Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 972

"Ashton, you're a lifesaver. My chest, ah..." Elaine's eyes brimmed with tears as she clutched her chest and suddenly bent over, crouching down. "Elaine, what's wrong?" Ashton frowned deeply, concerned.

"My chest is killing me, and there's this sharp pain on the left side of my abdomen. I think it's a kidney infection flaring up." Elaine shivered, her face a picture of misery, hesitating to speak further, "You know I had one of my kidneys removed..." As she spoke, she cast a fearful glance towards Whitney.

Ashton, looking at her weakened state, sighed deeply, "Don't talk anymore. I'll take you to the hospital to get checked out."

He gently lifted her by the arm, turned around, and was met with Whitney blocking the way.

"Ashton, I won't let you take her away. Her crimes can't just walk out of this police station. If you insist on this, then we're through!" Whitney dropped the ultimatum, her voice icy as she stood in their way.

Ashton glanced back at Elaine's pale, sickly face, his brows knitting together, "Whitney, I know you're holding a grudge, but in her current state, do you really think it's okay to let her faint at the police station's doorstep?

I'm just repaying the last bit of kindness she showed me. Don't make me out to be the villain here; I haven't cut any corners on this case!"

"I can only say you're going to regret this!" Whitney glared at Elaine, her determination clear as she slowly pieced everything together, a cold smirk playing on her lips, "Elaine, all this scheming to clear your name, isn't it just to win Ashton over, to use this man for your comeback? It's all there in your eyes."

Whitney's sharp words made a glint of malice flash in the depths of Elaine's eyes.

This cunning woman, Whitney, had seen through her plans so easily.

But, she would never admit it.

Elaine looked towards Ashton with a mournful smile, "I'm not that confident, Ms. Valentine. And I don't believe Ashton would still be interested in me. Please, don't insult me like that, it's like you're smearing Ashton too."

The tension in the air, coupled with Whitney's accusations, made Ashton uncomfortable.

He had no romantic feelings for Elaine.

Thinking of Valerie, he couldn't help but lash out at Whitney, "Can't you stop assuming the worst in people? Whitney, for Ludwik's sake, I won't argue with you, but stop slandering me!"

Whitney was livid, "You believe every word she says; what can I do? I'm not slandering you, you're just refusing to see the truth."

"You..." Ashton's eyes darkened with anger.

Elaine quickly intervened, "Let's not fight, Ashton. I don't want to cause you any trouble. I'll just leave on my own."

"To the hospital!" Ashton, spurred by Whitney's provocation, pulled Elaine past Whitney.

Whitney knew she couldn't physically stop Ashton, a strong man.

Not wanting to make a scene at the police station's entrance, she stood back, coldly calling after them, "Elaine, I'll be speaking with Endora about this.

And don't forget, Cherry saw you last night. She remembers what you did!

She's a witness, and justice will prevail!"

Her gaze was sharp, "So don't think you can escape just because you have this naive man defending you. Even if you get out today, I'll make sure you end up back here!"

Elaine's resolve faltered under Whitney's threats, deeply unsettling her. She looked back, her gaze dark and threatening as if to devour Whitney whole.

Whitney scoffed and walked into the police station.

Elaine watched her leave, her expression tight,

Ashton, seeing her hesitation, looked over, his gaze full of inquiry, "What's wrong, Elaine? If you're innocent, why worry about what Cherry remembers?"

"I'm not afraid!" Elaine realized Ashton mostly believed her, but Whitney's insinuations had affected him.

She coughed softly, offering a weak smile, "Ashton, the truth will prevail. I'm just amazed at Ms. Valentine's hostility towards me. But I can't blame her. In the past, my obsession with Ludwik blinded me. Looking back, I regret hurting her." Ashton glanced at her, somewhat approvingly, "Elaine, your remorse shows you've changed. Do good from now on and prove to everyone you're different."

"Indeed, I've lost everything. After facing death, I truly understand that one should live by kindness. I shouldn't covet what's not mine, as it only brings harm. I'll strive to make you and everyone else see me in a new light." Elaine smiled sweetly at him.

Her grace, even on a weary face, hinted at her former elegance.

Ashton's gaze softened, remembering the girl who once saved him, her kindness.

Perhaps because of that act, he felt a responsibility towards her.

Now, seeing Elaine down on her luck, he couldn't ignore her.

But his feelings for Elaine were platonic; his heart was entangled with thoughts of Valerie, his missing wife. He wondered where she was, what had become of her.

Ashton's thoughts drifted far away.

Elaine noticed his distraction and, feeling ignored, twisted in pain and collapsed, "Ashton, I'm not feeling well..."

"Elaine!" Ashton turned back, quickly lifting her into his arms and rushing to his car, "Hang on, we're going to the hospital right now."

-

Inside the police station, Whitney worked her connections among the officers, her expression cold as she headed to the detention center. She was determined to meet Endora in person.

After a short wait, Endora, handcuffed, was escorted by an officer into the visitation room.

Whitney flashed a signal, and the officer took a discreet step back, quietly shutting the door.

Endora was taken aback at the sight of Whitney, a hint of surprise crossing her face.

The woman pursed her lips nervously, and when she saw the door to the visiting area close, she knew Whitney had some clout. She immediately got up to leave!

"Hold up there." Whitney moved swiftly to block her path, greeting her with a smile that was chillingly insincere, eyes scrutinizing, "Ms. Melford, walking away upon seeing me? That scared of me?"

"Why are you here to see me? We're hardly acquaintances, Ms. Valentine!"

Endora was on high alert, eyes wide with wariness.

Whitney's lips curled into a smirk, her gaze turning icy as she chuckled softly, "But we both know Elaine quite well, don't we?"

Endora's expression shifted slightly, eyebrows knitting together as she looked back at Whitney.

Leaning forward, Whitney placed her hands on the table in front of Endora, her presence dominating as she pressed, "I heard you played the fool, taking the fall for kidnapping all on your own, to get Elaine off scot-free. It really makes me wonder, what kind of spell did Elaine cast on you? Did you two work out some secret signal before the interrogation?"