Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 831

"Sammy, what's eating you up, man? You look like you've lost your last friend," Danny tugged at his younger brother's sleeve, concern etched across his face.

Sammy snapped his laptop shut and stared at his overly optimistic brother, biting his lip, unsure how to proceed.

There were just too many uncertainties.

He pursed his pale lips, his gaze heavy, turning briefly to their mom, "I'm worried about Dad... and Florence."

"Huh?" Danny's expression darkened, "Why on earth are you lumping Dad and that witch Florence together?"

He couldn't fathom it, his brain doing somersaults before he pointed an accusing finger at his brother, "Sammy! Are you trying to break Mom and Dad apart by pushing Dad towards Florence? God, that's low, even for you. Don't even think about it!" Sammy just looked at his brother, a look of exasperation crossing his face.

This was why he couldn't share secrets with Danny.

All Danny thought about was reuniting their parents.

If he knew there was another sibling on the way, Danny and Dad would probably have the same idea: use the baby to tie Mom down!

But Sammy didn't want Mom to be tied down by anyone anymore. She deserved better after all these years of turmoil.

Sammy had a soft heart; he wanted to give Mom a choice.

If Florence could safely have the baby, he was determined to secretly take the child into his care, finding someone to raise it until the time was right to tell Mom. Whether she accepted the child or not, he would respect her decision.

He just couldn't bear the thought of losing that innocent life.

But with Florence's recent actions, he couldn't make this decision alone.

"Do you think we can still trust Dad? Danny, be honest," Sammy suddenly asked.

Danny was taken aback, puzzled by his brother's question. It was a bit too deep for him, but he gradually grasped what Sammy was getting at. Gripping his brother's hand, he nodded earnestly, "Haven't you noticed Dad's change? He's been all over Mom, trying to win over Grandpa, but his apologies seem genuine. Sammy, I've never seen Dad this humble before.

If he's willing to swallow his pride just for Mom,

I think, whether or not they get back together, he'll always put Mom first, just like he's doing now."

Sammy squinted, watching Dad's tall figure disappear into the distance.

Even if they didn't get back together, would Dad still put Mom first?

Clutching his laptop tightly, Sammy made up his mind.

It was time to tell Dad everything...

He was still young; perhaps only Dad could handle Florence.

-

Bryce stepped out of Emperor City's Fortu-Nova Bank under the cover of night.

He had mortgaged a significant portion of the Lutz Group's assets, managing to secure a loan of two hundred billion after much effort.

A sense of unease lingered in his heart.

Settling into his car, he crossed his long legs, a frown on his face, suddenly asking his subordinate, "What's the latest on Ludwik?"

"Mr. Lutz, just like you instructed, we've been keeping an eye on him.

He's been at the hospital all day, bending over backward for Whitney, attending to Hudson's check-up. Didn't even show up at the Lippert family business, busy sucking up to his former father-in-law. I'd say Ludwik can't stir up any trouble for you now." Bryce relaxed, a smirk playing on his lips.

He scoffed, "Do you think he doesn't want to support Whitney against me?

But what does he have to stop me with? That crumbling Lippert family business?

Ludwik's lost his edge, completely distracted by his beauty, not even caring for his empire anymore."

"That's exactly my point! Mr. Lutz, Ludwik's too preoccupied with Whitney to be of any help to her."

Bryce chuckled coldly, glancing at the loan agreement, no longer concerned about the repercussions.

The next day.

Bryce made his way to the Sheldon Group, presenting a five billion investment contract in front of the shareholders.

Cody was stunned, frantically dialing Whitney, his voice loud for all to hear, "Whitney, where are you? Bryce... he's here to invest, and he's got five billion on hand!"

"I'm at the hospital, my father's seriously ill."

Whitney's voice, weary and hoarse, filled the room through the speaker.

The shareholders' faces fell, rushing over, "Whitney! What's happened to Mr. Sheldon?"

"Whitney, you need to come here now! Without you, this real estate project will fall into Bryce's hands!"

"Gentlemen, let's be clear, the Sky-Surprise Inn project is mine from this moment on," Bryce eyed Cody's phone, a victorious grin spreading across his face.

On the phone, Whitney sounded utterly defeated, screaming, "Bryce! You monster, Cody, stop him, don't take his money, I'm on my way, right now!"

Bryce calmly watched the shareholders, now visibly relaxed, sneering, "Whitney, even if you don't want this five billion, the shareholders won't agree. The Sheldon Group's stocks have been plummeting for a week, teetering on the edge.

This five billion investment will kickstart the Sky-Surprise Inn project, turning a profit in six months. Do you really think the shareholders would refuse?"

"Mr. Liam, Mr. Evans, please don't agree, I'm coming from the hospital right now!" Whitney's desperate pleas echoed from the phone.

But then, a doctor's voice interrupted, "Ms. Valentine, Mr. Sheldon needs surgery immediately, he's in critical condition!"

"What? Dad, Dad..." Whitney's cries trailed off as the sound of chaos and stretchers filled the air.

Mr. Liam and Mr. Evans exchanged glances, their faces speaking volumes without a word. They both shook their heads slightly, a silent communication of disbelief. Bryce caught their hesitant looks and couldn't help but smirk.

He hadn't expected Florence's concoction to be so potent that it knocked Hudson out of commission.

Whitney was too overwhelmed to manage, and with the chairman practically on his deathbed, how could these old-timers be so out of touch with reality?

Sure enough, Mr. Liam was the first to break the silence, his voice tight with resolve as he faced Bryce. "I'm in for the investment!" he declared to Cody.

Seconds later, Mr. Evans raised his hand in agreement, "I'm on board too. The Sheldon Group's most profitable venture right now is the Sky-Surprise Inn project. We can't let Whitney's personal decisions dictate the fate of the company." "I agree as well..."

Cody, pale as a ghost, fumbled with his phone attempting to reach Whitney, but to no avail; Whitney was unreachable in his moment of urgency.

Bryce locked eyes with Cody, a victorious gleam in his gaze as he glanced down at the investment contract. "Cody, make sure this contract is secure. Tell everyone at The Sheldon Group that as of today, I, Bryce, am taking charge." Cody slumped into a chair, his complexion ashen, fists clenched in silent protest, "Whitney... The Sheldon Group is under new reign..."

-

At the hospital.

Hudson, puzzled, watched the doctor wheel him into the operating room. "Whitney, what in the world are you up to?"

Whitney's lips were sealed tight.

Ludwik, with a face void of emotion but eyes full of dark intensity, responded calmly, "Father-in-law, we're just making our play a bit more realistic. Bryce has his spies all around us." Hudson's retort was caught in his throat as he glared at Ludwik, "What did you call me? You scoundrel!"

"Father-in-law." Ludwik remained unashamed, his handsome face a picture of unwavering steadiness. Whitney remained silent, caught in the midst of it all.