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?"

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

gossip, "I heard Ludwik got into trouble at the detention center. Had to be rushed to the hospital last

surprised. With the detention center's strict protocols, how

responded lightly, "That's hard to believe. Knowing Ludwik's skills,

badly hurt. Had my assistant check with the police;

not to dwell

into a gossip? Why come to

still have a shred of sympathy for the man. Seems like your heart's turned to steel.

Sandy, still as graceful

forcing

approach Florence, then forget about letting your daughter be around

"Is that a threat?"

Florence to threaten

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 times, our families should stick together

harbor any devious plans, I'm open

as friends, come

"Where to?"

Sandy, who had been

hide her disdain, "Mr. Nelson, you're crossing a line, mixing business

else would I chase

wife? Sandy was still as clueless as a

Shane out

she thought Shane would

surprise, they arrived at a grand charity auction, luxury cars filling the parking lot, with security guards stationed at the entrance. A glance confirmed that the elite of Emperor City were all gathered here.

you be to drag me

the Everwood

Whitney was frustrated, "You think I

it. I brought you here as a friend, to enjoy the

she could blow a gust

seemed to revel in stirring trouble,