Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 999

However, showing her ID was absolutely out of the question. After undergoing plastic surgery and mastering the art of disguise, she now looked like Whitney, or rather, Parisa.

If her true face on the ID card was exposed, wouldn't that give the game away?

Florence clutched her sleeves, shaking her head as tears streamed down her face, "Mom, my ID was destroyed by Whitney back home. She was relentless, forcing me into being undocumented to prevent me from escaping. I don't have an ID now. I'm 26 years old, my name is Florence, and you're my mom. I knew it the moment I saw your face.

If you still have doubts, why don't we use my hair for a DNA test?"

As she spoke, Florence reached to pull out her hair.

Parisa glanced at the DNA test results on the table and shook her head, "No need. Since you came to me, I already know our relation. No ID, no problem. Erik will arrange a Germinia ID for you. You should stay in the hospital and recuperate.

I'll be traveling to Francalia for three days. When I return, I'll investigate your situation back home, and then we'll visit Harmonia Country together. I want to pay respects to your grandfather and uncle, and of course, settle any scores." She addressed Florence's earlier request.

Florence's heart leaped with joy, and she visibly relaxed, glad that Parisa didn't suspect the issue with her ID.

She nodded obediently, her voice weak, "Mom, take care of your business. I'll stay in the hospital as told. With you looking out for me and my child, we'll be safe. I trust you to avenge the wrongs done to me back home."

Parisa felt a slight unease. Her daughter seemed overly focused on revenge.

Was it the result of being wronged too much, changing her nature, or was she trying to use her mother?

Regardless, this was her daughter who had suffered, and naturally, she intended to seek justice for her.

"Erik, contact the director of Sanctum Mary Medical and have him prepare the most luxurious ward for Florence. Arrange for a doctor and nurse to take good care of her."

"Yes, Chairman. Miss Florence, the Chairman has a meeting to attend. Please follow me outside."

"Thank you, Mom. I'll head to the hospital then." Florence affectionately shook Parisa's wrist, pouting playfully before leaving.

Following Erik to the office outside, Florence saw the grandeur of the office space, with hundreds of elite employees working for the Inko Group's headquarters.

Her heart soared as she silently appraised Parisa's net worth. Being the global Chairman of Inko was a position even more prestigious than that of Phineas and Ludwik. Oh, to think that all of Inko's limitless wealth would someday belong to her, the impostor. She could barely contain her excitement, thinking of Whitney getting nothing.

Her eyes greedily scanned the office.

Erik noticed the unmistakable excitement in the girl's eyes and paused momentarily. If not for the DNA test's certainty, he might have doubted her identity.

Except for a slight resemblance to the Chairman, their demeanors were worlds apart.

"Miss Florence, please, this way to the elevator." He reminded her.

Florence snapped out of her reverie and weakly stepped into the elevator.

Erik took her back to Berlidon SanctumMary Medical, arranging the finest ward for her stay-a private villa-type room that broadened Florence's horizon. Raised in the Sheldon family, she thought she was accustomed to luxury, but it was only on Parisa's turf in Germinia that she realized she had only seen the tip of the iceberg.

Parisa's wealth shocked her, and her refined lifestyle was a step above the Sheldon family.

Her heart burned with greedy ambition.

Meanwhile, Erik, having completed the paperwork, received a message from the Chairman, "After you leave SanctumMary Medical, investigate the men who were after Florence in Inko, and find out who sent them. Also, check on Florence's activities since she arrived in Germinia. I want a full report."

Erik hesitated. The Chairman still had reservations about Miss Florence?

Of course, the Chairman was thorough in her dealings, always seeking clarity on any doubts.

Erik responded, "I'll start immediately. Please, wait for my report."

By late afternoon, Erik returned to the Chairman's office with his findings.

Parisa, removing her glasses, revealed her sharp yet softly aging features, an embodiment of wisdom with years etched gently upon her face. She extended her hand, "What did you find?"

Erik frowned slightly, "Regarding the attempt on Miss Florence's life, I captured them, and they confessed. A man named Ludwik from Harmonia Country had paid them to follow and attack Miss Florence."

Parisa nodded. So Florence hadn't lied to her...

"However, Chairman," Erik shifted his tone.

Parisa's gaze sharpened, "What is it? Is there a problem with Florence's activities in Germinia?"

"It's not a significant issue, but it appears Miss Florence stayed a few days at the Bellden Hotel, right across the street from Inko, before her accident. Perhaps to avoid those men, she later took refuge under a bridge. When she met you this morning, crying about being penniless, that just..." Erik trailed off, implying something Parisa quickly grasped.

Her gaze became contemplative. Always, in Florence, she noticed small schemes.

Claiming to be penniless was likely an attempt to gain her mother's sympathy.

Staying in a luxury hotel before seeking refuge under a bridge could be explained as evasion.

Parisa couldn't shake off a nagging feeling of discomfort about her daughter. Was she hiding something, or worse, had she deceived her?

Or perhaps there was a secret she wasn't sharing?

The moment Parisa had asked for her social security card as proof of identity, her daughter claimed it was destroyed by someone named Whitney. Could it be a deliberate evasion, or was the card truly gone?

As Parisa's fingers absently played over the edges of the paternity test report on her desk, the undeniable proof of their biological connection stared back at her. Yet, the warmth she expected to feel seemed absent. Maybe she was being overly suspicious. Perhaps, all they needed was time to grow into their roles as mother and daughter.

Lost in thought, Parisa decided to reach out across the ocean. She picked up her work phone and dialed an international number.

After a brief wait, Phineas's formal and respectful voice came through, "Miss. Tennyson, good day. Is there something the headquarters in Germinia needs to communicate?"

Phineas held the position of CEO at Inko Group's branch in Harmonia Country and was a trusted confidant of the Harmonia Country's president. His influence was second to none in Harmonia, heavily involved in all affairs of Inko Group. Though Parisa and Phineas shared a professional relationship as stakeholders, with Parisa having the upper hand, their interactions were seldom and strictly business-oriented, given Parisa's aversion to social engagements.