Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 135

Simon’s silhouette was etched in shadow as he gazed at her, a pang of panic–flavored pain shooting through his heart.

“That’s the only thing have left from your Grandpa, and if I give it to you, you’ll kick me to the curb, Whitney…I admit, I realized too late. I know now that it’s you I deeply love, not Monica. Can’t you give me another chance?” He stepped forward, reaching out to take her delicate hand.

Whitney recoiled coolly, avoiding his grasp, and met his gaze with a hint of mockery. “If I hadn’t taken back Skye Gem, you’d surely not be professing love for me now. The moment Monica stepped down, your affections shifted so quickly. Now you claim to love me, yet you’re courting Scarlett.”

Simon’s mind raced back to the gala at Joyful Manor, where he had appeared with Scarlett, all witnessed by Whitney.

He clutched his head in torment. “It was my mother’s doing. For the sake of the inheritance, I had no choice. I was wrong, Whitney. I was fooled by Monica’s hypocritical facade. That’s why I mistreated you. But Scarlett is just a front. Just give me some time, leave that masked man at your side. Do you even know who he really is? How can you follow such a dangerous man? Come back to me.”

Whitney found him utterly despicable and no longer cared to entertain his pleas. Standing up, she asked, “You won’t give me the contact book, will you?”

“I won’t–not unless you come back to me!” Simon was adamant.

“Simon, tomorrow is the deadline.” Whitney’s eyes were icy as she turned and walked away.

Once in her car, she pondered momentarily before calling a trusted manager at Skye Gem. “Contact Troy and Faith Perlman tonight. Tell them the Skye Gem board has ousted Simon and that we’re interested in a partnership with Troy’s company. Invite them to the office tomorrow.”

The manager hesitated but quickly grasped Whitney’s intent to confront Simon and promptly set out to arrange the meeting.

Whitney then texted Tiana, [Can you get me Scarlett’s number?]

Tiana was puzzled. Scarlett was Simon’s recent date, right? But she immediately responded: [Whitney, what are you plotting now?]

Whitney massaged her temples; she was not plotting. She was desperate to retrieve the contact book and reach out to her uncle, her only remaining family.

the next morning,

not returned last night, but Whitney had already contacted him. He said L would be back at

had their flight details

office door

that video yesterday, didn’t you? Just as I made you speak at the meeting, chaos ensued. My wife showed up, and I couldn’t find you–you’re

had pieced together the debacle after getting home and came straight to confront

giving a subtle nod

the video of yesterday’s company

are you talking about, Castor? Your infidelity has become the talk of the entire company, casting a shadow on our reputation. Now,

know your game? You pushed Elaine out, and now you’re targeting me? I won’t go down without a fight!” Castor was livid, moving to

to shield Whitney, but Whitney

the door opened again. Felix stepped aside to reveal

you doing? Ludwik’s

Whitney. The towering man approached her, his brow furrowed with concern for her well–being, before turning his icy gaze back to Castor. “What did you want to

case. “You’re unaware, sir, that your wife deliberately released my private video at the meeting yesterday. She humiliated me, tarnishing my reputation and jeopardizing the hotel

a word, his formidable presence quieting the room. He circled Whitney’s face, aware of the company scandal Castor had stirred up. He

had stirred up a storm

to accuse me of sabotaging you. Without proof, your accusations are baseless.”

“You…”

cut him off with a fierce edge. Leaning against the desk,

with disbelief. “You rarely take direct control of United Realty Corporation, and I know I’m just a minor manager, but I’ve contributed to the company. My private life

this moment, Whitney spoke softly, “Causing damage to the company’s image, Castor,

it won’t leak from me. It won’t hurt the company’s reputation!”

your wife. They’re livid,