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.

at United Realty Corporation the next morning, waiting

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

their flight details

nine, the office

didn’t you? Just as I made

the debacle after getting home

desk, giving a subtle nod

of yesterday’s company

talking about, Castor? Your infidelity has become the talk of the entire company,

game? You pushed Elaine out, and now you’re targeting me? I

between them to shield Whitney, but Whitney subtly waved her aside.

grabbed Whitney’s arm just as the door opened again. Felix stepped aside to

are you doing? Ludwik’s voice was

see the intimidating CEO and stumbled backward, releasing Whitney. The towering man approached her, his brow furrowed with concern for her

desperately pleading his 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 group’s project. That’s why I came to

of the

she had stirred

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

“You…”

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

voice quivering 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

to the company’s

people in this firm know about the incident, and I swear it won’t leak from me. It won’t hurt the company’s reputation!” Castor pleaded, his desperation palpable.

scorned by their husbands have seen the video of you hitting your wife. They’re livid, and they’re tearing you apart