Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 26

Standing there, Whitney translated the confrontation in her mind, “Even if she and her daughter want to wipe you off the face of the earth, you can’t hurt Monica even the slightest!”

She looked up at the man whose handsome features had been transformed, her heart cold as an iceberg silently drifted within her.

With a sneer, she said, “Simon, I guess the hospital really did wonders on that face of yours”

“What do you mean?”

Monica glared at Whitney and quickly changed the subject, “Sis, you came to bid on landscapes today? But I heard your finances are tight, and you’ve got some street thug for a boyfriend now. Do you need my help?”

Simon’s gaze on Whitney darkened.

A murmur rippled through the crowd. “What, Whitney’s taken up with a street thug?”

Monica feigned innocence. “Don’t talk like that, everyone. Maybe my sister just made a mistake.”

“Oh my God, to consort with riff–raff is to fall from grace. The Valentine family’s name must be totally tarnished by Whitney.”

“Let’s not be too harsh. Didn’t Roselyn say she saw Whitney splurging at the boutique the other day? Maybe her new beau is loaded! Sis, since you have a new man, why not introduce him to us?” Monica’s challenge was thinly veiled.

“A thug worth meeting? With her looking penniless and bidding on million–dollar paintings, I doubt she even has the money to start the bid. Isn’t that right, Whitney?” Roselyn mocked openly, the two of them taking turns. The socialites looked at Whitney with ridicule.

Then, the lights dimmed, and the luxurious auction began.

The first item up was a landscape painting from the late Renaissance era.

The starting bid was a million dollars.

Simon raised his paddle. “Two million!”

The socialites cooed with envy, “Simon’s so lavish, doubling the bid just to win Monica’s favor!”

Monica smirked smugly, satisfied with her prediction, as Whitney did not raise her paddle. Monica stood up and said to the auctioneer in a helpful tone, “Wait, my sister wants to bid too. Come on, Sis, place your bid.”

Her voice carried over the microphone, audible to everyone.

All eyes turned to Whitney, waiting for her to bid.

Whitney sat still, her expression unchanged. She knew she had only $800,000 in cash from Tiana- not enough to meet the starting bid.

I 2 3 0 5

out two million, showcasing

up, or do you not even have a million dollars to

The socialites laughed mockingly.

afford it, don’t embarrass yourself by

The

“Whitney, are you bidding or not? If you can’t afford

under her

1/3

15.00

then, a chillingly magnetic voice cut through the darkness, “She bids five

who recognized that captivating voice and

dangerous allure of a mature man. His presence commanded silence, and his mysterious mask elicited gasps from the

held

almond eyes widened in

bending elegantly in the shadows

cool breath

He looked at her, scrutinizing her delicate face, petite forehead- all so fragile. Yet her eyes sparkled with intelligence and defiance. He was sure

and

heart skipped a

always

deep voice, she guessed he wanted to ask, ‘Are you okay?‘ His concern was hidden while she

lips parting slightly, “No, you’re not late,

Whitney stole a glance at him. Was he not supposed

heard about tonight’s

his paddle. “No one else is

and the socialites were in shock, “Is that the thug Whitney’s with? He’s so

dapper appearance, remembered her grudge and sneered. “Didn’t you see the mask? He must be

pang of jealousy as the rumors of Whitney’s thug boyfriend materialized. He had never believed Whitney could land a

thug

Whitney could not possibly find someone wealthier

He shouted, “Eight million!”

was as

hardened, “Twelve

“Fourteen million.”

watched as the man

twice its value. Whitney could not

intend