Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 51

“My little sister Monica has been Daddy's little princess since we were kids. At home, she got everything her way, and I always had to step aside for her, including handing over my good grades and even my artistic talents... until she even took my fiancé.

But that wasn't enough for her. She wanted more and more until she took my company and tried to destroy me. Those without real talent will eventually get exposed, and playing the game too big will only play you in the end.

Sis, I hope you'll honor our bet. Now that the truth about the competition has come to light, you'll have to give back Skye Gem to me!"

She spoke without a hint of anger, her calm demeanor evoking even more sympathy.

The crowd's gaze shifted towards Whitney, her words heavy with unspoken implication, leaving much to the minds of the onlookers.

"So, Whitney is saying that Monica has been plagiarizing her work all along and posing as the lead designer?" Someone murmured.

"Did we mistake Whitney for a nobody? Could it be... Whitney is the true genius designer?"

"From what Whitney says, Monica took everything from her, her man, her company, using favoritism to her advantage!"

Reporters swarmed Whitney and Monica, the scene descending into chaos. Whitney's expression remained serene, playing the role of the wronged innocent to perfection and successfully stirring the reporters' indignation.

Suddenly, she felt the warmth of an intense stare.

She looked towards the VIP section and locked eyes with the deep, handsome gaze of her 'arch-enemy.'

He watched her with a hint of amusement, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly.

Suddenly, he quirked an eyebrow at her, and in the midst of the crowd, she knew that secret, mischievous gesture was just for her.

Whitney's cheeks flushed with an inexplicable rush. Without time to ponder why her nemesis would side with her, she simply thought, at this moment, he looked incredibly dashing!

Meanwhile, Monica's situation was spiraling out of control.

The reporters encircled Phebe, pressing her with questions. "Mrs. Perlman, were you aware of the alleged bribery involving your future daughter-in-law and the Imperial Gem Corporation?"

"With Monica suspected of plagiarism, she surely can't be awarded first prize. Will you and Simon forgive her actions and proceed with the engagement party this afternoon?"

Phebe was livid, the Perlman family's reputation tarnished, and she dreaded explaining this to the patriarch.

Just thinking about Faith capitalizing on this scandal sent Phebe into a fury. She answered the reporters with a cold facade, "Monica isn't my daughter-in-law, not even my future daughter-in-law!"

"Are you canceling their engagement party right here and now?"

"There has never been an engagement party planned between Simon and her. Please, no more wild speculation!"

"Phebe, how can you say that?" Monica, desperate upon hearing the public denial, ran over, "You promised me there would be an engagement party this afternoon if I won first prize. You promised I could join the Perlman family this year."

"Did you win first prize? You're accused of plagiarism and bribery, yet you have the audacity to cling to the Perlman name. You have no shame. After the charity banquet where Whitney revealed your repeated miscarriages, I should've known you were no good girl. You're not worthy of my son! Simon, get her away from me; don't embarrass me further."

The socialites watched the scene unfold, some mocking Monica, "Have you all forgotten that Simon was originally Whitney's fiancé?"

"She's taken everything from Whitney, her man, her work. She's nothing but an illegitimate child."

Ashen-faced with panic, Monica wished for her mother, Yvonne's presence.

"Don't you dare leave, Monica, you plagiarizing scoundrel."

Monica saw her chance to escape amid the chaos, but the crowd was too frantic, and she was quickly trampled to the ground.

"Don't push me," Monica cried out in fear, trembling.

"Mommy..." she called out desperately.

Yvonne appeared in a fluster, her face a mask of panic, flanked by her bodyguards. As soon as the reporters spotted her, they swarmed, trapping her amid a sea of questions and cameras.

Whitney watched with detached amusement as the mother and daughter duo stumbled into a mess. From today onwards, Monica’s once-pristine reputation, her crowning glory, seemed doomed to be tarnished.

Tiana stood beside her, reveling in the drama. "The crowd's on their game today; squashing those two feels so satisfying! Karma doesn't miss a beat, does it? And Whitney, did you ever imagine your arch-enemy would save you? My heartthrob was on fire just now, slapping you with a reality check!"

Whitney blinked, feeling an unexpected warmth in her chest. She had not predicted that today’s victory would come with an assist from Ludwik.

But a giant question mark loomed in her mind: Why would her sworn enemy lend her a hand? It was illogical, downright bizarre.

"Whitney! Mr. Lippert is leaving! Hurry up, after such a massive favor, aren’t you going to thank him?"

At Tiana’s shout, Whitney turned to see the chairman's dais, where a striking figure was rising to his feet.

With his files in hand and his long, elegant fingers, Ludwik cast a leisurely glance in Whitney's direction as he prepared to leave.

Whitney’s cheeks inexplicably warmed as she quickly took Tiana's hand and darted backstage, hoping to catch up with Ludwik.