Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 504

“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.”

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.