Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 428

Sienna sourly remarked, "Florence, you're the best. You've snagged the top bachelor as your boyfriend, so you won't have to worry about anyone stealing your thunder." "How can you say that?" Florence responded with feigned innocence. "I'm just a sickly thing; how could I ever compare to you in looks? I adore your beauty too."

Her words seemed casual but struck right at Sienna's jealous heart, even Florence admired that despicable woman.

Florence cautioned, "Sienna, at tonight's event, please don't spill any secrets about my sister. It could ruin her reputation."

But Sienna narrowed her eyes, "I got it. I'll just share the juicy details of your whirlwind romance with Ludwik. It's the scoop of the year in Emperor City."

"Always the mischief-maker," Florence retorted.

Once Sienna left, Florence's eyes also narrowed.

Holly joined her, casting a glance at Sienna. "Florence, always playing it smart, using that naive girl to your advantage."

"She's just my pawn," Florence replied indifferently, pressing her perfectly shaped eyebrows. "Mom, are you really inviting Whitney to the welcoming party? I'm worried Ludwik will be distracted. Plus, Dad is clearly paving the way for her future, introducing her to high society..."

Holly and her daughter exchanged knowing looks.

"Do you think I'd let that little nobody smoothly enter the Sheldon Group? At the Lippert family's grand banquet, it's the perfect chance to ruin her. Once she's disgraced at the Lipperts', Jason will lose interest for good."

Holly's eyes gleamed. "Did you forget I still have some connections with Riley's wife?"

Florence remained silent, her eyes also scheming. "Mother, about the dress shopping..."

"Don't worry, dear. Do you think I don't know what you're implying? Tonight, you're the star. No one will overshadow you."

Florence smirked; her mother was indeed mistaken.

---

banquet is quite the affair. The dress you're wearing,

taunt,

indeed pricey, albeit several seasons old. Now, they'd barely fetch a fraction of their original price. Ah, the colors and styles - bright red, hot pink, lemon yellow - either too revealing or

facade. The Lippert family, being the most prestigious, likely preferred modest

put much thought into this setup, aiming to make Whitney appear vulgar next to

she was confident in her

off-shoulder gown, the most 'conservative'

house, immediately made a

her room,

small villa for over ten minutes, while Holly

I'm sorry for the delay. There was an issue at the company, Mr. Hudson asked me to bring you directly to the mansion." Whitney

to the hilltop took about ten minutes. Even Whitney, who had seen her fair share of luxury, was impressed by

a lake at the front, the

entered the Lippert family's villa, the subtle music

her bag to the doorman and stepped inside, only to be taken aback by Florence's conspicuously red,

dressed in red,

She had

mother had left early, with the excuse of a sudden company issue

was already in the

Hudson turned to see her, smiling as he approached, "Holly mentioned you were picking out dresses and Florence was eager to meet Ludwik, so they went ahead... But why did

women's fashion, but even he could tell this dress was too revealing for

present were all models

dress, "Dad, this was the most tasteful option available. The

criticizing the selection, which made Hudson glare

innocence, "Husband, I chose Whitney dresses worth millions! Whitney, don't wrong me. There were more modest options, but you specifically chose this red, shoulder-baring one. Did you

Florence into the conversation, immediately understanding her