Love beyond the mask201-300

Novel Catalog

Chapter_268

For three tumultuous years, Skye Gem Ltd. had been battered by constant challenges. The shareholders, always eager to exploit the company for their own profit, left Whitney powerless to protect it. But now, with the company poised to fall under Elaine’s ruthless grip, things were about to change.

Whitney’s lips curled into a knowing smirk as she looked at the woman, hushing her with a finger to her lips. With a quick motion, she dialed Bryce on her smartphone.

“How’s it going, Whitney?”

“Ludwik’s handed Skye Gem Ltd. over to Elaine,” she replied, her voice laced with a calm determination.

“I figured as much. How are you holding up?” Bryce asked, his tone full of concern.

A warmth spread through Whitney’s chest, but it wasn’t for Ludwik—he was in the past. The situation with Elaine, however, was a different matter entirely.

“Bryce, Elaine hasn’t finalized the auction house proceedings. I still have one last shot at getting Skye Gem Ltd. back.”

“Oh? Do tell,” Bryce chuckled, sensing she had a plan.

“The auction house’s head—remember him? You’ve done business with him before. Here’s the plan: I’ll have Nyx take care of something for me. You feed her the man’s whereabouts, give her a little nudge, and we could wrap this up tonight. I’m counting on you.”

“You mean to…” Bryce paused, intrigued by the implication. “Well then! Looks like you still have that ring-craft in you, all instinct.”

Whitney smiled quietly, her sharp gaze focused on the task ahead. Three years had changed her, but she knew exactly how to play the game. No more would she be pushed around.

Leaning in close to Nyx, she whispered in her ear, “The auction house boss has a weakness for young men. Find a couple of clean-cut lads, send them over tonight, and make sure they take good care of him—get it all on camera. Make sure the boss gets his copy right then and there, and keep one for me.”

Nyx’s eyes widened with realization. She had never seen this side of Ms. Valentine before.

Meanwhile, Elaine, her frustration still simmering, stepped into the elevator, trying to collect herself. She slapped her face for effect, then shot a pointed glance at Jaxon.

Jaxon nodded, understanding the game they were playing. He quickly dialed Ludwik.

“Hello?” Ludwik’s deep, familiar voice came through.

“Mr. Lippert, it’s Jaxon. I hate to tell you this, but Elaine’s had a run-in with Whitney. She caused quite the scene at Skye Gem Ltd., even slapped her!”

“What?” Ludwik’s expression darkened at the thought of Whitney laying a hand on Elaine.

“Elaine was preparing for a shareholders’ meeting when Whitney barged in, mocking her and flaunting some alleged rendezvous with you last night. It left Elaine distressed, and now she’s using the auction house proceedings to squat in the CEO’s office for a few days. Told Elaine to get lost!”

Ludwik’s anger flared, exacerbated by his fresh bandages and the previous night’s unrest. He was itching to put that woman in her place.

“Is Elaine okay?”

Jaxon glanced at Elaine, who appeared composed despite the situation. “She’s fine, just a little teary-eyed. But she doesn’t want to bother you with this. She said not to mention it.”

Ludwik sighed inwardly. Elaine’s quiet endurance always tugged at his heart, even when it meant she bore the brunt of the conflict.

As Elaine exited the elevator into the parking garage, her phone rang again. This time, it was Ludwik.

“Ludwik,” she said, feigning shock. “What’s wrong?”

“Elaine, does it still hurt?” Ludwik asked, his voice laced with concern.

“You… you know already…” Elaine replied, her voice quivering but filled with feigned tenderness.

“I’ve told you, don’t hide things from me.” His tone grew colder. “And last night, I just wanted to confront her about her schemes. Don’t misunderstand.”

Elaine’s voice softened further, playing the role perfectly. “Ludwik, I would never fall for Whitney’s provocations. I trust you. I know you’ll treat me right.”

“If she dares to trouble you again, I won’t let her off. I’ll have the auction house speed up the proceedings tomorrow. Let’s see how she plays CEO then!” Ludwik’s anger was evident.

Elaine, now feeling emboldened, smirked. She had everything in her control. Whitney? No match for her.

Suddenly, she spotted Whitney’s white BMW in the parking lot. The sight made her stomach turn. With a malicious gleam in her eye, she twirled her car keys and approached the BMW.

With a swift motion, Elaine scratched deep into the hood of the car.

A noise from inside the vehicle froze her in place. Through the darkened windows, she could make out the silhouette of a small figure.

Her eyes narrowed. Who was that in Whitney’s car?

She quickly recovered, dismissing the thought. But then, she caught a glimpse of a figure moving through the rows of parked cars. The little form looked familiar—too familiar.

“Danny?” The name slipped out before she could stop it.

She hurried around the car, but by the time she reached the other side, the child was gone.

“Daniel…?” She called out again, but the parking garage was silent.

Elaine paused, her mind racing. Could it be?

The boy, the one who had supposedly perished with Whitney—he was supposed to be dead. But here he was, alive? Or had she imagined it in the darkness?

She dialed the maid at the Everwood Villa Estate, her voice steady but with an edge of suspicion. “Is the young master home?”

The maid, Lyra, confirmed, “Yes, ma’am. The young master is in the playroom.”

Elaine hung up quickly, confused and on edge. She was sure she had seen Danny. But why would he be here? And if it was him, what was he doing with Whitney?

Her thoughts raced as she turned to leave the garage. But before she could take another step, a small voice from the shadows caught her attention.

It was Danny.

Elaine’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly regained control. What was he doing here? Why was he hiding?

Danny, however, wasn’t afraid. He simply pressed himself deeper into the shadows, trying to stay out of her line of sight. He wouldn’t let Elaine find him.

Elaine frowned, turning away with a final, lingering look at the BMW. The garage had grown colder, the chill biting at her as she left. Something was wrong—she could feel it.

Meanwhile, Whitney was still dealing with the business side of things. She’d gathered all the necessary documents from Skye Gem Ltd., including stagnant partnerships and disputes. But her mind kept drifting back to the small figure in the parking lot—her son.

With Elaine gone, Whitney was confident that her son would be safe for now. But if Elaine had discovered him, it could have spelled disaster.

She made her way back to the parking lot, her mind racing. The BMW’s door was still wide open, but there was no sign of Danny.

Her heart skipped a beat.

But then, just as she was about to panic, she saw him—Danny, trying to look nonchalant, but clearly relieved to be out of harm’s way.

“Mommy! I was playing hide and seek with you,” he exclaimed, kicking his little legs up with a grin.

Whitney rolled her eyes but felt an overwhelming sense of relief. She quickly scooped him into the car and drove out of the garage, finally allowing herself a deep breath.

“Sweetie,” she said, her voice full of gentle reproach. “Didn’t mommy tell you to stay in the car? Why did you get out?”

Danny kicked his legs playfully, changing the subject. “Are we done with work, Mommy? Where are we going next?”

Before Whitney could answer, her phone rang again. It was Orion.

She rubbed her temples, not surprised in the slightest. “What’s up?”

“You’re done with Skye Gem Ltd. business, right? Now it’s my turn,” Orion said, his voice full of mischief. “Imperial Gem Corporation has a partnership deal tonight, and they need you to seal the bid. I’ll send you the details. Get ready.”

Whitney’s lips curled into a smile. This was exactly the kind of challenge she thrived on.

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