Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 446

After finishing up at the construction site, Shane pulled out his phone and flashed Whitney a grin, "Jared gave me your number. Let's keep in touch, okay?"

What?

Whitney felt a headache coming on as she watched Shane walk away with that smug smile.

Bryce, standing nearby, watched their interaction and could sense the truth - Shane was another suitor trying to win Whitney over after she returned home.

A flicker of tension flashed in Bryce's eyes.

Just then, Whitney's phone rang. It was Hudson calling.

She stepped aside to answer, "Dad?"

"Whitney, where are you? Tonight's dinner is at Sheldon Manor, you should start heading back. Do you want Dad to send a driver?"

Right, Whitney had almost forgotten about that.

"I'm checking out a property in the suburbs, but I ran into Mr. Nelson. He said you gave him my number, Dad..."

"Ah, haha..." Hudson dodged the subject, "Mr. Nelson is a promising young man with good character. Dad just wants to help you move on... Besides, having a love interest could keep away those unwanted pests like Justin, right?"

Whitney was speechless, not knowing what to say.

After hanging up, she checked the time; it was getting late. Looking up, Bryce was quietly waiting with a smile, "Was that your dad on the phone? Jared... seems like he's trying to set you up with a boyfriend?"

His tone carried a hint of melancholy, leaving Whitney at a loss for words. To console? That didn't seem right either.

"Family meddling, I'm not interested."

She quickly changed the subject, scratching at her hair, "Sorry, Bryce, I have to head back home. I can't join you for dinner, you go ahead and rest. I'll come see you tomorrow..."

She hadn't invited him to Sheldon Manor to meet her father?

A shadow crossed Bryce's face, but he managed a smile, "That's alright, I could use some rest anyway."

"I'll leave my car with you; my father's sending someone to pick me up... they're already here."

Receiving a text on her phone, Whitney walked out with Bryce following behind.

Watching her get into the car, Bryce didn't move, his gaze deep in thought. Returning to Sheldon Manor meant Whitney was back to being untouchable, even her suitors were from families like the Nelsons.

Squinting slightly, Bryce lit a cigarette, contemplating. He needed to meet Jared, make an appearance, whether it was to vie for her or to network with Emperor City's elites.

Biting on his cigarette, Bryce opened the trunk, noticing the line of gifts Whitney had prepared. She must have forgotten them.

His eyes narrowed slightly at the disappearing Sheldon family car...

---

Sheldon Manor sat at the foot of Brew Hill, an old-money mansion belonging to one of Emperor City's established families.

As Whitney got out of the car to check the trunk, she suddenly remembered the gifts she had prepared for Jared were still in Bryce's car...

Rubbing her temples in frustration, she was about to call Bryce—

But that familiar BMW was already winding up the hill.

Bryce's tall figure stepped out of the car, conspicuously standing in front of Sheldon Manor, "Whitney, you left your things in the car..."

As Whitney approached him, she caught the curious glances of Sienna and others from the house's doorway.

She tensed up, instinctively frowning, "Bryce, thanks for that, but why did you follow me here?"

Her gaze was a mix of eagerness and disdain, "Sir, you're my cousin's fiancé, aren't you? Bringing all these gifts, no need for formalities, come in and make yourself comfortable."

By then, it was obviously too late for any adjustments. Whitney watched Sienna's charades with a cold indifference.

Bryce appeared to be in a tight spot, his gentle eyes seeking Whitney, "Whitney, this..."

At this stage, if she were to insist Bryce leave, it wouldn't just be hard to explain, but it would also embarrass Bryce, especially since he was a good friend.

But if he entered, he would undoubtedly be labeled as the fiancé by Sienna.

Well then... fiancé it is. Besides, Hudson was planning to introduce her to Shane, and Whitney wasn't in the mood for that now. She might as well use Bryce to deflect her father's enthusiasm. Let the title of fiancé be put forth; it would spare her any future hassles from the gentlemen of Emperor City.

Thinking it over, Whitney reluctantly said to Bryce, "Bryce, why don't you come in and sit a while?"

Bryce was secretly thrilled, the corners of his mouth curving deeper. He leaned in and whispered, "How about I play the role of your fiancé to ward off any unwanted advances?"

Whitney flashed an awkward smile, "That was indeed my thought. Shall we team up?"

"No problem, I'll help you." After all, in the eyes of the Sheldon family, he was now her fiancé, Bryce thought with a scheme in mind.

They walked in together.

In the living room, Jared Sheldon sat in his grand armchair, looking frail and sickly, yet his eyes shone with a sharp vigor.

Emma sat by his side, and upon seeing Whitney walk in with an unfamiliar, refined man, she frowned, "Whitney, it's your first time visiting the family mansion, and you're bringing strangers in? Have you no respect for tradition?"

"Grandma, this is no stranger, this is my cousin's fiancé from Banyan City!" Sienna said loudly, with a mocking tone.

"Fiancé?" Emma's frown deepened, turning to Hudson, "Your dear daughter suddenly has a fiancé? Such a shabby affair."

Hudson's expression also turned grave, "Whitney, you didn't mention this on the phone..."