Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 652

In the corporate world of The Sheldon Group, whispers about Florence's favoritism weren't uncommon. At a board meeting, a shareholder sneered, "Seriously, why is Whitney even here? She's just not over it, wants to try her luck against Ms. Sheldon for a position at the headquarters."

Florence sensed Hugh's discomfort, especially today, with the secret of the stolen company seal and shares possibly being out. She tried to deflect, standing up, her voice soft and vulnerable as she addressed Whitney, "You're welcome to work at the headquarters. Hugh never meant to exclude you. Weren't you busy with your own startup lately? Stirring up quite the buzz..."

Her words hung in the air as she glanced at Emma, who immediately thought of the scandal involving Whitney, rumored to be entangled with Ludwik Lippert, dragging dear Florence into the mess.

Emma's demeanor cooled instantly. "Florence, don't bother lifting her up. Even if you'd let her into the company, I wouldn't. How can someone who runs a no-name company fit into The Sheldon Group? Her reputation is far from clean. Whitney, this meeting isn't for you. You wouldn't understand shareholder matters. Please, leave."

Hugh, unable to hide his fury, commanded, "If mother says so, security, escort her out. She's not to step foot here without my say."

Whitney glanced at Jared and the elderly lady, a chill passing through her gaze. She might have been worried about the truth hurting them, but it seemed the elderly lady was also fooled by Florence, blinded by deception.

Ignoring the astonished looks from everyone, Whitney confidently approached the podium, her gaze icy as she faced Hugh. "Before I go, I think I'll help Hugh wrap up this meeting."

"What did you just say?" Holly jumped at the chance to stir trouble, "Deputy Director, she can't disrupt things like this. Get her out now."

"What's the rush, Holly? Afraid I'll spill some secrets?" Whitney shot back, sensing Holly's unease.

The air tightened as Whitney continued, "Hugh, didn't you have something to announce? Or are you scared to tell? Scared to reveal how just moments ago, you abducted Cody, stole my father's company seal, and forced Cody to hand over my dad's shares to you, solidifying your control over the company?"

"Shut up! Stop making up stories and causing division," Hugh retorted, his face tense.

Whitney smirked, pulling out a video testimony from her bag, playing it for all to hear. "Did Hugh send you to the hospital to kill Mr. Sheldon?"

but failed. Recently, he ordered

"What did he instruct?"

to knock out the nurse and give him a lethal injection. It would look

recording echoed in the room, faces turning various shades of shock

elderly lady were in utter

is this nonsense? You and your brother were

himself, "Mother, Whitney is fabricating this to tarnish my reputation. I've always looked up to my brother, why

for Hudson deeply. Whitney, what are you trying to do?" Holly stood up, leading the charge

"How could you fabricate such

might turn on her, requiring more than just

then turned to Florence,

was Hugh in such a rush

inherit the company? This paternity test

Between who?" a shareholder stood,

drained of color as the document was revealed. "This... this shows

face went pale, her grip tightening around

daughter?" Jared couldn't stay calm any longer, the implications

you trying to do, Whitney? Disgrace the Sheldon family with

grandfather should

to the Sheldon family, it's them! Twenty years ago, they

your mouth," Holly said,

cry miserably Whitney, what have I ever done to you for you to slander me like this, to

I know that? Your tactics are despicable,