Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 422

Ludwik glanced down at Florence, concern etched deeply on his face.

The young woman, anxiety written all over her, hurriedly shook her head at him. "Grandma was just panicked. How could she drag you into this, Ludwik? When it comes to the company's wealth, I... I really wasn't interested. But, you know, Dad truly adores my sister." "He showers her with lavish gifts, and it might upset Mom, and naturally, it would upset me too. But I don't want to put you in a tough spot; I'll get over my sadness in no time."

Her attempt to stop him came with a bitter smile, yet her cheeks were pale, her breathing heavy, a tear shimmering in the corner of her eye, clearly distressed, as if she might faint any second!

Ludwik furrowed his brow, remembering the doctor's advice - he couldn't let her condition worsen. Any emotional turmoil could prove too much for her fragile heart, potentially endangering her ability to undergo a crucial blood transfusion for her mother. Yet, the Sheldon family remained oblivious to her plight.

His heart chilled, Ludwik finally stopped looking at Whitney, his tone icy as he addressed Jared, "10% of the shares isn't a trivial matter. Such a grand gift for a daughter who's just returned seems excessive. Florence deserves her fair share too. If she's not up to managing it, she could always appoint a professional manager. You can't mistreat her, favoring one over the other just because she's not versed in business matters."

Whitney, gripping the woman in her arms, finished her piece.

'Favoritism?' She stared at his indifferent face, feeling the sting of betrayal. How could he express such favoritism towards Florence in front of her, his ex-wife, with whom he shared two sons? Had he forgotten all their shared moments?

In his bid to secure benefits for Florence, he had coldly slapped Whitney in the face with his indifference, embarrassing her publicly.

Returning to the Sheldon family, she wasn't saddened or frightened. But his joining forces against her, siding with those who wished to 'exclude' her, inflicted a deep, piercing pain. Once again, his indifference had defeated her. Whitney clenched the edge of the table to steady herself.

cold smirk floated in her eyes as she let out a clear laugh,

stiffened, his features

defeated Whitney, a touch of emotion crossing her face. "Ludwik, you've really made an enemy of my sister

he wasn't doing it for her, but for her 'well-being,' "Feeling

if Dad gave all the

Just calm down, Florence,"

mouth as she bit down, drawing blood. As they flaunted their affection without restraint, with Florence's

intended to fight for the inheritance; the Sheldon family's wealth meant nothing to her, with

by the seemingly innocent, losing both their men and their inheritance? She could let go of the inheritance, but now,

she couldn't touch Florence's slice of the pie? She'd take it, just to spite

expression cold, "The gift Dad intended for me hasn't even been discussed by me, yet Grandma, Holly, and my sister have had plenty to say. And some irrelevant voices have chimed in too. Well, I'm making my stance clear now. I appreciate Dad's gesture, and I'm taking it!" Whitney confidently claimed Hudson's documents,

Florence's expressions shifted. Despite the opposition, Whitney had boldly claimed

"See, 10% of the shares, and she can't sit still.

Sienna? If not, why the input? Is this how all the high society ladies in Emperor City behave? Lacking manners, sneering and looking down on others, shouting and making demands? What a revelation for someone from the countryside like me." Whitney's retort was sharp, yet her voice remained soft

caught off guard by Whitney's sudden

disdainfully addressing Whitney, "You just couldn't wait to grab what Hudson offered, showing no humility. There's a clear difference between people. Florence was swallowing her grievances, considering your feelings as the newcomer. Yet,

knowing Florence's act of playing the victim was to manipulate Ludwik into defending her, aiming straight for

Dad, I'm curious, was the Sheldon Group built on kindness, weakness, and humility?