When Love Is a Lie (Whitney and Damian) novel Chapter 96

Whitney felt her wet clothes clinging to her, and the chill from the valley night breeze made her shiver. She quickened her pace.

When she thought she heard footsteps behind her, she stopped and turned. The winding stone path was empty under the warm glow of the streetlights. In the distance, the faint sounds of music and laughter drifted over.

She brushed it off as her imagination and continued back to her room.

Once inside, Whitney reached to shut the door. Suddenly, a hand blocked it.

Before she could react, a short, scruffy man squeezed into the room. Greasy strands of hair hung over his forehead, and his narrow, murky eyes held a lecherous glint as he ogled her.

"Who are you? What do you want?" Whitney backed away quickly. Spotting a clothes hanger on the bed, she grabbed it, holding it defensively toward him.

The man chuckled creepily. "Don't put on airs, missy. What's your rate for the night?"

"Rate? I'm not who you think I am! Get out now, or I'll scream!" Whitney shouted.

He wasn't deterred and stepped closer. "Go ahead and scream all you like. No one can hear you from here."

The bonfire party was in full swing, with almost everyone attending. The guest accommodations in this part of the valley were reserved for VIPs, so there weren't many people around.

The man's gaze grew sinister as he eyed her figure, the damp clothes accentuating her curves. He swallowed audibly and lunged toward her.

Whitney let out a terrified gasp and dodged him, rushing toward the door as he stumbled forward. But when she yanked on the handle, it wouldn't budge.

"Save your strength, sweetheart. Or better yet, use it on bed," the man sneered. He made another move toward her.

Outside, Rachel stood by the door, listening to the sound coming from the room with a cold smile on her lips.

"Serves you right, Whitney. Let's see how you enjoy yourself after daring to meddle in my project!"

…

Meanwhile, Damian maintained his composed demeanor, watching Noel closely. "I'm set on both the position of heir and on Whitney. Have you been hearing rumors, Noel?"

"Rumors? Grandpa's word is just gossip to you now?" Noel said casually, though the bonfire's glow revealed a glint in his eyes.

"20 million dollars from the Group isn't exactly pocket change. Have you recovered it?"

Recently, Damian had become close with a businessman from Ardonia involved in the casino industry. After seeing the potential in that section, they planned to venture into this new business field.

Knowing the conservative old board members, especially his grandfather, wouldn't approve, Damian decided to act first and seek forgiveness later. Once the casino was operational in Ardonia, opposing it would be futile.

So Damian had taken matters into her own hands. He hid his moves well, funneling funds through his overseas private account with the help of a loyal finance officer, without anyone noticing. Or so he had thought.

But somehow, Grandpa had discovered it, reprimanding him harshly and nearly stripping him of his position as CEO.