Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Before heading back to Emperor City, Keegan contacted Whitney, asking her to come home.

In the neighboring apartment, Keegan, Torin, Yael, and Tiana were all present, along with two guests: Orion and Bryce. Whitney greeted Bryce, puzzled by Orion's presence but decided to let it go. However, Yael's cheeks were slightly flushed.

"Whitney," Keegan began with a sigh, sitting in his wheelchair, "since you returned to Banyan City, we've only had dinner together once. You've been running to the hospital these days to visit Natalie. What's really on your mind?"

Whitney quickly interrupted him, "Uncle, my visit to Natalie has nothing to do with Ludwik. I had previously misunderstood Natalie and didn't realize how ill she was. I came back this time to find out exactly what she's suffering from, and it's also about Sammy."

Keegan looked at her slender frame and tired face, "I heard from Tiana that Sammy was taken to Emperor City. Was it Hudson's daughter? You must have had a hard time looking for Sammy. And you haven't mentioned what happened after you returned to the Sheldon family. Did you suffer in Emperor City all alone?"

"No," Whitney denied.

"No?" Keegan's eyes cooled with self-reproach, "I heard that you were kidnapped last week, and it was Mrs. Sheldon's doing! You nearly lost your life. If Bryce hadn't mentioned it, I would have been completely in the dark..."

Whitney was stunned, realizing why her uncle had called her back. She had kept silent to avoid worrying him. Her gaze shifted to Bryce in confusion, while Danny, beside her, looked at the man with icy eyes.

Bryce coughed lightly, his eyes warm with concern, "Whitney, I care about you, which is why I inquired about your situation in Emperor City. I didn't expect such a grave incident; you should have informed me. I understand you didn't want to worry us, but facing challenges alone in Emperor City, Keegan is deeply concerned for you."

"Indeed." Keegan, impressed by Bryce, added, "Since you went to Emperor City, Mr. Lutz has frequently visited. I pressed him for information, so don't blame him. It's on me and Torin for trying to reconnect you with the Hudsons. I feel helpless, not being able to support you. But Bryce, being your fiancé, could. Didn't you meet the Sheldon family together? For my peace of mind, could Bryce accompany you back to Emperor City? If not, maybe your friend Tiana or even Orion could help."

Keegan's eyes reddened, "If it wasn't for investigating your mother's death, you wouldn't have gone to Emperor City. I can't bear to lose you."

His words nearly brought tears to Whitney's eyes, her heart aching yet warmed by his concern. Throughout the past weeks, she had withheld her struggles from Keegan. She endured humiliations from Ludwik and traps set by Florence in Emperor City, almost forgetting she had family back in Banyan City, all of whom were worried about her.

However, Whitney's gaze hardened slightly toward Bryce, clarifying, "Uncle, Bryce and I aren't in that kind of relationship. He has his business in Banyan City; I can't impose on him."

"Sorry, Whitney," Bryce intervened, "I confessed to Keegan about pretending to be your fiancé at the Sheldon family. Your situation was indeed perilous, and as a man, I can protect you. Besides, the Lutz Group is considering relocating to Emperor City for that land bid we've been competing for, right? The results come out today, let me accompany you back to Emperor City."

"Bryce is willing, Whitney, having someone by your side is crucial," Keegan insisted, hoping Whitney would distance herself from Ludwik and his entanglements with Hudson's daughter.

Caught in an awkward position and seeing her uncle's firm stance, Whitney struggled to refuse.

Tiana, sensing her dilemma, chimed in, "Mr. Tennyson, if you're worried about Whitney in Emperor City, I can clear my schedule and accompany her in a few days. It'd also give my daughter and me a chance to steer clear of Mr. Doonan here in Banyan City."

Keegan was pleased at the prospect of Whitney having more support and nodded in agreement.

Tiana eased the tension, suggesting, "Whitney, why don't you head back with Mr. Lutz today? It's for the Lutz Group's business after all. You two are good friends, don't feel burdened."

"Right," Bryce agreed, "we're all just concerned for you."

"I understand, thank you," Whitney, her eyes moist with gratitude, was touched by her uncle's concern. Despite his own health issues, he worried about her.

"Whitney, what time is your flight? Shall I have my secretary book the tickets?" Bryce asked gently.

The tickets were in Danny's hands, and as Whitney looked to retrieve them, Danny flicked them away, scoffing at Bryce, "Why should we tell you? You won't be able to get seats next to my mom anyway!"

The little guy was clearly irritated, sensing Bryce's ulterior motives under the guise of concern, and stormed out.

Whitney felt awkward, "Bryce, he can be a bit childish at times, don't mind him. Let me just check something on my phone."

"No worries, I'm sure Danny will warm up to me eventually," Bryce said, his eyes narrowing into a gentle smile.

Tiana gave Whitney a knowing look, then she and Yael exchanged glances before pulling Whitney into Yael's bedroom.

With a teasing tone, Tiana said, "Whitney, I know it might not be the right time, but Bryce really cares about you. He's even considering moving The Lutz Group to Emperor City for you. After all these years, he hasn't given up on you. Maybe you should..."

Whitney cut her off, "You said it

net

yourself, now's not the time. My focus is on finding Sammy and uncovering the truth about my mom's death. Everything else is on hold Bryce moving his company is about business prospects, just like me moving Skye Gem Ltd to Emperor City."

Her gaze was cold, leaving Tiana with a clear understanding, "You were deeply hurt by Ludwik in Emperor City again. Finding Sammy isn't something you have to do alone. Since Florence is under suspicion, it's time for Ludwik, that jerk, to have a wake-up call!"novelbin

Whitney believed Ludwik would

et

come around regardless of their personal issues. Pulling herself together she looked at Yael, who seemed lost in thought, and asked with a softened expression, "Yael? Why did Orion come to your house, and how come your uncle didn't confront him?"

"Ah... I... I..." Yael blushed, looking every bit the innocent young woman she was.

Tiana, in the know, smirked subtly.

Whitney's curiosity deepened, "Even

more bizarreas that your uncle

suggested Orion could go to

Emperor City to help me! Didn't he

suffer enough from Orion's actions three years ago? Did Orion charm

you? How could your uncle possibly agree to you two being together?"