Love beyond the mask (Whitney)

Chapter 73

The judges from Banyan City were a mixed bag, their expressions varying as the drama unfolded on

stage.

Everyone knew that, aside from the hosting committee from the Imperial Gem Corporation, there were

always important judges from international jewelry associations involved in this sort of provincial jewelry

competition.

How on earth did Monica manage to rope in an endorsement from this prestigious international

committee?

Some of the local judges, known for their ability to read the room, shifted allegiances, raising their

objection alongside the foreign judge.

The rules were clear: expelling Monica required a unanimous vote. Any dissent meant she would

remain in the running and advance to the next round,

Simon, too, witnessed the live broadcast, his handsome face stiffening with shock. Monica’s miraculous

turnaround was the last thing he expected.

Her plagiarism seemed a foregone conclusion, her dismissal a certainty. Suddenly, an unexpected

appearance from the normally absent international association threw their support behind Monica.

Even Whitney was blindsided. While she had anticipated some trickery from Yvonne, orchestrating

influences with an international judge and presenting such an exquisite design surpassed Yvonne’s

usual tactics.

What had happened behind the scenes?

Whitney’s gaze narrowed, her aura chilling.

Just then, the office door flew open, and in strutted Monica, triumph written all over her face. Catching

sight of Whitney and Simon together, a sneer flickered across her features. “Bet you didn’t see that

coming, Whitney,” she taunted. “I’ve turned the tables just like that!”

“Simon, I bet you’re even more surprised,” she continued, stepping up to Simon with a mocking smile,

her voice dripping with smugness. “You wanted to kick me out, bring Whitney back with all this fanfare?

Dream on. The Valentine family hasn’t crumbled; neither my mother nor I have. Instead, we’ve turned

misfortune into a blessing. Do you have any idea…”

“Monica,” Yvonne interjected, briskly entering the room and cutting off her daughter’s careless rant.

She glanced at Whitney, a smirk barely concealed, then turned to Simon with a direct proposition.

“Simon, Monica has effortlessly made a comeback. A wise man knows when to make the right

decision. Return the General Manager position to Monica, send Whitney packing, and I’ll overlook your

past indiscretions. Otherwise, Monica will always be out of your league.”

Whitney listened intently; her eyes narrowed.

h

Simon’s face turned ashen. Even if Monica had somehow turned the situation around, her reputation

was tarnished, and it would not be easy to clear her name.

He dismissed her coldly, “Monica, why don’t you head home and rest? You’ve turned Skye Gem Ltd.

into a disaster. Whitney is here to help the company,”

“Help? You just want to fool around with her. You’ll regret this!” Monica hadn’t expected Simon to resist

her and stormed out angrily.

Simon called for security to escort the duo out.

When he returned, Whitney was already gone.

Whitney entered Tiana’s car downstairs, where Tiana, appearing concerned, was scrolling through the

trending topics on social media.

“Despite the netizens slamming Monica for possibly memorizing her sketch and buying a master’s

piece, that

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design, Whitney, it’s beyond her means! How did she get her hands on such a high–end work? Not

only has that little cheat risen from the ashes, but there’s something very odd about the whole thing.

They acted so quickly–who’s got that much clout?”

You’ve hit the nail on the head that piece of artwork matches the caliber of a top–tier–jewelry designer.

As far as I know, Yvonne used to sleep with a few wealthy businessmen to get some investment funds.

We need to dig into who’s backing her.” Whitney said, her memory drifting to Yvonne’s arrogant tone

upstairs. “Check who Yvonne’s been cozying up to these last few days.”

Tiana nodded vigorously, “And that international judge–who just happened to be in the country in time

to witness‘ Monica’s sketching prowess?”

Whoever it was, with the ability to influence an international judge, was not to be underestimated.

Whitney frowned, quickly checking the international jewelry association’s records. A thought struck her.

“Wasn’t Valerie studying abroad in Maelstrom Country?”

Tiana’s eyes lit up. “Right! Let’s get her to look into that judge.”

“Whitney, Mr. Lippert didn’t attend today’s meeting; he’s probably unaware of the competition scandal.

If you were to appeal to him, could he be persuaded to kick Monica out for good?”

Whitney contemplated, “I’m not well–acquainted with him, and the international committee has

significant influence in the competition, on par with Imperial Gem. It wouldn’t be easy to ask him to

overstep the rules, especially since it’s just one event. A global company like his wouldn’t necessarily

be concerned with such details.

“But Monica’s like a thorn in our side, resurrecting just when we thought she was done for. Her work

today had some serious backing.”

“That’s why we need to expose who’s behind her,” Whitney said, her eyes hardening.

Concerned for Whitney’s well–being, particularly given the downfall of the Valentine family – a moment Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Whitney had long anticipated – Tiana offered a heartfelt apology. “I’m sorry, love, but I won’t be able to

join you tonight. Gunner’s grandmother, Claire, is celebrating her eightieth birthday tomorrow, and I

need to go help out.”

The Lutz family, one of the four magnates, would undoubtedly host a grand celebration for Claire’s

milestone birthday.

Whitney patted Tiana’s head with a smile, “I’m fine, I won’t be easily taken down. By the way, I’ve got

some data to leave on your computer.”

Tiana, unsure of what it was, took the flash drive and departed.

Alone with her thoughts, Whitney pondered who Yvonne had turned to for help.

Arriving home to an empty house, with L away on business, she found herself unexpectedly longing for

his presence, despite the chill he brought to the house.

Gathering courage, she decided to initiate a video call with him.

He picked up the call, and Whitney came into view. She looked freshly bathed and radiant, with a

natural glow on her cheeks. She was modestly dressed in a cotton nightgown that hinted at the delicate

beauty of her collarbone.

The man’s eyes froze, his expression suddenly rigid. He was in the middle of a meeting, for crying out

loud. What was she playing at? Did she have no self–control, to be flirting with him right now?

Taking a deep breath, he snapped his phone shut with a loud click.

Whitney was puzzled.

L sent Whitney a message: [I’m in a meeting, with a bunch of execs. Who are you trying to impress

with that disheveled look?]

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Whitney replied: […]

How was she to know he’d be so swamped? The man was a workaholic.

L sent another message: [Send me a picture.]

Whitney: [Why?]

L: [I didn’t get a good look before.]

“Creep,” Whitney murmured to herself, her cheeks flushed a rosy crimson as she glanced down at

herself. She was dressed quite appropriately.

Not sure what he wanted to see, Whitney decided to ignore his request: [Where are you on business?]

L: [Elate City.]

[When are you coming back?]

L: [In a couple of days. Miss me already, my dear?]

Whitney curled her lip, the urge to confide in him about the things weighing on her heart growing

stronger. She was really falling for him, wasn’t she?

With a smirk, she replied: [Not at all, Mr. L. You focus on your meeting. And remember to eat, okay?]

L: [Make sure our kid is tucked in early. And don’t you dare get cozy with your ex while I’m gone. If I

catch you, you’re dead.]

Whitney was at a loss for words.

However, with his little distraction, Whitney found her mood lightening, and she eventually drifted off to

sleep

in a daze.

Ludwik did not receive another message from his lady. Glancing repeatedly at his phone was an

unusual behavior during his typically stern meetings. The other executives were nearly slack–jawed

with surprise.

Ludwik’s deep and serious gaze lifted, “Hmm?”

The manager who had been speaking immediately continued his presentation with renewed vigor!

Ludwik reined in his wandering thoughts. The kitten must be asleep by now.

The man, expressionless, lit a cigarette, casting an imperious look over those gathered. He furrowed

his brow and inquired, “Where’s Elaine?”