Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 675

Whitney shook her head, disbelief in her voice. "Sounds young, but which youngster has that kind of cash?"

She was clueless about the bidder's identity.

"Huh, so Wade finally backed down? Is the auction over then?"

Sandy couldn't help but chuckle, feeling somewhat relieved.

Whitney stood up, her voice laced with disdain, "I told you, Wade's too tight-fisted. To think he'd cough up two billion dollars-even for the Patrick clan, that's a stretch." Mid-sentence, their private booth door burst open-

Two bodyguards, looking menacing, blocked their path. "You two were driving up the prices, weren't you? Don't move, Mr. Jarvis wants a word."

Jarvis?

Whitney's face paled slightly.

"Well, look who we have here. Ms. Valentine herself was the one shouting out those bids. And here I thought it was some blind fool!"

Jarvis appeared at the door, a figure clinging to his arm-a delicate-looking person, whose face, softened by the dim light, broke into a smile. "Dear sister, you might fancy Ludwik all you want, but don't drag the Sheldon name into this. We, the Sheldons, would rather not pick a fight with the Patricks." Whitney recognized the voice then.

Florence?

She was dumbstruck, disbelief written all over her face. Florence stood there, arm in arm with Jarvis!

Was she attending the auction as Jarvis's date?

Whitney was caught off guard; she thought Florence would lay low for a while after being ousted from the Sheldon Group and her illegitimacy exposed, seeking forgiveness from Jared in seclusion.

When did she become so close to Jarvis?

What about all she said about loving Ludwik, and planning to marry into the Lippert family with his child?

Sandy was equally shocked.

She gaped at Florence, then jabbed Whitney's arm, whispering in disbelief, "I'm absolutely floored! She's thrown herself into Jarvis's arms, and he's taken her in, knowing full well she's been with another? Isn't he just inviting disaster?" Whitney was filled with questions, both revolted and terrified at the prospect of these two schemers together.

Florence looked up slightly, her gaze settling on Sandy. "And why can't I be with Nolan? I've known him for a while, we just hadn't been close. If Mr. Jarvis wishes to align with the Sheldons, considering the Patricks' current standing, wouldn't I be bringing honor to my grandparents? Whitney, wouldn't you agree?"

Her doe eyes were brimming with mockery, a challenge thinly veiled.

Whitney's gaze turned icy.

Florence was blatantly provoking her.

Turning her curious gaze towards Jarvis, Whitney asked with a cold smile, "Jarvis, as far as I'm aware, you're all about the benefits. To you, someone without value is like trash. You do realize my sister has lost her inheritance rights. Marrying her, you gain nothing. Would the Patrick matriarch approve of you taking such a useless bride?"

Florence's smile vanished, her frustration barely contained.

Whitney's provocation was clear, and Jarvis, ever so cunning, gave nothing away.

He let go of Florence's arm, playfully lifted her chin, and said ambiguously, "She's carrying another's child, but I've always had a thing for taking what's someone else's. I once fancied Ms. Valentine here, but she never gave me the chance. A fling could be fun." Florence was on edge, her plan now hanging by a thread.

Today was the first time she had sought out Jarvis, their first real interaction. She was desperate to flaunt her new connection to the high society, thus tagging along with Jarvis uninvited, not expecting to confront Whitney so directly. The earlier flirtation was all an act. Jarvis's intentions were still a mystery to her, but she was confident in her cards still to play.

Whitney frowned, not buying the casual fling angle.

This pairing, she concluded, was up to no good, a sentiment echoed in her thoughts about Ludwik's mistress. Her disdain was palpable, "If Mr. Jarvis and Ms. Sheldon are keen on a show of affection, they're better off finding someone else. Your little drama? Couldn't care less." Jarvis sneered, "Came to have a heart-to-heart after seeing Ms. Valentine's bold bid. What's the matter, fearing retribution? You do know that even a petty hundred bucks would be a stretch for some?"

"Seriously, back in the day, Wade was probably pinching pennies from the Lipperts, bit by bit, to beef up the Patrick Empire, right?" Whitney said, throwing shade without pointing fingers.

"Excuse me?" Jarvis's face turned a shade darker, "Whitney, you better remember who you're speaking for - the Sheldons.

Do you really think your family can afford to go toe-to-toe with the Patricks?"

"Sis, think before you speak, will ya? Just because you're now the hotshot CEO doesn't mean the Sheldon Corporation is your personal playground. Keep rubbing people the wrong way, and you'll run it to the ground," Florence sneered, borrowing some of Jarvis's authority.

Whitney smirked, "And you, little sister, should watch your step. Chasing fame and fortune so hard you'd forget your own face.

Carrying one man's child one moment, and the next, you're all over another.

That's not exactly stellar for the Sheldon rep, now is it?

Let's not embarrass our grandparents more than you already have."

"You..." Florence was livid, her gaze swiftly turning to Jarvis, "Nolan, did you hear what she's saying? She's implying that me being seen with you is tarnishing the Sheldon name. Isn't that an insult to you?"

Jarvis could see right through Florence's innocent act.

Under normal circumstances, he wouldn't give her the time of day.

But considering their current arrangement, and Whitney's sharp tongue, Jarvis scoffed, "Whitney, you've just got your seat at the Sheldon table. I'd advise not to pick fights with the Patricks. Let's not have a repeat of tonight's provocation. Otherwise, if the Patricks decide to come after the Sheldons, you won't be able to handle it."

Such a blatant threat, who does he think he is?

Whitney snorted, "Who said I was provoking? I just wanted to buy, that's all. What, you can't afford to bid, so nobody else can spend their money?

With a staggering price tag of $20 billion, Wade can't possibly afford it, I guess. All he can do is send you to subtly warn off the other elites from raising the stakes.

Instead of wasting time here, why don't you ponder on this - can the Patricks easily pull out $20 billion in cash?"