Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Cody let out a small sigh, "Tonight really didn't go our way. Who would've thought Hugh would see through Miss Sheldon so quickly? If those hairs don't have follicles, all of Miss Sheldon's efforts would've been for nothing!"

Whitney tried to offer some comfort, "Whether or not we can get a DNA test done, these couple of hairs will make Hugh wary of me. He probably won't dare mess with my dad now."

"But if you can't produce a DNA test eventually, Hugh will figure it out sooner or later," Tiana pointed out, not very optimistic.

Just then, someone approached from outside the hospital room.

"Ms. Valentine?" Felix coughed lightly, his tone cool.

Whitney and Tiana were just about to leave the hospital when they saw Felix. Whitney's gaze flickered with surprise.

Felix glanced into the room, noticing Bryce wasn't there. His expression slightly softened as he waited for Whitney to come out.

Without delay or much conversation, he meaningfully handed Whitney a clear evidence bag.

"Mr. Senter, what's this?" Tiana asked, eyeing the small bag curiously.

Whitney, however, had already seen the tuft of salt-and-pepper hair inside. She paused, slowly lifting her gaze to Felix, "Mr. Senter, is this Hugh's hair?"

Felix raised an eyebrow, his face expressionless, perhaps still irritated by Whitney's apparent lack of gratitude towards Mr. Lippert.

He sighed, his tone cool, "Ms. Valentine, you know whom to thank for this, right?"

Felix turned and left.

Whitney's eyes flickered with emotion, her hand slowly gripping the bag tighter.

Tiana inhaled sharply, her mind racing, "This was Ludwik's doing, wasn't it?! No wonder I saw him leaving your booth and then heading straight for Hugh! My God... You have no idea how much I chewed him out tonight. The way that man handles things is beyond me."

Tiana's words dropped like a stone in Whitney's heart, stirring complex emotions. She hadn't expected that after rescuing her, he would also help her by retrieving Hugh's hair.

He had completely turned against Hugh, effectively slapping Florence in the face.

Given their takeover of the Sheldon Group, Ludwik's stance was crucial, backed by the Lippert family.

Yet, why would he still choose to help her?

Wasn't he supposed to hate her with a vengeance?

"Whether Ludwik hates you or is helping you secretly, I can't figure this man out," Tiana clicked her tongue, visibly pleased. "With this hair, Hugh's DNA test is a sure thing. You'll be able to crush those power-hungry vultures for good. Better keep these safe..."

"Whitney, I've sorted out the discharge," Bryce called from down the corridor, his arms full of medication, his concern evident, "How are you feeling now?"

"Much better after the stomach pump. I don't need to stay overnight. Let's head home," Whitney said, putting away the evidence, shaking her head. "I'll drive you and Ms. Melford home!"

Bryce took her bag, gently leading her out.

After dropping them off at Delight Mansion, Whitney glanced at the time, her pale lips curving slightly, "Bryce, it's late. You've been running around all evening; you should get some rest. I know with the Lutz Group's relocation, you've got your hands full."

Bryce looked remorseful, stepping closer, his gaze tender yet filled with regret, "Whitney, I'm sorry I wasn't the one to rescue you tonight. But d rather take the hit myself than see you suffer from alcohol poisoning. I'll build up my own power soon. I know you didn't want Ludwik's help, but soon, no one will dare to bully you. Not even Hugh. It won't be long."

Tiana listened from afar, her expression cool.

Whitney, oblivious to the underlying tensions, reassured him, "You don't need to apologize, Bryce. This was my mess. I can't expect your help as a given. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses."

Her attempt at consolation, however, only highlighted Bryce's perceived shortcomings compared to Ludwik.novelbin

Ludwik had the audacity to confront Hugh directly, something Bryce felt he couldn't do yet.

Ludwik had saved her, had been there in the booth for her, and all Bryce could do was silently endure.

He reminded himself, time and again, that Ludwik's downfall was imminent.

With clenched fists, Bryce swallowed his bitterness, managing a warm smile, "Thanks for understanding, Whitney. Once we're married, I'll make sure you're protected and happy."

Whitney offered a faint smile, urging him, "Drive safe."

Once inside Delight Mansion, Tiana saw the nanny had already put Danny and Cherry to bed.

Tiana helped Whitney prepare for a bath and laid out her medication, then looked up, "Wait for me in your room after your shower; we need to talk."

Whitney glanced up, puzzled, but nodded in agreement.

After her shower, Whitney laid Hugh's hair on the desk, planning to send it to a DNA testing lab the next day and took photos for backup. Knock, knock.

Tiana entered.

In the soft light, Whitney's face seemed even more delicate, her slender figure wrapped in a bathrobe, her beauty both cold and resilient. Tiana knew Whitney had her own mind, despite everything.

Still, Tiana sighed softly, leaning in, "Whitney, have you really thought this through? Do you really want to marry Bryce?"

Whitney hadn't expected the conversation to turn to Bryce. Her eyes, hidden behind damp strands of hair, darkened slightly, "Tiana, marriage isn't that complicated. It's just a piece of paper. If that paper can solve a lot of problems, why wouldn't I marry him?"

"I had a feeling you marrying Bryce

1

wasn't just about pure love. There seem to be some skeletons in your closet. Those issues, including Ludwik, right? I noticed you're desperate to cut ties with him, to make him give up on you for good. But Bryce... I suddenly realized tonight, he's not as great as I

thought, Whitney." Content belongs

Tiana looked troubled.

Whitney gave a wry smile, "Weren't you his biggest fan? You always talked him up, how he's been helping me out behind the scenes for years."

"But what if all that was just a

facade to win you over? I can't deny,

when you escaped Elaine's clutches

I

three years ago, he was there for you, deeply in love. But tonight, I sensed that maybe you're not as important to Bryce as his social standing. He was hemming and hawing tonight, said he couldn't help you because he didn't want to offend someone powerful backing him! That made me think... maybe this guy isn't so reliable after all. Whitney, think it over. I get the feeling Bryce despises Ludwik, and I don't want you to end up as a trophy in their battle for supremacy! I can't stand to see you get hurt by Bryce again."

Whitney furrowed her brow.