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,

night, but Whitney had already contacted him. He said

details and

the office

accusing finger at Whitney. “You released 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 guilty as

together the debacle after getting home and

calmly behind her desk, giving

of yesterday’s company turmoil to Whitney’s close

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

victim with me! You think I don’t know your game? You pushed Elaine out, and now you’re targeting me? I won’t go

Whitney,

losing control, grabbed Whitney’s arm just as the door opened again. Felix stepped

doing? Ludwik’s voice

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

wife deliberately released my private video at the meeting yesterday. She humiliated me, tarnishing my reputation and

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

Whitney uneasy–after all, she had stirred up a

have no evidence to

“You…”

Leaning against the desk, he commanded the room. “Castor, you’re

just a

to the company’s image, Castor, that’s a very

won’t leak from

your dirty laundry is trending online. Scores of women scorned by their husbands have seen the video of you hitting your wife. They’re livid, and they’re tearing you apart on social media. You’re infamous now.” Whitney smirked as she showed him the trending news