Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



"Sis... you're overthinking it. Orion and I are just colleagues! I was job hunting and happened to land a position at Imperial Gem Corporation, that's all. Please, don't say a word to Dad! Dad... well, he had his reasons. Orion does have some influence in Banyan City, and since you moved to Emperor City, and considering your past collaboration with him, Dad thought Orion could offer our family some protection."

Whitney understood. Her uncle, for the sake of their family and her, had meticulously thought things through, even willing to reconcile with Orion. At the end of the day, it was because she wasn't strong enough. Whitney clenched her fists, determined that this time around, she would secure a position at the Sheldon Group. Skye Gem Ltd., she would ensure it thrived in Emperor City.

"Orion might be a decent boss, but trust me, he's no gentleman. Did you know, once he ditched me mid-deal to hook up with an ex! Yael, don't be naive..." Whitney aimed to spook the young girl a bit.

Yael turned pale. "Whitney, why would you bad-mouth me! I've explained that situation; it was her chasing after me, and I didn't even share a bed with her!"

Orion, appearing at the doorway unbeknownst to them, cast a resentful look toward Yael, scoffing, "You think everyone's like Ludwik, unable to cut ties with past flings..." He was midway through his mockery when he suddenly shifted gears, “But given how awful Florence was to him, he should finally realize who truly deserves his love! I'd love to see Ludwik groveling and slapping himself in front of you, ha!"

Whitney was unimpressed with his sycophancy, warning him, "Stay away from my cousin."

Orion: "..."

Yael, shrinking like a scared rabbit, coughed hastily, "Sis, shouldn't you be heading to the airport?"

"Whitney, it's about time." Bryce glanced at his watch, "I'll drive you."novelbin

The trio made their way to the airport. Danny watched in dismay as this schemer managed to snag the seat next to his mom! He was fuming inside. If Sammy were here, no chance would these random guys get to sit by Mommy. With a sullen face, after much deliberation, he sent a photo to Uncle Parker!

Bryce opened the land auction documents, but his mind wasn't on work. He gazed at Whitney, starting softly, "Whitney, can we have a heart-to- heart?"

Whitney's grip on the documents tightened, and she quickly composed her expression, "Hmm? Go ahead."

“Actually, I know you initially went to Emperor City hoping to patch things up with Ludwik." Bryce squinted slightly, a bitter smile on his face, "If Ludwik hadn't started dating your sister, you wouldn't have been so desperate. That period was my lowest point too. But I want to say, my feelings for you haven't changed. If you've truly given up on Ludwik, please give me a chance. I'll become stronger for you, always there when you need me, not betraying you like Ludwik did!"

Bryce had overheard her telling Keegan that her concern for Natalie had nothing to do with Ludwik. His bittersweet tone struck Whitney's heart. Her lips pressed together, emotions tangled. Had she really moved on from Ludwik? Her sympathy for him over Natalie muddled her thoughts... Moreover, they now had to rescue Sammy together.

As Bryce's earnest gaze disoriented her, Danny suddenly began coughing violently, even gagging. Whitney stood up, alarmed, "What's wrong?!"

"What's wrong? It's the nauseating pretense from certain people that's making me sick!" Danny patted his chest, nestled into Whitney's embrace, and stuck his tongue out at Bryce.

Bryce's face momentarily turned a shade of green. As Whitney looked on embarrassed, he casually remarked, "It's normal for kids to struggle accepting their mom's new relationship. But Danny, you'll grow up."

"I'll never accept you! My dad never betrayed my mom! He loves her, loves me, and Sammy!" Danny's cold growl, filled with fury, turned away, checking if Uncle Parker had replied.

"You little eavesdropper, stop listening to adult conversations." Whitney, holding her son, was helpless at Danny's antics but relieved he diverted the topic. Otherwise, she really wouldn't know how to turn Bryce down. As Tiana said, Bryce was good to her, and she couldn't always bear to reject him.

"Whitney, back to business! The land is with the Lippert Group. You said you'd asked Mr. Nelson to bid for you, check with him for the results." Seeing her relax, Bryce's gaze tightened slightly as he shifted the conversation.

Whitney nodded, pulling out her phone, “The results should be out by three this afternoon."

Emperor City-

Upon seeing the photo of 'Whitney and Bryce together,' Parker immediately had Felix leak it to Ludwik.

elie

Inside the Lippert Group office. After seeing the photo, Ludwik threw his phone to the ground, his handsome face turning icy, the air chilling. Felix, keenly aware, had already dug up the details, "It was Bryce who insisted on accompanying Ms. Valentine back. The Lutz Group is moving to Emperor City, and Bryce had his eye on the golf course land. He plans to build both the Lutz Group and Skye Gem Ltd. together."

Ludwik's cold laugh was chilling. Felix understood, in Mr. Lippert's eyes, this was Ms. Valentine planning for her and Bryce's future together, with their companies side by side. At the head of the grand oak desk, Ludwik flipped through the pile of bids with a fury, "She wants the land, why didn't she come to bid herself?"

Felix looked down, "Ms. Valentine probably didn't want to deal directly with you and The Lippert Group too often, sir. So, she had Mr. Nelson act on her behalf, likely planning to snatch up the land quietly, avoiding your notice."

Ludwik's handsome lips curled into a cold smirk. His deep gaze became even colder and filled with anger, "The men she can get to do her bidding, quite a list!" It was clear to Felix, Mr Lippert was furious and unmistakably, jealous. He found The Nelson Group's bid, tore it to shreds, and leaned back, his chest tight with cold anger, "The Nelson Group submitted duplicate bids. That's cheating. Disqualify them. Spread the word by 3 PM. If she wants the land, she can come to The Lippert Group and negotiate with me directly!"

"Yes, Mr. Lippert." Felix wiped sweat from his brow, Mr. Lippert was clearly out to cause trouble for Whitney and Bryce. Quite upset indeed. Felix turned to leave the

office, then suddenly remember

there was another major announcement to make today. Was Mr. Lippert really planning to have Ms. Valentine come to The Lippert Group?

"What? Mr. Nelson, you're saying you've been disqualified from the bid?" As soon as Whitney's plane landed, she was hit with this unbelievable news. "Just an hour ago, you told me the $1.2 billion deal was sealed."

"I thought it was! But somehow, Ludwik found out I submitted multiple bids, accusing me of cheating. This is a tricky situation. You better come to The Lippert Group, try to explain things, or maybe offer more. The land is too good to miss, and several companies are eyeing it."

Whitney's brows furrowed, and upon hearing the conversation, Bryce immediately instructed his secretary to drive them to The Lippert Group. The towering skyscrapers seemed like a mighty emblem of Emperor City, a testament to the country's leading financial dynasty's power, leaving Bryce slightly intimidated and wary.

However, as soon as they stepped onto the company's front steps, Bryce was swiftly stopped by The Lippert family's security guards. Whitney frowned, "Hi, we're here to bid for a parcel of land owned by The Lippert family."

"Yes, Ms. Valentine, please come in. He, however, is not needed." The guard, following Felix's instructions, gave Bryce a cold stare. The chill in Bryce's eyes deepened, no need to guess whose doing this was. Ludwik was clearly making things difficult for him on purpose!