Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 1050

"Alright, off you go!" Jared said, managing to sit back down with the help of his butler.

The mansion was quiet, its classic architecture reminiscent of a bygone era, with lanterns hanging under the eaves. Each wing of the house was like its own separate cottage, much like the estates you'd find in old European tales. Whitney walked towards the west wing, her peripheral vision catching a glimpse of the courtyard in the center, beyond which lay the parking lot.

Memories flooded her mind uninvited.

A year ago, when Hudson had first brought her to Sheldon Mansion, that was the day Bryce had seized the opportunity to follow her, pretending they were engaged. Ludwik was there too.

The rivalry was intense. As the most eligible bachelor of Harmonia Country, Ludwik had mocked Bryce relentlessly, pushing him into the dirt.

Jealousy had flared, and Ludwik had cornered her in the bathroom, bullying her mercilessly.

Her cheeks flushed with the memory, her brows knitting together at the thought of Ludwik's irrational behavior. The man's arrogance, born of his privileged background, had granted him the power to trample over others. Perhaps it was his powerful stature and haughty personality that had driven Bryce to seek revenge, his greed growing over time.

Relying on the Patrick Group, Bryce had risen from the shadows, using her in his scheme of vengeance. Even now, Bryce remained a significant problem.

The tangled web of cause and effect between them was complex.

She hoped that Ludwik, having faced his downfall, would temper his reckless arrogance. Otherwise, dealing with someone as cunning as Bryce could lead to his downfall.

Shaking her head, Whitney snapped back to reality. Why was she even worrying about Ludwik?

A frown crept over her face as she dismissed her wandering thoughts and approached Hudson's study, knocking on the door.

"Come in," came Hudson's refined voice.

With a smile, Whitney pushed the door open. "Dad!"

"Whitney?"

Hudson looked up in surprise, pen in hand over documents. Seeing his daughter, he stood up immediately, his secretary moving to assist him.

figure walking over. "My dear, what brings you home

you saying I haven't visited you in

discharged

"That's not true."

was just worried about your health, so I came to check

"How did you know?"

day before

the sink and washed

that were long and distinct,

thought he must have been as handsome as

thought of her

mentioned mother cast a shadow over her mood, stirring emotions. After a few seconds of contemplation and staring at her father, Whitney couldn't resist touching upon his painful past. "Dad, have you ever thought about

hands stilled, and in the dim light,

his profile seemed to

hands gripping the cup's edge so tightly that Whitney saw hot water

then she whispered, "If you don't want

can't answer," Hudson said, his voice suddenly hoarse. "Not mentioning her doesn't mean I don't miss

every moment, these years, she's always

for her has never

tightened by his expression, showing deep pain. Whitney was shaken, unable to speak, struck by the love and regret in her father's

to speak, "I thought... after all these years, with a complete family,

gaze, Hudson

speaking softly, "Back then, I had responsibilities, a family, a wife; I couldn't be honest with you for fear of losing

divorcing Holly, after

love your mother openly

one else could, and the

stronger, more resolute, perhaps

reason, whether your grandmother's disapproval or Holly's schemes, it was my fault first and