Love beyond the mask1-100

Novel Catalog

Chapter_73

The judges from Banyan City were a mixed bag, their expressions revealing the complexity of the unfolding drama on stage. The Imperial Gem Corporation hosted the competition, but it was widely known that prestigious judges from international jewelry associations were always part of the provincial contests like this one.

So how did Monica manage to pull such an endorsement from the international committee? It was a mystery to everyone.

Some of the local judges, who had a keen sense of the room’s shifting dynamics, quickly began changing sides, voicing their support for the foreign judge. The rules were clear: to expel Monica, the vote had to be unanimous. Any dissent meant she would stay in the running and advance to the next round.

Simon, watching the live broadcast, was visibly shocked. He had never expected such a miraculous turn of events. Monica’s plagiarism seemed like a foregone conclusion, her dismissal a certainty. But now, with the unexpected backing of the international committee, it seemed as though everything had changed.

Even Whitney was caught off guard. While she had anticipated some kind of trickery from Yvonne, orchestrating such a move with the international judge and presenting an exquisite design was beyond anything she had expected from her rival.

What had really happened behind the scenes?

Whitney’s eyes narrowed, her demeanor growing colder with suspicion.

At that moment, the office door swung open, and Monica strutted in, an arrogant grin plastered on her face. She caught sight of Whitney and Simon together, and her expression twisted with a sneer. “Bet you didn’t see that coming, Whitney,” she taunted. “I’ve turned the tables just like that.”

She turned to Simon, her smile turning smug. “I’m sure you’re even more surprised. You wanted to kick me out and bring Whitney back in grand style? Dream on. The Valentine family hasn’t crumbled, and neither my mother nor I have. Instead, we’ve turned misfortune into a blessing. Do you have any idea—”

Monica’s rant was cut off by Yvonne’s brisk entry into the room. She looked at Whitney with barely concealed contempt, then turned to Simon with a calculated offer.

“Simon, Monica has effortlessly made a comeback,” Yvonne said smoothly. “A wise man knows when to make the right decision. Return the General Manager position to Monica, send Whitney packing, and I’ll overlook your past indiscretions. Otherwise, Monica will always be out of your league.”

Whitney listened intently, her eyes narrowing. She wasn’t about to let this slide.

Simon’s face turned ashen. Even though Monica had somehow managed to make a comeback, her reputation was irreparably tarnished. It wouldn’t be easy for her to clear her name.

He dismissed her coldly, “Monica, why don’t you head home and rest? You’ve turned Sky Gem Ltd. into a disaster. Whitney is here to help the company.”

Monica, taken aback by his response, stormed out in a huff, fuming with anger. Simon ordered security to escort her and Yvonne out.

When he returned to his office, Whitney was already gone.

Outside, Whitney climbed into Tiana’s car, where her friend was nervously scrolling through the trending topics on social media.

“Despite all the netizens criticizing Monica for possibly memorizing her sketch and buying a master’s piece, that design, Whitney—it’s beyond her means! How did she get her hands on something so high-end? Not only has that little cheat risen from the ashes, but there’s something really odd about this whole situation. They acted so quickly—who’s got that much clout?”

“You’re right,” Whitney agreed, her eyes hardening. “That piece of artwork matches the caliber of a top-tier jewelry designer. As far as I know, Yvonne has used her connections with wealthy businessmen to secure investment funds before. We need to dig into who’s backing her.”

Tiana nodded, her thoughts racing. “And that international judge—who just happened to be in the country in time to witness Monica’s sketching talent?”

Whitney’s eyes narrowed, her mind ticking through possibilities. “We need to find out who’s behind Yvonne’s influence. Also, wasn’t Valerie studying abroad in Maelstrom Country?”

Tiana’s face lit up. “Right! Let’s get her to look into that judge.”

Whitney’s thoughts turned to the next crucial step. “We also need to find out who Yvonne’s been cozying up to these last few days.”

Tiana agreed enthusiastically. “Definitely. Whoever is backing Monica is not to be underestimated.”

Whitney, deep in thought, also considered another angle. “We’ve got to expose who’s behind this whole thing.”

Tiana, sensing Whitney’s resolve, apologized. “I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to join you tonight. Gunner’s grandmother, Claire, is celebrating her eightieth birthday tomorrow, and I need to go help out. The Lutz family will be hosting a grand celebration.”

Whitney patted her friend’s head reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I’ll manage. Just make sure to take care of Claire for me.”

As Tiana left, Whitney was alone with her thoughts. Her mind turned back to Yvonne and the powerful forces she was aligning with. She needed answers, and fast.

Back at home, alone and still reeling from the day’s events, Whitney felt an unexpected pang of longing for L. Even with all the tension between them, she missed his presence in the house.

Taking a deep breath, she decided to call him.

When he answered the video call, Whitney appeared on screen, her face freshly bathed and glowing, dressed modestly in a cotton nightgown that revealed a hint of her collarbone.

L’s expression immediately froze, his eyes going wide in surprise. He was in the middle of a meeting. What was she doing, calling him now? Didn’t she know how inappropriate this was?

He sighed heavily, snapping his phone shut with a sharp click.

Whitney blinked, puzzled by his sudden reaction.

Moments later, L sent her a message: [I’m in a meeting, with a bunch of execs. Who are you trying to impress with that disheveled look?]

Whitney, slightly embarrassed, didn’t know how to respond. […]

A second message arrived: [Send me a picture.]

Confused, she asked, [Why?]

L responded, [I didn’t get a good look before.]

Whitney muttered to herself, “Creep,” as her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. She glanced down at her modest outfit, unsure what he was referring to.

Deciding to ignore his request, she replied instead: [Where are you on business?]

L: [Elate City.]

When are you coming back?

L: [In a couple of days. Miss me already, my dear?]

Whitney, her mood lightening despite herself, smirked as she replied: [Not at all, Mr. L. You focus on your meeting. And remember to eat, okay?]

L: [Make sure our kid is tucked in early. And don’t you dare get cozy with your ex while I’m gone. If I catch you, you’re dead.]

Whitney, caught off guard, was at a loss for words. His playful threat made her laugh despite everything.

As the conversation ended, Whitney felt her tension dissipate, allowing her to fall into a peaceful sleep.

Meanwhile, across the world, Ludwik was in the middle of an important meeting, his thoughts occasionally drifting back to Whitney. His expression remained stern, though his mind occasionally wandered, his phone silently taunting him with the unread messages. The other executives in the room couldn’t help but notice his unusual behavior.

With a deep breath, Ludwik returned his focus to the meeting. “Hmm?” he muttered, his gaze lifting to the manager speaking.

The manager, sensing the shift, continued his presentation with renewed determination.

Ludwik, however, was already thinking ahead. Where’s Elaine? he wondered to himself.

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