Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 302

In the dimly lit waiting room, Whitney, sporting a pair of chic black glasses, made her entrance and was soon face to face with Jaxon, accompanied by the district attorney. After the attorney went through the procedural questions and stepped out early, Jaxon, handcuffed, fixed his gaze on Whitney.

It didn't take long for him to sense something off and recognize her. His face darkened, the stubble of several days adding a menacing edge to his features. "Whitney, you've got some nerve showing up!"

He was furious, blaming Whitney for his failed attempt to flee the country.

Jaxon scoffed loudly, calling out, "Officer! There's an intruder here trying to threaten me..."

"Jaxon, I'm just a woman with no ill intentions. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for something critical concerning you," Whitney said, swiftly slipping on a pair of gloves and covering his mouth to mute his protests. After ensuring he was quiet, she released him.

"Did the Bartels family pay you a visit this afternoon? Promised to keep you quiet with the police, offering you a mansion and a fortune? Assuring that your family and Uncle Lyle's folks would be well taken care of?" she asked directly.

Jaxon stared at her intently. Indeed, the lawyer sent by Zane Bartels had made such promises, including a significant share in the Bartels Group's assets!

And, of course, there were threats. His and Lyle's families were overseas, under the Bartels' watchful eye.

With a smirk, Jaxon replied, "Thanks to you, Ms. Valentine, I ended up here. But don't worry, once the Bartels get me out, we'll settle our scores. Bryce's bodyguard beat me up yesterday, and I didn't utter a word. You won't get anything out of me today either. Your uncle? He deserves whatever's coming for killing Uncle Lyle. But let me tell you, you're not saving anyone. You'll end up behind bars with him, all part of Elaine's grand plan."

fate, but yours? I'm quite sure about it. Are you

Bartels sacrificing him to protect their interests crossed his mind, but his arrogance reassured him. Holding many of their secrets, he doubted they'd dare harm

Bartels? I'm loyal to them, not you.

at the door, where Bryce's hired district attorney was keeping watch, she quickly handed Jaxon a small, white pill. "What's this?" he asked, puzzled by

smile, Whitney explained, "It's a drug that mimics death. Should the Bartels attempt anything, taking this will put you in a state of shock for about 12 hours, protecting you from other lethal injections. It

"Better safe than sorry. Keep it, no harm in that. When your life's on the line, remember my words. What's more important, loyalty or survival? I've already sent people to find your and Lyle's families abroad. We'll soon know if they're alive or not." After whispering these

a note with a phone number. "Call this number if you need my help. Then

night, her confidence unshaken that Jaxon wouldn't betray her

pill, Jaxon knew the importance of keeping options

The night shielded her as she thanked the district attorney, a connection courtesy of Bryce. Tonight's actions would remain a secret from the Bartels,

her uncle hit a snag. The blood test Whitney personally conducted revealed traces of a hallucinogen, not fully metabolized. Yet,

her uncle in prison, Whitney had drawn a blood sample, a move that didn't go unnoticed by the Bartels family. To prevent her from using any medication as evidence, the Bartels had swiftly recalled all such drugs from the market. Producing banned

from being discouraged, she felt more determined. Thinking it over, she dialed Tiana, "Hey Tiana, got any plans coming up? I need to check if the

mention of Elaine brought back memories of three years of suffering for

just about saving my uncle. I want the Bartels to start paying for what they've done. It's time to

breath, "With you here, I'm not afraid. I'll

Whitney's lips curled into a smile. A sudden thought crossed her mind, "The day after tomorrow, the Imperial Gem Corporation is hosting a government project at the South City Summit. They're tendering for jewelry material suppliers, but the summit isn't just about jewelry; it's a networking event for various industries including construction.

had reclaimed Skye Gem Ltd., making a high-profile comeback