Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 425

Holly gave Florence a knowing look, her voice tinted with suspicion. "So, he's on to us, huh? Bringing Ludwik into the picture was a tad too convenient. Did he ask if you were setting him up with Ludwik on purpose?"

Florence's delicate features brightened with a smile, her eyes lowered, lashes fluttering slightly, revealing a hint of contentment. "Seeing Whitney's downfall today was utterly satisfying. Dad always had a spot reserved for the 'favored daughter,' and I knew his illegitimate child held a special place in his heart. We weren't worried when rumors of her demise circulated; the Sheldon empire was destined to be mine. But her sudden resurgence is a thorn in the side, and Dad, in his attempts to make amends, will surely offer her the most advantageous marriage alliance within the Lippert circle.

That's why I rushed to Banyan City as soon as I landed, concocting a flawless plan to secure Ludwik first. Everything's falling into place seamlessly, Mom. No one will suspect a thing."

"But Whitney," Holly frowned, "I sensed her animosity towards you tonight. Who knows what she might suspect? That girl is no pushover, snatching the 10% shares right from under Dad's nose... She's proving to be more troublesome than her self-righteous mother." Holly had underestimated Whitney, thinking her small-town roots would make her malleable. However, tonight's exchanges proved that Whitney was not to be underestimated.

Florence remained calm, her smile unwavering. "After all, I did take her man. Her hostility is expected. Even if she suspects something, I've kept my hands clean in Ludwik's eyes. Plus, I'm now his mother's lifeline; he's quite concerned about me. What does it matter if she has 10% of the shares? Do you think she'll easily consolidate her position? Do you believe Grandma won't be on guard? We'll stir the waters of the Sheldon family enough to drown her."

After a brief pause, Holly snorted dismissively, "I'm not worried. She dreams if she thinks she can compete with us. I've dealt with all sorts of people in my life. If I could bring down Parisa, her daughter won't be a challenge."

Leaning in, Holly's voice dropped to a whisper, "Florence, you must ensure that child remains hidden..."

"Don't worry, Mother." Florence's grip tightened around her glass, her smile deepening. "No one will find out where he is."

----

In the car, Whitney closed her eyes, reflecting on the evening's brutal confrontations, feeling utterly drained.

As they descended the hill, the car came to a sudden halt.

Brew Hill was expansive, its roads wide and well-lit.

A blinding set of headlights approached from ahead, forcing Whitney's eyes open.

moment, Miss," the Sheldon

its headlights shining directly at them in a clear act of

even begun to frown when she

Her heart sank.

could react, a man from the Bentley approached, speaking to the Sheldon family's driver before luring him away for

door opened, revealing a man whose

look at him, locking the

deep, haunting voice to drift in. "Whitney, we need

her name made her stomach

fixed ahead,

she was quickly swept into

"Disgusting, let me go!"

it did nothing to deter him as

dripping with sarcasm. "This isn't right, Ludwik. You

outside cast stark shadows across his face, emphasizing his stern features and the cold determination in his eyes. Ludwik lit a cigarette, his actions deliberate, the smoke curling from his lips adding to the menacing aura in the confined space. "Leave Emperor City," he finally said, his tone emotionless. "The Sheldon family has nothing for

away, impatient to remove

eager to send me away, am I in

cigarette tightened, his frustration

you want from Skyfaith Group, but

clear testament to the absurdity and cruelty

if she stayed, she would end

their so-called affection, it was bound to hurt her every time they met. Why go through

had transpired in Banyan City that suddenly

allow him to deal with the