Love beyond the mask1-100

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Chapter_30

Whitney stood frozen, her mind racing as she processed Simon’s latest message. It read, I know you wouldn’t come out willingly, so I’ve got leverage. Whitney, I have your grandfather’s old phone book, the one he had before he passed away. Haven’t you been trying to dig into that accident for years now? Are you sure you don’t want it?

Simon knew exactly how to push her buttons. Her grandfather’s phone book—the one he’d kept from before his death—was her Achilles’ heel. It contained potential answers about her family’s tragic accident, one that had left her with more questions than she could ever answer. She had been too young to know the details, studying abroad when it happened. Upon her return, she had been informed abruptly of their sudden deaths. Afterward, it felt as though every trace of their existence had been wiped clean.

Whitney had never questioned the official story. She had accepted it at face value, focusing instead on uncovering what had really happened. But after her falling out with the Valentine family, she began to suspect they were somehow involved. The funeral had only deepened her suspicions when Preston had ensured all of her mother’s and grandfather’s belongings were cleared out of the Valentine Mansion. Since then, she’d been desperate to find any trace of evidence, and that phone book could hold the key.

It was the only lead she had. When she had been with Simon, she’d asked him to help track down her grandfather’s assistant, hoping that any clues might point her in the right direction. Now, it seemed Simon had stumbled upon it.

She needed that phone book, and he knew it.

Her fingers tightened on her phone as she hit “call.”

Simon picked up almost immediately, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction. “So, Whitney, what have you decided?”

“Where’s the phone book?” Whitney asked, her voice measured but tight with urgency.

“Come meet me. Agree to my terms, and I’ll hand it over.”

Whitney’s eyes narrowed, and her tone turned sharper. “How do I know it’s real? Show me a video of it now, and then we’ll talk.”

Simon didn’t hesitate. A few minutes later, she received a video. The phone book was clearly visible in the footage, the yellowed pages unmistakable. She recognized the background—his bachelor apartment. It was real.

She couldn’t let him get the upper hand, but she had no choice. With a calculated resolve, Whitney agreed. “Fine.”

Simon, clearly pleased, added, “Don’t stand me up.”

As soon as the call ended, Whitney contacted Tiana. “Tiana, do we have enough time? Did you get his location?”

Tiana had already coordinated the plan. “He made the call from his bachelor apartment.”

Whitney nodded. The phone book was real, and now they knew where it was. But she had to stay ahead of Simon’s manipulation. “What’s the next step?” she asked Tiana.

The next evening, Whitney told Natalie she’d be back before eight and left for her appointment. On the way, she checked her phone, seeing a message from L: What are you up to? Dare ignore my messages?

She hesitated, then chose to ignore it. She had bigger things to focus on.

At Crystaline Bar’s private booth, Simon was already waiting. He stood tall, a mysterious intensity in his gaze as he watched her approach. “Come in and sit down, Whitney.”

Whitney hesitated at the door, sensing the sharp scent of alcohol on his breath. She didn’t move. “What do you want to talk about? Make it quick.”

Simon’s gaze swept over her, his eyes lingering on her figure. She was dressed plainly, but her beauty was undeniable. Despite the simplicity of her attire, she exuded an elegance that made her impossible to ignore. Her features, delicate and striking, had once captured the attention of many in Banyan City, and her presence was still powerful.

“You know, Whitney,” Simon began, his voice low, “Is the baby really that thug’s?”

Whitney felt a cold shiver run through her at the question, but she stood her ground. “That’s not something you should care about, Simon.”

His expression darkened as he took a step closer, his voice growing more insistent. “Why can’t I care? You, your body… it was all supposed to be mine!”

Whitney pressed her back against the door, feeling a flicker of cold dread. “In your heart, I can die, but I can’t carry another man’s child? Is that it? Are you hurt by my choices?”

Simon’s face twisted with anger, and Whitney couldn’t help but feel a cold pit in her stomach. He was unraveling in front of her, his arrogance and desire on full display. She continued, her voice sharp, “You didn’t want me when I was just a pawn for the Valentine family. You used me to further your own business. After Monica seduced you, you dropped me without a second thought. You chose power over me.”

Her words cut through him, and for a moment, Simon’s mask slipped. He grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her slightly. “It wasn’t like that! I still have you in my heart!”

Whitney met his wild eyes with disdain. “Can you ever escape Monica’s hold over you?”

His fury erupted then. “What right do you have to judge me? You’re just a fallen woman. If so many men can have you, why can’t I?”

His words stung, but Whitney kept her composure. It took her a moment to steady herself, realizing the man standing in front of her wasn’t someone she had once known—it was a stranger, consumed by pride and bitterness.

“Enough, Simon,” she said coldly. “What do you want from me?”

He stepped closer, his eyes clouded with drunken desire. “Forget that lowlife. Come back to me. I hate seeing you use your body for leverage. You were always mine.”

Whitney recoiled, disgusted. “So now you want me as your secret lover? You’re despicable, Simon.”

Her phone vibrated, drawing her attention for a brief moment. It was a message from Tiana. With a deep breath, Whitney responded, her voice calm but determined, “Forget it. I don’t want the phone book anymore. I’m not going to keep you company.”

She moved toward the door, ready to leave, but suddenly Simon was there, slamming it shut with a violent bang.

Startled, Whitney’s heart raced. “I’ve already refused you, Simon.”

But Simon wasn’t finished. His voice was low and menacing. “You think you can get away that easily?” He moved closer, caressing her shoulder and inhaling deeply. “I know you, Whitney. I know you’re stalling for time. The thief you sent to my place is already sitting with my guys, having tea.”

Whitney froze, realizing Simon had already outsmarted her. Her heart sank as he continued, “The phone book is back in my possession, and now I’m not considering any deal with you. You’re not going anywhere tonight anyway.”

Before she could react, Simon swiftly grabbed her, throwing her onto the couch. He tied her up with frightening speed. Panic rose in her chest, but she remained still, trying not to make any sudden movements that could worsen her situation.

“What are you doing, Simon?” Whitney demanded, her voice trembling.

Simon’s eyes burned with a fierce, almost crazed intensity. “You forced my hand. I’m going to have you tonight.”

She tried to resist, but her hands were bound tightly. Desperation surged within her as she subtly reached for a nearby sewing kit, but Simon grabbed her wrist, smirking cruelly. “I know you’re crafty. Don’t even think about pulling any tricks.”

Fear gripped Whitney’s heart, but she kept her composure. “Let me go, Simon!”

But he wasn’t listening. His lips came down on hers, hungry and forceful, ignoring her pleas.

Just as panic began to set in, a loud crash echoed through the room. The door burst open.

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