Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 428

Sienna sourly remarked, "Florence, you're the best. You've snagged the top bachelor as your boyfriend, so you won't have to worry about anyone stealing your thunder."

"How can you say that?" Florence responded with feigned innocence. "I'm just a sickly thing; how could I ever compare to you in looks? I adore your beauty too."

Her words seemed casual but struck right at Sienna's jealous heart, even Florence admired that despicable woman.

Florence cautioned, "Sienna, at tonight's event, please don't spill any secrets about my sister. It could ruin her reputation."

But Sienna narrowed her eyes, "I got it. I'll just share the juicy details of your whirlwind romance with Ludwik. It's the scoop of the year in Emperor City."

"Always the mischief-maker," Florence retorted.

Once Sienna left, Florence's eyes also narrowed.

Holly joined her, casting a glance at Sienna. "Florence, always playing it smart, using that naive girl to your advantage."

"She's just my pawn," Florence replied indifferently, pressing her perfectly shaped eyebrows. "Mom, are you really inviting Whitney to the welcoming party? I'm worried Ludwik will be distracted. Plus, Dad is clearly paving the way for her future, introducing her to high society..."

Holly and her daughter exchanged knowing looks.

"Do you think I'd let that little nobody smoothly enter the Sheldon Group? At the Lippert family's grand banquet, it's the perfect chance to ruin her. Once she's disgraced at the Lipperts', Jason will lose interest for good."

Holly's eyes gleamed. "Did you forget I still have some connections with Riley's wife?"

Florence remained silent, her eyes also scheming. "Mother, about the dress shopping..."

"Don't worry, dear. Do you think I don't know what you're implying? Tonight, you're the star. No one will overshadow you."

Florence smirked; her mother was indeed mistaken.

---

When Whitney stepped into the Sheldon family's estate, Holly greeted her warmly, "Whitney, tonight's Lippert family banquet is quite the affair. The dress you're wearing, bought from Banyan City, hardly seems appropriate. I've selected several exquisite gowns for you, worth millions, and placed them on your bed. Go change."

With a hidden taunt, Whitney just smirked.

Entering the bedroom, she saw the dresses laid out on the bed and couldn't help but laugh at their extravagance. Adorned with jewels and shimmer, they were indeed pricey, albeit several seasons old. Now, they'd barely fetch a fraction of their original price.

Ah, the colors and styles – bright red, hot pink, lemon yellow – either too revealing or too bold.

Whitney narrowed her eyes, recalling Florence's innocent facade. The Lippert family, being the most prestigious, likely preferred modest and demure girls.

Holly had clearly put much thought into this setup, aiming to make Whitney appear vulgar next to Florence's pure elegance.

But Whitney wasn't worried; she was confident in her own beauty.

She chose a red off-shoulder gown, the most 'conservative' of the lot, and headed downstairs.

Myra, hiding in the main house, immediately made a call, "Ms. Sheldon, she chose the red one..."

Florence, standing in her room, smirked, "I know."

Whitney waited in front of a small villa for over ten minutes, while Holly and her daughter had already left.

The driver arrived late, apologizing, "Miss, I'm sorry for the delay. There was an issue at the company, Mr. Hudson asked me to bring you directly to the mansion."

Whitney nodded slightly.