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Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24 

Whitney remained the very picture of composure amid the whispers and stares

She waited for the murmurs to die down and then spoke with a cool detachment, A bit carried away? If I remember correctly, wasn’t it you who was caught in the scandal of the decade just a few days ago, Yvonne?” 

Yvonne’s face turned as stiff as a board

The socialites and ladies gathered around suddenly fell silent, recalling the recent gossip

Yvonne, struggling to contain her fury, tried to explain in a gentle voice, Whitney, those rumors were false, and they’ve been debunked” 

Oh, have they? Last I heard, my father doesn’t even want to speak to you. What’s the real story?” 

Whitney’s smile was cool and detached. Without waiting for a reply, she turned and walked away

The crowd dispersed awkwardly, with Monica stamping her foot in frustration. Mom! She humiliated you like that, and you’re just going to let it go? Look at her, so smug and selfsatisfied!” 

A deep loathing simmered in Yvonne’s eyes. Patience, darling. After tonight, she won’t have the gall to be so arrogant anymore.” 

The charity auction was set to begin at nine, yet it was only seven. Whitney moved through the venue while Yvonne and her daughter had yet to reappear

Whitney had a hunch that something was amiss; they would not simply let her off the hook

Passing by the kitchen, Whitney caught the scent of something medicinal. She frowned, seeing the steaming pot on the stove, and recognized the ingredients for a traditional tonic, which sparked a cold sneer at the corner of her lips as she remembered Monica’s feigned miscarriage

Who is making this remedy? Is someone in the household unwell?She asked a servant, feigning ignorance

The servant hardly paid her any regard and laughed without responding

Whitney left the kitchen, suspicions confirmed about Monica’s condition. It was clear that Monica barely had the capability to bear a child anymore, and the situation had gotten so severe that she even had to take 

medicine

Suddenly, the sound of barking dogs and crying interrupted the quiet. Yvonne’s shrill voice reached her. Whitney! Look at what your dogs have doneit’s bitten someone!” 

Whitney’s brows knitted together, and she hurried outside

Yvonne had her servants subdue Whitney’s two dogs and approached her with a veneer of civility. These dogs have been quite unruly lately. Just now, they nearly bit a little guest. Whitney, you are their owner; you would be responsible if they actually hurt someone. I’m going to have them taken away. Is that alright?” 

Whitney scrutinized the whimpering little girl and then her agitated dogs, who communicated through their eyes that they had not bitten anyone

She knew her dogs were intelligent creatures. Reluctantly, given the circumstances, Whitney agreed. Where will you take them?” 

To the old lodge by the back hill,Yvonne said, watching her intently

Fearing they might harm her dogs, Whitney insisted, I want to go with them.” 

Yvonne nodded, and once Whitney was out of sight, a sinister smile played at the corners of her lips. The little wretch had taken the bait

At the old lodge, Whitney crouched down to her dogs. I’ll get you out of here tonight,she promised

Just as she was about to stand up, the servants suddenly hoisted her up and, along with the dogs, locked 

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them all in the basement

What is the meaning of this?Whitney demanded, her eyes flashing with icy fury

One of the burly servants threw a contract in front of her. Sorry, Whitney, but the madam wants you to sign this deed of transfer as a wedding gift to Monica.” 

It was a contract for a vacation resort

Whitney’s expression turned icy. This property belonged to her grandfather, and she knew that even if the Valentine family had seized control, a transfer still required her signature

With force, the servant pressed her hand to sign. Then they left, locking the door behind them

Whitney and her dogs remained trapped

Looking through the narrow window at the cold moon casting its silvery light, Whitney felt a growing sense of wrongness

If Yvonne only wanted a contract, why lock her up? And why with her dogs? The night’s odd events were piecing together, and Whitney did not understand why Yvonne had brought out her dogs

Her heartbeat quickened, and she sensed that Yvonne’s intentions were not solely about the contract

What else could she be planning

Whitney turned to her innocent dogs, deep in thought

It was nearing eight. The auction would start at nine

Her hands clenched, and her unease grew

Suddenly, the door crashed open

Two male servants rushed in, dragging her dogs away

What are you doing? What will you do to them?Whitney stood up, trying to intervene

You’re quite a beauty, Whitney,one servant said with lewd intent, caressing her face. After tonight, I might just have my way with you.” 

The other snapped, Shut it. Have you forgotten she might be insane? Watch out, she might bite.” 

They left quickly with the dogs

What were they planning? To kill her dogs? What was Yvonne up to

As Whitney paced the room, a thought struck herthe servant’s mention of she might be insaneconnected the dots

A chill went through her as she realized Yvonne’s vicious plan. Whitney’s lips curled into a cold smileshe had uncovered it just in time

She immediately called her ally, Tiana

Tiana had struggled to sneak into the estate and had just arrived at the banquet hall when she received Whitney’s call

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Tiana rushed to the back hill and fumed, They dared to lock you up” 

Shh, Tiana,” Whitney’s face was taut with urgency, Listen, I need you to do something for me.” 

Tiana noticed the unusual coldness in her eyes and leaned in as Whitney instructed, There’s a medicine pot in the kitchen. Here, take this syringe..” 

Tiana’s expression darkened with the revelation. After rescuing Whitney from the basement, she ground her teeth in anger. Those evil women, to think of such a vile scheme. Whitney, you must find a way to turn the tables.” 

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Chapter 24 

Of course.Whitney gazed into the night, her eyes ablaze with intensity. Yvonne was after her dogs, and she had to save them, but she did not know where they were

Just then, a figure approached from behind, addressing her respectfully, Madam, is there anything you need help with?” 

Whitney whirled around to see the driver who had been assigned to her these past days. She guessed eagerly, Did L send you?” 

Yes. He instructed me to be at your service,” the driver replied. He said you’re usually quite selfsufficient but to use my judgment when necessary.” 

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