Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 676

Jarvis's gaze hardened, and he frowned deeply.

Two hundred billion, even for the Patricks, pulling such a sum would mean calling a major board meeting. The Patrick Corporation had grown so vast, its need for liquid assets was even more substantial. And considering their cautious climb to power over the last thirty years, spearheaded by his uncle's meticulous planning, he was certain they wouldn't make such a move.

But the bidder, with that synthesized, youthful voice, was a complete mystery to him.

Who would go to such lengths for Jason?

Jarvis was irked, feeling outmaneuvered by this enigmatic figure, unsure of their motives.

The Patricks had fought tooth and nail to become the leading family in Harmonia, and the thought of losing that position was unsettling.

Whitney could barely hide her smirk, seeing her ruse had worked.

She was about to make a quick exit with Sandy when-

"Whitney! What are... what are you doing here?"

At that moment, Bryce happened upon the scene, his eyes widening in surprise at seeing Whitney. His cool demeanor slipped for a moment as he let go of the woman he was with. Whitney's eyes shifted, only then noticing he wasn't alone.

A woman stood beside him, her figure elegant, dressed in a sultry dress. It took Whitney a moment, but recognition dawned; it was Audrey from that Banyan City wedding! What was she doing with Bryce?

Perhaps sensing Whitney's direct gaze, Bryce hurriedly explained, "Whitney, Faith is now working at the Lutz Corporation, serving as my executive assistant..." Executive assistant?

Whitney blinked in confusion. She remembered Audrey as one of the socialites Claire had tried to set Bryce up with a match he had always declined. How did she end up as his secretary?

"Ms. Valentine, I'm here accompanying Mr. Lutz to the charity auction; it's strictly business," Audrey said, her eyes hiding her true thoughts as she offered a polite smile.

Whitney glanced at her dress, choosing not to comment.

She wasn't too bothered by it all.

Bryce stepped closer, taking her hand, "What brings you here?"

"I got dragged along by Mr. Nelson. Was about to head out when Jarvis caught me up in this mess."

As Whitney spoke, she studied Bryce, wondering if he knew Jarvis given he had helped Wade drive up the auction price.

Sensing her scrutiny, Bryce turned to Jarvis, "This must be Nolan, right? What's this dispute with Whitney all about? She's just here to have some fun."

Jarvis chuckled, his tone laden with insinuation, "Mr. Lutz, you might not be aware, but the person who bid 60 billion was your wife. Seems she's quite intent on helping the Lippert family. Be careful, lest she's planning to pass you the green hat." Bryce's expression darkened, his grip on Whitney tightening.

She quickly defended herself, "Don't listen to him; my plan was to sell it off for a profit if I won. Nothing more."

"Oh, Ms. Valentine, when did you get into such business ventures? Trying to help an old flame? Or is it that you're ignoring the Patrick family's warnings, thinking you're above us?" Jarvis taunted.

The tension between Bryce and Whitney grew.

Sandy, unable to hold back her sarcasm, chimed in, "Nolan, stop trying to ruin their marriage. Wade just wanted the estate, too stingy to bid himself. Now, a mysterious bidder has taken it for two hundred billion. If the Patrick family can't handle losing, they should gracefully accept defeat. Wade's probably off trying to meet this wealthy bidder as we speak. What's the point in blocking us here?"

"Who do you think you are!" Jarvis's glare intensified.

Sandy instinctively moved closer to Whitney, only to feel a warm presence behind her, steadying her.

Turning, she found herself looking up at Shane, tall and imposing, with a reassuring smile directed at Jarvis, "Nolan, let's keep it civil. Ms. Turner has recently caught my eye."

"Mr. Nelson?" Sandy was baffled, her cheeks flushing at the unexpected support.

Shane winked at her, suggesting he was stepping in to help her save face.

"So, Mr. Nelson's interested in Ms. Turner." Jarvis sneered, "Seems Mr. Nelson and Ms. Valentine have been quite close lately?"

Shane, unfazed by Jarvis's hostility, retorted with a smirk, "With the Patrick family dominating, it's only natural for the rest of us to band together for warmth. Whether we're friends or foes depends on how respectful you choose to be, Jarvis." Jarvis scoffed, his eyes narrowing.

His uncle had ambitions to reshuffle the power dynamics among the elite families of Emperor City, forcing them to bow to the Patrick Corporation. But families like the Nelsons and the Sheldons were a thorny issue.

That's why he was considering approaching Florence, hoping to leverage her influence.

Pushing Florence slightly forward, her gaze, previously fixed on Sandy and Shane, turned dark.

She was shocked. When had Shane taken an interest in Sandy, of all people?

Sandy's past, including her memory loss caused by Florence during her study abroad, remained a secret. If Shane and Sandy reconnected, all of Florence's manipulations could come to light.

Florence tightened her grip slightly, maintaining her composure with a small smile. "Nolan is now the most eligible bachelor in Harmonia Country. He's known for his friendliness. The Sheldon family would certainly be eager to form a friendship with him. Mr. Nelson, my sister doesn't speak for the Sheldons. Her feud with the Patricks is her own doing. I hope you won't let her use you."

Whitney smirked, "You make it sound as if Mr. Nelson is scared of the Patricks.

Maybe Mr. Nelson couldn't stand seeing certain people's true colors tonight and decided to make a bid.

After all, throwing around money like it's nothing, it's just embarrassing for anyone claiming to be part of Emperor City's elite!"

Jarvis's gaze darkened, finding Whitney utterly clueless. If not for her backing from the Sheldon family, he would've confronted her by now. And Bryce, upon hearing Whitney's remarks, also showed a subtle change in expression.

"Let's go," Whitney said, pulling Sandy along.

As they passed Bryce, Whitney caught his somber look and paused, "Are you coming with us, or do you want to stay and chat with Jarvis?" "I'm not really close with Nolan, nothing much to talk about," Bryce replied with flawless pretense, gently looking at her, "Let's head home." Whitney nodded slightly.

After they left, Jarvis kicked over a table, his thoughts clear now. Shane was an unpredictable factor; the man seemed carefree, but no one knew what the Nelson Group was planning. As for Whitney...

"Nolan, you see it too, right? Whitney is clearly looking to oppose you, to be an enemy of the Patrick family."

Florence chimed in at the right moment, tempting, "Just ally with me, help me out, and when I return to the Sheldon Group, I'll ensure it falls under the Patrick family's command." Jarvis looked at her disdainfully, "What are you worth? You're just a result of your uncle and mother's desperation, not to mention, you're Ludwik's cast-off. Why would I want you? What do you have to offer for a deal?"

Florence's face flushed then paled; she had heard about Jarvis's cruel and petty nature.

She despised such men, but had no choice. Remembering Holly's scheme, she decided to reveal her trump card, smirking coldly, "Nolan, let me share a secret with you. Hearing this secret, you'd definitely be interested in marrying me."

Jarvis watched her, skeptic yet curious, "I'm listening."