Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 413

Whitney couldn't help but roll her eyes and wave goodbye to Bryce, quickly wrapping up their conversation.

She strode toward her apartment, a storm brewing within.

Danny suddenly narrowed his eyes and looked up at Bryce, letting out a sarcastic snort, "Cut the good guy act, Bryce. You probably knew from the get-go that my mom is from the prestigious Sheldon family, didn’t you? Saying you support her is just a line to lure girls. What you really want is a shortcut to riches by marrying her. Dream on, man. My mom is taken, by none other than the country's top bachelor!"

With that, he stuck out his tongue and left.

Bryce stood still, his usually warm eyes darkening for a moment. He hadn't expected this kid to hit the nail on the head. When Keegan was released from prison and mentioned Whitney's background, Bryce had started paying attention.

His fists clenched slightly. He had thought after Whitney and Ludwik split, he'd smoothly step in. But Ludwik turning out to be the country's most eligible bachelor was a game-changer.

Bryce's eyes grew cold. We'll see about that.

-

The night before she left, Whitney met up with her two best friends, Tiana and Valerie.

"Man, everything's changed so fast. You're moving to Emperor City, Whitney. I'm gonna miss you like crazy," Tiana said, her eyes welling up. "And the Sheldon family, that's a major league. It's tough enough without adding in the high society drama. Who knows what you're walking into?"

Valerie, however, smirked, "Come on, Whitney's not someone to mess with. Aside from that dog Ludwik, who else could possibly cross her?"

That was spot on, and Tiana nodded in agreement. "Seems like women can't escape heartbreak, huh?"

"But a wicked stepmother and sister? That's a classic nightmare combo!"

"We'll see when I get there," Whitney said, sipping her drink with a sigh. She turned to her friends, "Don't worry about me. Emperor City is just a two-hour flight away. If you miss me, I'll come back. It's you two I'm worried about. Tiana, I'm scared Barclay will whisk you off to the Doonan family in some grand scheme. And Valerie, I'm just hoping Ashton doesn't get caught in Elaine's web, or you'll end up walking in my shoes... Are you pregnant?"

The color drained from both Tiana and Valerie's faces.

Valerie looked down at her stomach, avoiding eye contact, "Maybe it's just the heat messing with my appetite. Ashton and I have been trying for years without luck. It can't be that coincidental. You worry too much about us. If Elaine tries anything with Ashton, I've got my ways to handle her. I'm done being the pushover."

"But you," Tiana changed the subject, "Ludwik's in Emperor City too. With your Sheldon family status, you two are a match made in heaven! Could there be a chance for a reunion...?"

Whitney glared at her.

Tiana bit her lip, "Oh, I see someone's not as mad anymore. Women, tough as nails but soft as pudding on the inside..."

Whitney's cheeks flushed, but she said nothing, still reeling from Natalie's pep talk.

-

The next morning, Whitney, with Danny in tow, arrived at Banyan City Airport, only to find Hudson waiting for them in his private jet.

Despite the calm in her eyes, a softness flickered through them.

It was her first brush with fatherly love - unfamiliar yet comforting. She took a deep breath and smiled at Hudson, "Dad."