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.

to make a quick trip back to Banyan City, but he should be here soon," Jason replied with

turned to Hudson, "Hudson, is this your

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

interacted with him. Sensing his

unimpressed by her bold red dress. He ignored her greeting, instead praising Florence,

was ecstatic inside; Jason's approval of Florence and his

Whitney, the scandalous heiress of the Sheldon

worry, dear. Jason just doesn't know you

"Dad, I don't need everyone's

then, someone announced Ludwik's

sharp and his presence commanding. The elite of Brew Hill buzzed with talk of Ludwik, attracting the attention of every lady present, including Whitney. Ludwik, spotting Whitney, remembered Dr. Ford's

gaze eventually found Florence, who approached him with a

Florence, complaining to Ludwik about the

Whitney. Her elegance, reminiscent of a classic movie

Sienna stirred, didn't care

the elite, Whitney was left alone, untouched by the petty social

out of place, dear?" She had a dignified air despite her

was talking to one of the elderly ladies who had come to the banquet, offering a polite smile, "Dear, have you found yourself on

a bit... quaint. And that bit of lipstick on your face is the only pop of color you've got. And then there's