Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 360

Tiana's voice was icy, "It was Parker. I secretly took pictures of Elaine with his help.\nWe had just met a few days ago, and there's no way anyone else would have spilled the beans to Barclay.\nAfter all, Cherry is a Doonan, and Parker still went ahead with it. I loathe him!"\nHer voice quivered with anger, a clear indication of how terrified she was of Barclay.\nRumor had it that Barclay was the Doonan family's bully, a real piece of work.\nWhitney barely had time to question her if she was sure Parker was the snitch or if it was possible that Endora had a hand in it.\nShe immediately asked, "Are you safe now? Do you need me to come over?"\n"No, you have to go to that wedding today. I'm hiding out at home with my daughter and parents. Barclay might not get to us today.\nAnd don't worry about the video. I've got a friend checking into that hotel. You'll meet up, and he'll follow your lead.\nWe need to make this sham of a wedding spectacular."\nHearing Tiana's tone, Whitney finally relaxed a bit, "I'll send Valerie to help you out.\nAnd, Tiana, about that investigation on Skyfaith's Mr. Turner..." \n"Don't worry, I've got everything recorded as planned. You can use it when the time comes," Tiana confidently replied.\nWhitney smirked and hung up, changed into her gown, and holding two invitations, she knocked on her uncle's door next door.\nKeegan hesitated, "Should I even go? Ludwik's wedding, given my... status?"\nWhitney's smile didn't reach her eyes, "Uncle, you should see what becomes of the Bartels family.\nPlus, you're an honorary director at Skye Gem Ltd. How is that a low status? Tiana isn't going, so you're with me."\nMentioning the Bartels family, a hint of loathing flashed in Keegan's eyes, "Alright then."\n-\nAt 11:40, the lavish hotel's wedding lawn was already filled with dignitaries.\nLudwik had spared no expense for Elaine, their wedding display ostentatious.\nWhitney's gaze swiftly moved across the crowd, her lips twitching into a smile as her secretary wheeled her uncle out of the elevator.\nThey bumped into Zane and Delphine.\nThe couple seemed overjoyed, probably heading to the bride's room.\nIn the empty hallway, Zane, harboring a grudge since Keegan was released in court while the Bartels family suffered, approached with a venomous look, "A cripple from the Tennyson family at a grand Bartels Group wedding? What right do you have?"\nKeegan, feeling inferior in his wheelchair, clenched his teeth at the mention of his family's downfall caused by the Bartels.\nWhitney placed a hand on his shoulder, showing the invitation, "Mr. Bartels, an invitation is all the right we need.\nYour daughter sent this secretly, wanting me to grace her with my presence, right? Besides, isn't this Mr. Lippert's wedding, not a Bartels family show?"\n"Our family is Mr. Lippert's in-law! Oh, I forgot you're Mr. Lippert's cast-off..."\nDelphine sneered, getting closer to Whitney, "You and your crippled uncle better watch out. Elaine being Mrs. Lippert now, just a whisper in her husband's ear, and it wouldn't be hard for the Bartels Group to seek revenge or throw a cripple in jail again."\nKeegan's face paled, memories of his harrowing time in jail surfacing.\nZane, enjoying Keegan's despair, leaned closer, "Blame your niece for not keeping Ludwik. Do you know his status?\nAs his father-in-law, I'll have Emperor City in my grasp! Wiping out the Tennyson family wouldn't be hard."\nWhitney, blocking Keegan, smirked at Zane, "We'll see about that."\nShe gestured for the secretary to wheel Keegan onto the lawn.\n"Uncle, don't worry. You think today's wedding will actually happen?"\n"Whitney, you mean..." Keegan looked up.\nWith a secretive smile, Whitney said, "Let them enjoy today. They won't have another chance."\n-\nWatching Whitney leave, Zane immediately called Elaine in the bride's room, "Why'd you invite Whitney? She's here to cause trouble, I don't like it..." \n"Relax, Dad. I invited her on purpose. If she didn't come, I'd be worried.\nI've arranged a little drama for her before she can make a move. Just watch!"\nElaine's tone was both gleeful and sinister, confidently ending the call.\nToday, Whitney was essential.\n-\nOn the lawn, Ludwik, holding a glass of wine, chatted with the recently arrived Jason.\nJason, tall and distinguished, shared a similar aura of authority with Ludwik, both embodying the elite lineage.\nAfter observing his son, Jason smiled warmly, patting Ludwik on the shoulder, "Ludwik, these are a few directors from the Lippert Group.\nOn your big day, I've got several gifts for you. Don't turn them down.\nAfter the wedding... I need to tell you some truths."\nLudwik’s brow furrowed deeper as he took a sip from his glass without a word.\nJason continued, "It's a shame that on such a joyous day, your mother can't wake up. By the way, have you visited her?"\n"I went last night. My mother... she might never wake up, I guess."\nLudwik’s expression was muted; he hadn’t told his mother about his marriage to Elaine last night, especially since his mother was so fond of Whitney...\nIt seemed like his mother never really took to Elaine.\nOut of the corner of his eye, Ludwik’s dark gaze flickered towards the entrance. Whitney?!\nThe woman was slender and graceful, dressed in a deep navy gown that made her fair skin glow, both cold and delicate. With minimal makeup on her stunning face and her almond eyes as enigmatic as the lake in April, she was simply captivating.\nHow did she end up here? He hadn’t sent her an invitation.\nSoon, a man named Orion stood by her side, and several young men, drawn by her beauty, gathered around her.\nLudwik’s gaze hardened and a feeling of discomfort swelled in his chest as if a sponge had lodged itself there.\nWherever she went, she still had that damn allure.\nHis gaze turned icy as he gripped the wine glass tighter.\n"That’s your ex-wife you’re looking at. Elaine will be out soon," Ashton remarked with displeasure.\nNolan and Parker stood by, silent.\n"How did she get here?" Ashton asked again, irritated.\n"I don’t know."\nMore dignitaries arrived at the door, and Ludwik, with his long strides, went over to mingle, holding his wine glass.\n"Isn't that Whitney? She's actually attending her ex-husband Mr. Lippert's wedding. Bold move."\n"These days, what does it matter? She's the CEO of Skye Gem Ltd., beautiful and wealthy. Didn't you see all those elite guys vying for her attention on Facebook? With her looks and figure, she won't have trouble remarrying."\nListening to these snippets of conversation, Ludwik’s face darkened.