Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 267

"Call me anytime if you need anything," Bryce said, his words few but his tone solid.

After ending the call, Whitney carefully placed a mask over her son's face, ensuring it fit snugly, and carried him into the private elevator.

As the floors passed by, the light indicators showed that each one was bustling with activity. Even the offices of key executives and shareholders were stirring with the beginnings of a workday. Whitney's smile tightened into a cold curve as she reached the top floor. Stepping out of the elevator, she caught a glimpse of Elaine's back as she entered the boardroom.

Quickly setting her son down, Whitney's expression shifted as she pulled out her car keys. "Honey, you're such a smart cookie. Do you know how to get to the car and hide?" Danny sensed the urgency in his mom's voice and nodded.

"Mommy will be back in ten minutes. Now, scoot to the car and play, but stay safe!" Whitney instructed hastily.

The little guy turned and hurried back to the elevator.

Whitney straightened up, took a deep breath, and, with the click of her high heels, made a beeline for the shareholders' office.

Upon entering, she found the old shareholders and Elaine laughing and joking, blatantly buttering her up.

"Elaine, under your leadership, Skye Gem Ltd. is sure to get back on track. A bright new future awaits the company!" one said with enthusiasm.

"I've always heard about Elaine's remarkable ability to manage. It's no wonder the boss holds you in such high regard. Congratulations on your upcoming good fortune," chimed another. "Elaine, I've brought you this ginseng, a rare delicacy from abroad. Please..."

"Looks like everyone's here," Whitney interrupted with a sneer.

Elaine, basking in the flattery, glanced up at Whitney and felt a block in her throat.

Ludwik hadn't come home last night, and this morning, after checking his sports car's GPS log, she found a new address - one linked to this wretched woman's apartment!

But at this moment, Elaine felt a surge of satisfaction.

With a feigned smile, she said, "Ms. Valentine, to what do we owe the pleasure of your visit to my new company?"

Her words were laced with hidden barbs.

company? If my memory serves me right, it was just last night that I personally paid the auction house to redeem Skye Gem Ltd." Elaine brushed off imaginary

as ever, laughed. "Ms. Valentine, the boss adores Elaine. He's wealthy and influential; securing the company from the

the shareholders

Elaine's willingness to take over the company, backed by Mr. Lippert's power, promised a soaring comeback for

instead of cashing in their shares with the bank. Now,

they wanted was for Whitney

spoke up with impatience. "Some people,

management, Skye Gem Ltd. crumbled and nearly went bankrupt three

only did you fail to run the company, but you also vanished without a trace for three years. Now that there's a glimpse of hope for the

grip and leave, you're out of place here! If I

guards chimed in one after

curled into a

fixed her gaze on Mr. Percy. "Three years ago, Skye Gem Ltd. was pushed to the brink of bankruptcy under Ludwik's coercion. I thought

done to Skye Gem Ltd., but to businessmen, profit was king. Whoever could make them the most money was their

The bottom line is, Whitney,

Gem Ltd., it's none of your business anymore. Still dreaming of being

us for being ruthless. The security will escort

after all. She might still be attached to the company. But Ms. Valentine, you need to face reality. Ludwik

polite to her? You're just

even confronted you last night. She's done so many terrible things to you

you're utterly useless. Why are you still lingering here? If I were

erupted with voices of support for Elaine, as the

ago, when she and Ludwik were in the midst of a divorce and Skye Gem Ltd. was in trouble, these were the

sold the Skye Gem Ltd. building,

Elaine, she had sabotaged Skye Gem Ltd. three years

Whitney had no intention of letting the

the table. "I'm not sure what backdoor Mr. Lippert has given Elaine, but

Elaine said last