Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 507

Holly, red-faced and shaking with anger, charged at Whitney. "What are you implying? That somehow, I'm responsible for your father's death? That's absurd! Mom and Dad, you've seen yourself how much I've loved Hudson all these years. Whitney, you're being spiteful, thinking the worst of me... Hudson, how can I rest easy knowing she's taking care of you?" Tears streamed down her face as she spoke.

Florence wrapped her arms around her mother, her eyes pleading as she looked at Whitney, "Sis, that's totally uncalled for. My mom wouldn't harm Dad. She's been his rock. Are you trying to stir trouble and make Grandma and Grandpa doubt her? They know we've never harbored any ambition..."

Whitney sneered internally, "You're all worrying over nothing. I'm not saying Holly has ulterior motives. I'm just reminding Grandpa that Dad waking up wouldn't serve Holly any good. The Shelton family is a major league family, not your average household. It pays to be cautious. I'm just a girl from the sidelines, wanting nothing more than my dad to wake up and enjoy some family time. What benefits could I possibly gain? I don't have a claim to the Shelton inheritance."

Jared was convinced, "Alright, Whitney will take care of Hudson."

"Dad, do you really believe I could harm Hudson?" Holly protested vehemently, "What will people think of me, Mrs. Shelton?"

Whitney's eyes narrowed coldly. "Holly, Grandpa has made his decision. If you continue to argue, I might start wondering. Why are you so desperate for Dad's custody? Afraid he might wake up?"

"What nonsense are you spouting!" Holly snapped.

Hugh, who had been silent in his wheelchair, finally spoke up, "Holly, let's follow Dad's decision. With the incident, the Shelton corporation is in chaos. You, as his wife, and Florence, as his rightful daughter, should be focusing on holding things together for the corporation's sake. Let Whitney care for Dad; it's just dividing the tasks."

Holly glared at Whitney, seething, "Fine... but if anything happens to Hudson, I won't forgive you!"

Florence appeared concerned, "Mom, Uncle has a point. Even if I've had no interest in the Shelton corporation, given the circumstances, I might need to step in to stabilize things."

"That's right. But you two, being women of the household without support, facing the corporation's major shareholders might be challenging... The company's executives have been calling non-stop, saying reporters are swarming the office. It's chaotic." Hugh looked troubled.

Holly turned to Jared, her eyes brimming with tears, "Dad, Florence and I are on our own, clueless about managing the company. We might need Hugh now."

Jared nodded thoughtfully, "Your brother might not wake up anytime soon, and your sister-in-law lacks the strength to cope. Hugh, the company will be temporarily in your hands; help your sister-in-law out."

Hugh grimaced, a bitter smile on his face, "Dad, I've been out of the loop for so long due to my condition... I'm not sure I'm up to it..."

"Paths are made by walking. You're being too modest." His insistence only solidified Jared's decision, "You won't be any less capable than your brother. For the sake of the Shelton family, you must try."

"Alright, I will." Hugh nodded, his attitude shifting.

Whitney stood by, watching the exchange between Holly and Hugh, her grip tightening. It all seemed like a charade. She took a deep breath, her doubts deepening. Why was her father targeted? The tension between Holly and Hugh was palpable. Holly had been vehemently against Whitney taking care of their father, yet she quickly agreed after Hugh spoke up? And then she even vouched for Hugh to take over the company. Did Holly not want the Shelton corporation for herself? Whitney sank into deep thought.