Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 672

This time, Whitney caught a definitive glimpse of Shane's peripheral vision, locked onto Sandy's face throughout the encounter.

The slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth, the faint furrow between his brows, and the intensity of his gaze fixed on the necktie Sandy was holding gave him away.

Instantly, Whitney connected the dots, her almond-shaped eyes narrowing slightly. It dawned on her that this man must have overheard their casual conversation.

Sandy was planning to give a necktie to a guy, but who could this mystery man be?

Shane's demeanor turned subtly tense, sending a shiver down Sandy's spine. She hurriedly retreated to Whitney's side, lowering her head in a respectful greeting, "Mr. Nelson, good to see you!"

"Mr. Turner, still working with Ms. Valentine at the Sheldon Group, I see?"

"Yes, Mr. Nelson, Whitney is my cousin. We're quite close."

"Are you running errands for her or wooing clients that you need to buy a necktie for a male client?"

Shane's casual interrogation did not miss a beat.

Whitney squinted her eyes, amused internally. Turns out Shane was the manipulative type, probing Sandy about his potential rival.

Caught off guard by his questioning, Sandy, aware of the Nelson Group's significant dealings with the Sheldon Group, treated Shane with unfamiliar respect. She felt compelled to answer truthfully, "Mr. Nelson, the necktie isn't for a client... It's a personal matter, so I'd rather not discuss it further."

Shane's eyes narrowed, his handsome features darkening visibly.

Clearly, the necktie wasn't meant for him. In Sandy's eyes, he was nothing more than a stranger, aloof and unattainable.

This realization left Shane feeling a surge of irritation. Damn it, he thought, having raised their daughter alone for four years, and this woman remained blissfully unaware, still playing the part of the innocent. Choosing to ignore her, he turned to Whitney.

"Anything else, Mr. Nelson?" Whitney raised an eyebrow, her tone implying it was time for him to leave after making such a fool of himself.

Shane shot her a glare, then, as if recalling something, beckoned her over, "Ms. Valentine, I've got a piece of news. Interested?"

business-related, Whitney approached, "What is it, Mr.

leaned in, whispering as if sharing gossip, "I heard Ludwik got into trouble at the detention center.

strict protocols, how could Ludwik have encountered

trying to detach herself, responded lightly, "That's hard to believe. Knowing Ludwik's skills, it would take

Just heard he's badly hurt. Had my assistant check with the police; the hospital's situation

not

you turned into a gossip? Why come to

thought you might still have a shred of sympathy for the man. Seems like your heart's turned to steel. Guess I can't count on you to help me with Sandy then. Maybe I should approach Ludwik directly, get him to spill

drifted to Sandy, still as graceful

about forcing her hand if

"Mr. Nelson, if you dare approach Florence, then forget

"Is that a threat?"

to threaten

"Now that the Patrick family has risen to the top in Harmonia Country, with Wade's twisted ambitions, he's likely to shake up the Emperor City elite. In such

long as Mr. Nelson doesn't harbor any devious plans,

friends, come

"Where to?"

been waiting quietly, "Ms. Valentine, bring your sales manager

couldn't hide her disdain, "Mr. Nelson, you're crossing a line, mixing

how else would I chase

Sandy was still as clueless as a rabbit in the

Shane out

Shane would take her to some business

arrived at a grand charity auction, luxury cars filling the parking lot, with security guards stationed at the entrance. A glance confirmed that

must you

visibly excited, "Come on, the Everwood

was exactly why Whitney was frustrated,

Still, I won't buy it. I brought you here as a friend, to

could blow a gust

to revel in stirring trouble,