Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 507

thinking the worst of me... Hudson, how can I rest easy knowing she's taking care of you?" Tears streamed down her face as she spoke.

Holly, red-faced and shaking with anger, charged at Whitney. "What are you implying? That somehow, I'm responsible for your father's death? That's absurd! Mom and Dad, you've seen yourself how much I've loved Hudson all these years. Whitney, you're being spiteful, Florence wrapped her arms around her mother, her eyes pleading as she looked at Whitney, "Sis, that's totally uncalled for. My mom wouldn't harm Dad. She's been his rock. Are you trying to stir trouble and make Grandma and Grandpa doubt her? They know we've never harbored any ambition..."

Whitney sneered internally, "You're all worrying over nothing. I'm not saying Holly has ulterior motives. I'm just reminding Grandpa that Dad waking up wouldn't serve Holly any good. The Shelton family is a major league family, not your average household. It pays to be cautious. I'm just a girl from the sidelines, wanting nothing more than my dad to wake up and enjoy some family time. What benefits could I possibly gain? I don't have a claim to the Shelton inheritance."

Jared was convinced, "Alright, Whitney will take care of Hudson."

"Dad, do you really believe I could harm Hudson?" Holly protested vehemently, "What will people think of me, Mrs. Shelton?"

Whitney's eyes narrowed coldly. "Holly, Grandpa has made his decision. If you continue to argue, I might start wondering. Why are you so desperate for Dad's custody? Afraid he might wake up?" "What nonsense are you spouting!" Holly snapped.

Hugh, who had been silent in his wheelchair, finally spoke up, "Holly, let's follow Dad's decision. With the incident, the Shelton corporation is in chaos. You, as his wife, and Florence, as his rightful daughter, should be focusing on holding things together for the corporation's sake. Let Whitney care for Dad; it's just dividing the tasks."

Holly glared at Whitney, seething, "Fine... but if anything happens to Hudson, I won't forgive you!"

Florence appeared concerned, "Mom, Uncle has a point. Even if I've had no interest in the Shelton corporation, given the circumstances, I might need to step in to stabilize things."

"That's right. But you two, being women of the household without support, facing the corporation's major shareholders might be challenging... The company's executives have been calling non-stop, saying reporters are swarming the office. It's chaotic." Hugh looked troubled.

Holly turned to Jared, her eyes brimming with tears, "Dad, Florence and I are on our own, clueless about managing the company. We might need Hugh now."

Jared nodded thoughtfully, "Your brother might not wake up anytime soon, and your sister-in-law lacks the strength to cope. Hugh, the company will be temporarily in your hands; help your sister-in-law out."

Hugh grimaced, a bitter smile on his face, "Dad, I've been out of the loop for so long due to my condition... I'm not sure I'm up to it..."

"Paths are made by walking. You're being too modest." His insistence only solidified Jared's decision, "You won't be any less capable than your brother. For the sake of the Shelton family, you must try." "Alright, I will." Hugh nodded, his attitude shifting.

Whitney stood by, watching the exchange between Holly and Hugh, her grip tightening. It all seemed like a charade. She took a deep breath, her doubts deepening. Why was her father targeted? The tension between Holly and Hugh was palpable. Holly had been vehemently against Whitney taking care of their father, yet she quickly agreed after Hugh spoke up? And then she even vouched for Hugh to take over the company. Did Holly not want the Shelton corporation for herself? Whitney sank into deep thought. Noticing her piercing gaze, Hugh blinked away, saying with feigned sorrow, "Whitney, please take good care of Dad. Dad, I'll replace out who's behind the shooting. I want to see who dares mess with the Shelton family!"

Jared's eyes reddened, "Find them!"

Whitney's gaze turned even colder. So much for proving innocence. Maybe she had been wrong from the start. Hugh was more complicated than he seemed.

After Hugh left, Holly and Florence went downstairs to gather Hudson's personal items. Whitney waited, lost in thought, until someone approached her. "Miss, may I have a word?"

She recognized the man as her father's assistant, always working closely with Hudson. He spoke softly, cautiously. Whitney followed him to a secluded stairwell, understanding the need for privacy.

The assistant looked worried, whispering, "Miss, Mr. Shelton was shot while driving back from your mother's memorial. Yesterday, he had prepared an announcement for your entry into the Shelton corporation and even drafted a will, intending to leave you 20% of the independent shares of the corporation. He was supposed to go to the office to sign it today but got shot on the way..."

Whitney froze, her mind racing. The assistant's words implied a sinister plot. Her eyes narrowed, a chill running down her spine. "Was the preparation of my entry notice and the will kept confidential? Besides you, who else knew about my dad's plans within the Shelton corporation?"

The assistant replied, "The lawyer and some HR personnel."

Whitney clenched her fists, the tension in her body palpable. Her assistant glanced at her, cautious yet sincere. "Miss, I don't mean to upset you further, but I believe it's important you know the truth."

Gratitude mixed with sorrow washed over Whitney, her eyes misting over. "Thank you. Did... did my father say anything before the accident?"

"I wasn't there at the scene, Miss. I'm afraid I don't know if he mentioned you..." Tears finally broke free from Whitney's eyes as she nodded, choking back a sob.

After the assistant left, Whitney felt a searing pain in her heart. If before she had doubts, now her assistant's words nearly confirmed her worst fear-Holly was behind this! Regret gnawed at her. She should have never asked her father about getting involved with the Shelton Group headquarters. Following her divorce from Hudson, Holly had become desperate. Whitney knew that Holly had spies within the Shelton Group, and the news of Hudson planning to leave a part of his shares to Whitney must have driven Holly over the edge. The shooting-it was all Holly's scheme!

Oh, God. She had only returned to Banyan City for a short while, and now her father was gone, and she was caught in a web of malice with Florence! And perhaps, Hugh was involved too. It felt as though the sky had collapsed upon her... Drained of all strength, Whitney was consumed by a cold hatred.

As she aimlessly walked out, she bumped into a tall figure. Looking up, she saw Ludwik, his face etched with urgency. His lips were pressed into a thin line, and upon seeing her, his dark eyes narrowed slightly, his long fingers instinctively reaching out to steady her. His voice was hoarse with concern, "Are you okay?"

"Ludwik!" Behind him, Florence's voice, fragile as a whisper, broke through. She rushed over, wrapping her arms around Ludwik's elbow, "I didn't expect you to get here so quickly. My father... I'm so devastated..."

Whitney's gaze fell on Ludwik's hands, then sharply retreated, her eyes cold as she surveyed him standing so close to Florence. Her heart turned to stone.