Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



"Whitney..." Bryce's face lit up with surprise, especially after he caught a glimpse of Ludwik making an appearance from the corner of his eye. Wrapping an arm around Whitney's slender waist, a bright smile spread across Bryce's face as he said in an upbeat tone, "No matter what others say, all I can say is that our big day is just around the corner. Also, Skye Gem Ltd. is about to launch a limited edition collection inspired by our love story, hitting the market at rock-bottom prices. Trust me, folks, a good piece of jewelry? The connoisseurs can spot it a mile away. So, feel free to shop around, or even better, reserve your spot today. These slots are golden!"

The society lady was taken aback, not expecting their wedding date to be already set. The other patrons, walking by, started to second-guess. The quality of jewelry, after all, was something everyone could judge. Skye Gem Ltd. was known for its impeccable selection. Only, they had just been mocking the woman behind the brand.

With a determined look, Whitney saw the tide turning in her favor. She turned to Nyx, "Grab a few tablets, pull up last night's news. Let the customers have a good look. After all, they love Skye Gem Ltd.'s jewelry and might become repeat customers. I wouldn't want misunderstandings about me to get in the way of their shopping experience."

Finishing her statement with a playful tone, she shoved a tablet into the hands of the stunned society lady.

“Ladies and gents, my boyfriend and I were caught in a snap, a deliberate invasion of privacy, stirring trouble online. The person who hired the detective, I've found through evidence, was none other than my dear sister, Florence. She thrust me into the spotlight, hoping to scare me away from Ludwik's side. But she thought too much. A man like Ludwik, even if handed to me on a silver platter, I wouldn't take. The truth is in black and white, right here for you to see. Ms. Sheldon's attempts to tarnish my reputation were nothing but a ploy."

After reading yesterday's news clarification, the society lady was utterly shocked. The wave of sympathy for Whitney online made her cringe in embarrassment.novelbin

She awkwardly quipped, "Well, you could've shown me this evidence sooner! Yesterday's gossip was all about you, playing between two men, acting indecently. I was so enraged because I've encountered such shameless mistresses before. Ms. Valentine, my apologies. The jewelry's pretty decent, and now that your character's no issue, I won't be returning my purchase."

With an air of affluence, her change of attitude silenced many patrons around. Having seen the truth in the news, they now understood the full story. Standing tall, Whitney's smile broadened as she announced, "Skye Gem Ltd. has more offers today, including a 20% discount on purchases over $600,000. Don't miss out on top-notch jewelry that's just as luxurious as any premier brand."

As the staff resumed their duties, harmony was restored to the showroom. Turning around, Whitney locked eyes with someone.

Her cheerful demeanor froze, lips pressed tight, momentarily lost for words. Ludwik approached, his presence commanding, his suit accentuating his striking features. Without a glance her way, his cold, expressionless demeanor was intimidating. His silhouette vanished into the crowd, followed by Parker, who had witnessed the entire scene.

"Ludwik..." Parker started, attempting to shift the topic, "The mall meeting's over, but the manager still wishes to discuss future plans with you. Also, regarding the lease issues, he assumed your approval to allocate the prime spot to..."

His voice trailed off as he glanced back at Whitney, then both men disappeared. Whitney steadied herself against the gleaming counter, taking in Parker's words. Pearl Plaza was part of the Lippert Group's empire. Her securing such a prime location for Skye Gem Ltd. wasn't just due to the company's merits but also Ludwik's approval. He hadn't come after her for trouble! Parker's words felt like charity, a complicated shame gnawing at her heart.

Had Ludwik heard her announcement about marrying Bryce next month? Better if he did...

"Whitney, what's on your mind? Can't let go of Ludwik after seeing him? Regret announcing our wedding next month?" Bryce approached, having noticed Ludwik's departure.

Whitney lowered her gaze, shaking her head, "I've moved on." But her awkward explanation hinted at uncertainty, "Bryce, I haven't really decided on our wedding... I just said next month to defuse the situation."

Bryce, looking somewhat dejected, replied, "You don't have to explain. Whether you want to rush into it or wait for the right moment, I respect your decision. After all, you're with me now."

Whitney nodded absentmindedly, thinking she should proceed with the wedding soon, especially with Sammy's life still in Florence's hands.

The ringing phone broke her train of thought. As Florence's name flashed on the screen, Whitney knew exactly why she was calling. With a smirk, Whitney stepped into a quiet hallway to answer, "Ms. Sheldon, not busy salvaging your 'innocent and frail' reputation from your own scandal, yet you find time to call me?"

"Whitney, you're such a bitch!" Florence's voice was filled with venom, her image tarnished by the backlash online.

Fuming with anger, Whitney's face was a kaleidoscope of frustration and fury. "Have you lost your mind? How dare you show your teeth at me, do you forget I still have your son in my grasp?"

Whitney gripped her phone tighter, choosing silence over confrontation. Even though Florence had Sammy as leverage, she wouldn't harm a hair on his head just because Whitney fought back. After all, Sammy was her golden ticket to force Whitney out of Ludwik's life.

"Speaking of my son, it's about time you show me a picture of him. I need to see he's okay before I play along with your games."

Florence's breathing paused at the other end. Holly and her daughter locked eyes, a silent conversation passing between them. They had their answer. Whitney was still in the dark about Sammy's whereabouts!

Florence's eyes narrowed sinisterly, a smirk playing on her lips as if to say, "Mom, you guessed right!" Ludwik had chosen to stay silent, and though the reasons were murky, Florence had her suspicions. A cold laugh bubbled up inside her, her voice steady, "Tonight, I'll send you his picture. I see you and Bryce have been quite the pair at the mall, flaunting your upcoming wedding to promote Skye Gem Ltd.'s entry into Emperor City's market. Well, I'll push the date forward. How about the beginning of next month? Once you're married to Bryce, I'll return Sammy to you. The longer you wait, the more risks you face. It's up to you how quickly you want to reunite with your son and make a clean break."

el.ne

Florence pressed her advantage, setting the wedding date for the next month's start. But in truth, the timing of the wedding seemed inconsequential. The outcome appeared inevitable. All Whitney wanted was Sammy's safe return. He was too young to suffer any mishaps or harm.

"Fine. Lay a finger on Sammy, and I'll make you pay dearly."

Whitney ended the call and stepped out of the stairwell, just as Nyx approached her with a phone in hand. "Your line was busy a moment ago. I received a call from a stranger claiming to be your father's aide. He said it was urgent!"

Cody?

Whitney frowned and dialed immediately, "Cody, what's happening with the Sheldon Group?"

"It's not the Sheldon Group. It's the hospital. The nurse told me there's been suspicious activity outside your father's room these past few days, like someone's casing the place. I suspect Hugh is plotting against the chairman. You need to beef up security."

Whitney's breath caught, "Not just security. I want Hugh's head on a platter, now."

Cody responded, "Exactly my thoughts. It's time to see who holds the power."