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.

Banyan City, but

Hudson, "Hudson, is this

who replied politely, "Jason, she's my eldest, the heiress to the Sheldon family. Whitney, say hello to

but never really interacted with him. Sensing his cold demeanor, she greeted

trouble she'd caused Ludwik, was unimpressed by her bold red dress. He ignored her greeting, instead praising Florence, "Ms. Sheldon

Florence and his

scandalous heiress of the Sheldon family, contrasting with

worry, dear. Jason just doesn't know you

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

then, someone announced

buzzed with talk of Ludwik, attracting the attention of every lady present, including Whitney. Ludwik, spotting Whitney, remembered Dr. Ford's warnings about Natalie's health, her urgent need for a treatment due to

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

supported Florence,

at Whitney. Her elegance, reminiscent of a classic

gossip Sienna stirred,

among the elite, Whitney was left

had a

of the elderly ladies who had come to the banquet, offering a

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