Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 757

"No worries! Dad, you feeling any better?" Whitney approached the bedside, gently lifting him up.

"Bit better every day, I suppose," Hudson sighed deeply.

"That's great to hear," Bryce's eyes twinkled, casually steering the conversation, "Dad's been more lucid lately, even asked about the company last night."

At the mention of the Sheldon Group, Hudson's focus sharpened, his gaze piercing Bryce.

It was as if an obsession had taken hold, his thoughts consumed by one thing only. Suddenly, he called out to Whitney, "Whitney, I need to talk to you about something!" Whitney puzzled over why her dad would suddenly bring up the Sheldon Group, given she thought she had deflected any concern.

Hudson spoke gravely, "Damn it, Hugh and Holly betrayed me, nearly managed to swallow up the Sheldon Group.

After everything the Sheldon Group's been through, and with you just stepping in as the acting director, you might not have a strong hold over the shareholders.

I was thinking, it might help to bring Bryce into the Sheldon Group.

He mentioned a major real estate project last night that could collaborate with the Sheldon Group.

But it's not settled yet.

No need to think it over, Whitney. You two are married now, should join forces to grow both the Sheldon Group and the Lutz Group.

I trust Bryce. The collaboration between the Lutz Group and the Sheldon Group, just go ahead and seal the deal!

He can be a big help to the Sheldon Group. It's a win-win."

Whitney was taken aback, struggling to process everything.

Firstly, how did her dad know about Hugh and Holly's underhand attempts to take over the Sheldon Group?

She thought it would be too much for him to handle right now, so she had kept it from him.

Her eyes involuntarily darted to Bryce... Had he told her dad?

And had Bryce really brought up the Sheldon and Lutz families collaboration last night? Otherwise, how would her dad know?

He had been out of it for so long, yet upon waking, seemed incredibly close to Bryce.

Though her dad had always spoken highly of Bryce's capabilities, it wasn't like he knew him that well.

"Dad... You're worried about the company right after waking up?" Whitney was confused.

"What, you think I've lost my marbles?" Hudson joked, coughing slightly, yet his tone was decidedly firm, "After all, you're a young woman; you need a man to help stabilize the Sheldon Group. It'll be a while before I'm fully back on my feet. If the Sheldon and Lutz families sign this deal, Bryce can officially step in to assist."

"But Dad, merging two companies like this... there's a lot to consider..."

"It's settled then! Are you not going to listen to your father?" Hudson's tone carried a serious edge.

Whitney looked lost for words.

Bryce, quietly serving soup for Hudson, smiled gently, "Dad, Whitney might have her reasons. I'm not insistent on the Sheldon and Lutz families collaborating."

"I've made up my mind about the collaboration. It's absolutely necessary," Hudson declared, his gaze intense.

Whitney frowned, finding her dad's stubborn attitude peculiar.

But seeing him slightly better, she didn't want to upset him. Perhaps he truly was fond of Bryce as his son-in-law.

Sighing internally, she conceded, "Then I'll get started on the preparations for the partnership agreement.

But funding a real estate project of this scale will take time, not to mention the company's financial transactions." Bryce narrowed his eyes slightly, sensing her hesitation.

Even with her father's pressure, she hadn't immediately agreed.

He masked the gloom in his heart, smiling, "Whatever works, Dad. I just want to do what I can for the Sheldon Group."

"Bryce, you're a good son-in-law. Knowing you're willing is enough for me.

Whitney, you and Bryce should take good care of each other. I think highly of him."

Hudson seemed content, smiling at Bryce. However, there was a fleeting look of confusion in his eyes, as if he himself didn't fully grasp what he had just said. "Dad?" Whitney noticed, feeling uneasy about her father's mental state, "Are you alright?"

"I... I'm fine. Maybe I'm just tired from talking too much. I can't even remember what we were discussing."

Hudson laughed off his confusion, rubbing his temples, "Let's have our meal. After eating, you all can get back to your tasks, and I'll rest."

"Should we call Dr. Ivan to check on you?" Whitney was concerned.

Bryce immediately took Hudson's hand, "Whitney, Dad might just be really tired."

"Yeah, I'm just really tired," Hudson echoed.

Whitney checked his forehead and pulse, both normal but showing signs of anemia.

It was hard to judge his mental state on the spot, "Then rest for now. I'll have the nurse call Dr. Ivan this afternoon for an MRI, see how your brain is recovering."

Bryce's expression shifted subtly, but he said nothing.

After finishing their meal, Hudson quickly fell asleep.

Bryce cleaned up, standing up, "Whitney, let's not disturb your father any further."

"Alright."

Exiting the hospital and getting into Bryce's car, Whitney felt heavily burdened.

Something about her dad seemed off compared to her previous visits, particularly stubborn.

Especially regarding the Sheldon and Lutz families collaboration.

It was as if he was under some spell, insistent on her signing the deal.

The Sheldon Group was, after all, her father's company, and she was managing it on his behalf. She felt compelled to follow through with his wishes.

But suggesting Bryce step into the Sheldon Group for a real estate collaboration was a big deal. After pondering for a moment, Whitney said, "Bryce, for such a major project, I'd prefer to go through a full shareholder vote before signing any contracts with you." Gripping the steering wheel tighter, Bryce's lips curled into a smirk. "I didn't expect my dad to trust me this much either. I'm not in a rush, but honestly, our collaboration would be a win-win."

"I know that," Whitney replied softly, looking at him, "but we still need to follow the process."

Inside, Bryce scoffed. If she kept dragging her feet, he might just have Hudson sign off on it directly.

After all, Hudson was easily manipulated under medication.

Bryce was determined to quickly get involved with the Sheldon Group, not blind to the fact that she had been entangled with Ludwik at lunch today.

That damn woman.

"Whitney, you're not too busy this afternoon, are you?" At the traffic light, Bryce gently took her hand.

Whitney turned to look at him.

Hearing him say with a smile, "Since we got married, I've never really taken my wife out for a movie.

How about we both take a little break this afternoon and you join me for a movie?"

Whitney thought, if she returned to the office, and Ludwik, that jerk, was still loitering in her lounge, it would be awkward.

Perfect, if she didn't go back, he'd probably get bored and leave on his own.

She casually agreed, "Sure, let's go see a movie."

"You gave me a tie last time, and I've been thinking of buying you some clothes or jewelry."

Bryce tenderly ruffled her hair.

After watching the movie and shopping at the mall, they had dinner out before returning to Bryce's villa.

Back at her guest room, Whitney smiled at Bryce at the door, saying, "I'm going to take a shower. You should head to bed early too." "Go ahead!"

Bryce watched her graceful figure enter the bedroom, his gaze narrowing slightly.

Whitney thought he would head to his study, so she didn't lock the door and walked into the bathroom.

But this time, Bryce didn't leave. Instead, he strode up to her bathroom door.

The sound of running water stirred Bryce's thoughts, especially knowing that the stunning Whitney was inside...