Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 423

Hudson rubbed his temples, clearly exhausted from the recent argument that left him no room to speak. He finally said, "Ludwik, please, don't get it twisted. I've never favored one daughter over the other. Mom, there's no need to worry. The truth is, since Florence was born, I've gradually transferred 8% of the shares to her. She's been frail, so I had Holly look after them. Perhaps she didn't mention it..." At this, Hudson cast a cool glance at Holly. Her pupils shrank imperceptibly, but she quickly masked it with a smile, "Mom, I didn't really pay much attention to the shares, so it slipped my mind..."

"Is that so?" The grandmother's face turned awkward, yet she remained unsatisfied with Whitney. "Even if Florence has 8%, you can't just recklessly give someone else 10%. She's getting 2% more than Florence!"

At heart, the grandmother was set against letting outsiders into the Sheldon Group!

Hudson shook his head helplessly, turning to Florence with a tone of compassion, "Florence, your grandmother didn't know, or she wouldn't say I've given you nothing. Both my girls are precious to me. If the fact that Whitney has 2% more bothers you..."

"If it bothers my little sister, I'll gladly give her 4%, so no one can say I've been unfair. I can manage those shares for her until she's well enough to take them on her own, compete fairly. It's better than handing them over to some professional manager." Whitney's gaze didn't even flicker towards Ludwik. But her words were a carefully crafted comeback. A woman with a grudge, sharp and untouchable.

Ludwik managed a wry smile, his expression freezing. He hadn't known Florence already owned 8% of the shares and thought she had nothing, which led him to believe Hudson was biased. To stabilize the girl's emotions, he had spoken harshly. He looked over at the women somberly.

Whitney, oblivious to the man's gaze, continued, "Mom, since Whitney is willing to give 4% to Florence, let's settle the share dispute here. The company is not a game. Florence can live comfortably on her dividends, and Whitney is willing to share the burden and join the company. Shouldn't we be happy for such sisterly harmony?"

snorted, but Whitney's gesture left

I had shares. Mom didn't go into details. Dad, I've never been greedy, and thank you, sis, for your generosity, giving me an extra 4%. Maybe

glanced at Ludwik. Whitney's smile widened. Florence didn't know about her 8% shares? Hard to believe. Her words were laying the groundwork for joining

said, her words laced with meaning. Florence felt a chill, but her face showed innocence, "Sis, I've never believed that being weak makes me right. I'm happy you're taking the shares, and I'm glad you're back to support our

seemed like a coded message. Ludwik frowned, wondering why Whitney had to be so sharp, repeatedly hurting Florence, who was battling a

won. There's no need to be so aggressive. Let her have a moment of peace," Ludwik said, his voice cool. He offered Florence a handkerchief,

Whitney deeply. Was Florence such a delicate subject that Whitney couldn't even speak her mind without upsetting everyone? Incredulous that Ludwik seemed bewitched, always defending Florence, even to Whitney's detriment. With a cold 'hmph,' Whitney

where are you

I'm off to the

as well, sighing, "I've arranged a small villa for you, Holly had it

cane, discontented, she announced, "Hudson, it's late, and I should take Sienna home.

already assisting the grandmother, "Mom, Hudson just

that wait?" the grandmother

Hudson, protective and affectionate, took Whitney's hand to guide her. From the car, Sienna lowered the window, scoffing, "Grandmother, look