Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 673

Jason sat rigidly in his wheelchair, his sharp features a stark contrast to the pallor and frailty that enveloped him.

Whitney was taken aback to see Jason making a personal appearance at the auction!

Across from him sat Thea, her elegance undiminished despite wearing a sleek cocktail dress instead of the traditional cheongsam.

The reunion was far from warm. They were no longer the harmonious couple of a wealthy dynasty, especially since Thea was arm in arm with a man Whitney quickly recognized as Wade!

Wade wore a smug grin, his arm possessively around Thea, pulling her close.

Facing Jason, Thea showed no shame. Instead, she was openly affectionate with Wade, her face alight with the thrill of new love.

Whitney stepped back into the shadows, casting a complicated glance at Jason.

Wade, with a gleeful smirk, taunted, "Jason, feeling the pressure lately? You've really let yourself go. What's the matter? Business troubles got you down? Your son in and out of juvie? The Lippert clan in disarray and now you're left to pick up the pieces? Why don't you just give up, eh? It'd be easier if you just... disappeared."

"Over my dead body," Jason gritted out, his dark gaze cutting like a knife. "You've plotted against the Lipperts for thirty years, exploiting my generosity to bleed us dry. I swear I'll have my revenge."

"Listen to that, Thea," Wade sneered. "Still playing the tough guy. As if he's still commanding respect anywhere."

Wade strutted over, looking down on Jason with disdain, "The reality is, you've been raising my son and I've been warming your wife's bed for years. Now, Thea and I are settling down, ready to tie the knot! And you, planning to offload the Everwood Estate, as if selling off the family jewels will save you. Pathetic, really. I'll do you a favor and take it off your hands. After all, it was in your bedroom that Thea and I conceived our son Jarvis."

Jason's hand flew to his chest, struggling to contain his fury at such a cruel taunt.

Wade laughed mockingly, "I'll buy the Everwood Estate. But if you think you'll use that sale to turn your fortunes around, think again. With me around, your plans are doomed to fail."

"What do you mean?" Jason growled, his brow furrowed.

Thea, cold and callous, joined Wade's side, "Jason, what Wade means is, once we're married, we're moving into Everwood Estate. You might as well pack up and make room for us. But don't worry, we won't break the bank for it. Wade's made sure of that. You think this auction is going to bring in big money? Think again. Wade's word is law here. The estate will go for no more than a bargain basement price, just enough to ensure no one else bids."

Jason's eyes darkened with disbelief and rage.

"Three decades together, and this is how you repay me? If I'd shown a stray dog the kindness I showed you, even it would show more gratitude than this."

They were planning to usurp his home, practically stealing it with their manipulative pricing.

Jason, once a proud and honorable businessman, felt utterly defeated, his body trembling with impotent rage. "Thea, your cruelty knows no bounds! I've lost everything to your scheming. You've won, but this? This is too far. Just remember, karma is always watching." Had it not been for his dire need for liquidity, Jason would never consider selling the Everwood Estate, even for an obscene amount of money.

Now, Wade's underhanded tactics ensured it would be practically given away.

Jason's eyes blazed with fury.

"Curse us all you want," Wade said dismissively, tossing a wedding invitation at Jason. "If you're still around and haven't died of frustration, feel free to come."

With that, they left, their arrogance hanging heavily in the air.

The chilly night air seeped through the window cracks, making Jason shiver. His once strong posture now seemed aged and defeated. The wedding invitation lay on the floor, a symbol of his humiliation.

Struggling for breath, Jason closed his eyes, trying to gather his strength, then wheeled himself toward the elevator, his expression one of urgent despair.

Whitney watched, her heart going out to him. She moved to help but stopped as another figure approached. It was Natalie, who gently assisted him into the elevator.

Their eyes met, Jason's dark and stormy, Natalie's filled with a mix of concern and something unspoken, a silent communication that needed no words in the brief moment before the elevator doors closed behind them. Jason was in a tight spot, "You, what are you doing here?"

"I... my grandson wanted to check this place out, so I brought him over. I just got to the second floor, Jason, I didn't..."

The elevator doors closed! Jason didn't want to hear any of it, angrily punching his wheelchair, especially hating the thought of Natalie seeing him in this powerless state.

Even though he barely knew the woman, the hit to his pride cut deep.

From a distance, Whitney watched as Natalie slowly covered her mouth, staring at the closing elevator, tears welling up in her eyes.

In that moment, Whitney realized something significant.

Natalie, hidden in the shadows, had witnessed Thea's humiliating treatment of Jason.

Natalie... seemed to harbor silent feelings for Jason.

Whitney's heart was all over the place. Snapping back to reality, she covered herself up even more, not wanting to make an unexpected appearance and embarrass Natalie. Only after Natalie left with a clenched fist and a thoughtful look did Whitney hurry back to their private box.

Sensing her emotional turmoil, Sandy turned around, "Whitney, what's up? Sit down, the auction for the Lippert Resort is starting! Wonder how much it'll go for." Whitney just gave a cold look.