Sandy pursed her lips.

Seeing the confusion on the assistant's face, Whitney continued, "She'll twist her words, claim she got startled, mistook Sandy for pushing her, and accidentally spilled her coffee. A simple apology to Sandy, and she'll brush it off. With her chronic illness as a natural shield, and Ludwik's pampering, do you really think he'd punish her? Besides, I just challenged him publicly; he's too proud to admit he's wrong about Sandy now."

Both the assistant and Sandy had a moment of realization.

No wonder Whitney didn't insist on checking the surveillance footage; she had already considered this outcome.

Sandy said, "So, your request to check the footage was just to make Florence feel guilty, to keep her off my back for now." Whitney didn't deny it.

Sandy realized Whitney was far more thoughtful than her, having already pushed Florence back without a direct confrontation.

Feeling helpless, Sandy lamented, "With Ludwik backing Florence in S-T Group, not only is seeking justice out of reach, but merely working there will be a challenge. I've had enough of her sneaky tactics since we were kids. Pretending to be ill? Whitney, she's very good at playing the victim." Whitney's interest was piqued, and she frowned, "What do you mean? I thought she's been frail since childhood?"

Sandy wasn't sure, but she knew many of Florence's secrets, "She was healthy as a child... I remember the Sheldon elders treating us three sisters equally. Grandma even favored Sienna more. But everything changed when Florence 'fell ill.' Suddenly, she became the focus of our family. I've always suspected she pretends to be sick for the attention and the princess-like treatment wherever she goes. Now, she's indeed taking medication daily, but don't be fooled by her innocent act. Before you returned, she had no intention of working at Sheldon Group, believing she'd inherit it eventually. Her real schemes are what she keeps hidden; she's up to no good..."

"What schemes?" Whitney pressed, sensing there was more to Florence than meets the eye.

Before Sandy could answer, a tall figure blocked their path as they were leaving the clinic.

The newcomer smiled at Whitney, "Heard you got burned?"

Whitney looked up, surprised.

-

Inside S-T Group's office.

The doctor was checking on Florence, with Ludwik standing coldly aside.

"Ms. Sheldon is experiencing significant emotional stress and an unstable heart rate. She needs her regular medication," the doctor advised.

Just then, Sienna barged in with medicine in hand, "Florence! How bad is it? Here's your medication. That despicable Sandy, how dare she burn you? And I heard Whitney is protecting her, obviously, Whitney's behind this, right? Ludwik, you have to stand up for Florence! It's clear Whitney is threatened by Florence joining the company, worried about losing her inheritance. Such malice!"

Florence chuckled silently, knowing bringing Sienna into this would stir trouble further.

Though her plan to frame Sandy, backed into a corner by Whitney's call for surveillance footage, had failed to drive them away, it had another benefit. Ludwik's repeated favoritism and Whitney's ignorance of his reasons would only lead to Whitney's eventual departure. Furthermore, burning her foot was a calculated move with additional benefits.

Florence smiled subtly, noticing Ludwik's cold reaction to Sienna's accusations.

"Ms. Turner, I don't appreciate gossip. Leave if that's all you're here for!" Ludwik's rebuke startled Sienna.

Florence pressed her lips together; Ludwik could scold Whitney himself but wouldn't tolerate others doing so.

"Sienna, even if sister wants to be Sheldon Group's heir, she wouldn't stoop to encouraging Sandy's misdeeds. Don't jump to conclusions," Florence hinted, glancing at Ludwik with a bitten lip, "Ludwik, don't be mad at sister. My burn will heal. Doctor, can I avoid antibiotics? Is there a harmless topical cream instead?"

-

The doctor nodded, "Ms. Sheldon, I'll write it down for you. You can get it from the pharmacy downstairs."

Florence smiled, "Ludwik, it's almost lunch. Sienna's here too. How about taking me downstairs for lunch and picking up the medication?"

She needed to ensure her nutrition, especially with Ludwik's attention.

As Ludwik checked the time and nodded, about to help her up, his phone rang.

Florence saw the caller ID from her angle: Parker!

Her eyes darkened slightly, her grip tightening.

Ludwik stepped away to take the call, "Ms. Turner, help Florence to the elevator. I need to answer this."

When Sienna came to assist, Florence had no choice but to step out of her office, her ears perked up, catching Ludwik's inquiry from the other end, "How's it looking?"

He must be digging into this morning's crash!

Florence recalled Myra's words, Drew had cleaned up the car spotlessly, leaving nothing but that kid's fingerprints!

As for the victim this morning, Drew had taken care of everything. There's nothing for Ludwik to replace.

Florence bit her lip in the shadow, a flicker in her eyes.

At a diner beneath the S-T Group building, Whitney was speechless, wondering how she ended up following Shane inside for a meal.

They had just left the clinic and bumped into Shane at the square.

The man was striking, dressed in a navy blue suit, exuding grace and distinctiveness.

Mr. Nelson stood out in the diner, a sight for sore eyes. He was tall enough to shield Sandy's sunburnt neck from direct sunlight.

The man kept smiling and chatting with Whitney, his gaze fleetingly brushing over Sandy's pale face.

"So, as I said, it wasn't me who got sunburnt, but this colleague of mine. Mr. Nelson, thanks for your concern. But how come you're so in the know? Such a small affair at S-T Group and you're already on it?"

Sandy's assistant, feeling a bit guilty, couldn't meet Shane's eyes.

Shane's gaze lingered on Sandy again, then he laughed heartily, responding to Whitney, "I just happened to be around S-T Group's building, caught wind of it. I've been quite concerned about Whitney's affairs lately! So, I quickly bought some aloe vera gel to bring over. Since you've come with me to the diner, how about we have a meal together as a treat from me?"