Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 429

Holly was on edge, watching Hudson's mood darken. She quickly chimed in, "Darling, it looks like it was just an unlucky fashion overlap with Whitney."

Whitney snickered at the comment. Such a carefully crafted statement, yet it still pointed the finger at her for the fashion faux pas.

Florence, feeling helpless, glanced at Sienna, "Sienna, I told you not to stir things up. It's just a coincidence, after all. Besides, I went for a traditional look, and she embraced a more Western flair. They're not the same."

The implication was twofold: blame Sienna for the drama, and subtly accuse Whitney of trying too hard with her Western glamour.

Whitney couldn't help but smile, "My dear sister is right. She's so slim, traditional attire demands a certain silhouette, one I certainly can't compete with."

Laughter broke out around them. "Ms. Sheldon is too slender for a mermaid dress; she couldn't fill it out."

Florence clenched her handkerchief, taking Whitney's jab about her figure personally.

"Looking at Whitney now, her outfit doesn't seem too over the top. She actually looks quite stunning in it."

"I was about to say, she does stand out. Even among the elite in Emperor City, she's a beauty," remarked Justin, a known playboy from the Lippert family with a less-than-stellar reputation.

Holly smirked, glancing at Jason with a knowing look, "Whitney, see how popular you are with the gentlemen! Florence, on the other hand, doesn't know the first thing about fashion. It's a wonder Ludwik ever took a liking to her. Speaking of, where is Ludwik, Jason?" Everyone's attention shifted to Jason, their expressions filled with respect.

back to Banyan City, but he should be here

a pause, he turned to Hudson, "Hudson, is

she's my eldest,

Jason before but never really interacted with him. Sensing his cold demeanor, she greeted him with a bow, "Jason,

red dress. He ignored her greeting, instead praising Florence, "Ms. Sheldon is well-bred, knowledgeable, and

and his dismissal of Whitney felt like

the scandalous heiress of the Sheldon

dear. Jason

"Dad, I don't need everyone's approval,"

then, someone

with talk of Ludwik, attracting the attention of every lady present, including Whitney. Ludwik, spotting Whitney, remembered

his gaze eventually found Florence, who approached him with a weak

supported Florence, complaining to Ludwik about the day's

exaggerated tale, glanced coldly at Whitney. Her elegance, reminiscent of

the gossip Sienna stirred, didn't

was left alone, untouched by the petty social

elderly lady approached her, "Feeling out of place, dear?" She had a dignified air despite her simple dress, drawing Whitney into

had come to the

from yours. Those folks earlier were saying you're quite the schemer, but honestly, I think your dress is a bit... quaint. And that bit of lipstick on your face is the only pop of color you've got. And then there's Mrs. Sheldon, complaining her daughter doesn't know how to dress up? That girl's gown might look simple, but it's worth a fortune, and her makeup? Subtle but perfectly applied. She's put in