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.

Miss," the Sheldon family's driver turned

its headlights shining directly at them in

frown when she recognized the sleek,

Her heart sank.

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

herself, the Bentley's rear door opened, revealing a man whose presence chilled the

couldn't bear to look at him, locking the car door

she'd forgotten the window was open, allowing his deep, haunting voice to drift

name made her

fixed ahead, her expression cold

were futile; she was

"Disgusting, let me go!"

was palpable, but it did nothing to deter him as he effortlessly carried her into

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

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 you here. Go back to Banyan City."

to remove her from his and his new

with sorrow and indignation. "So eager to

cigarette tightened, his frustration

want from

clear testament to the absurdity and cruelty

simply afraid that if she stayed, she would end up heartbroken like

to the Sheldons, showcasing their so-called affection, it was bound to hurt her every

transpired in Banyan City that suddenly made her the

her leaving would allow him to deal with the situation here alone, helping