Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



At a tense shareholder meeting of the Sheldon Group, a voice of change echoed through the hall. "Folks, given the scandal rocking the very foundations of the Sheldon family, it's unthinkable to let this trio continue dragging our company through the mud.

The Sheldon Group is Hudson's legacy, not something for Hugh and Holly, that pair of deceitful backstabbers, to hijack.

As it stands, Hudson's only legitimate heir is Whitney.

We've all seen how Whitney stands by her father, fiercely guarding both him and the Sheldon Group's interests.

Her recent handling of Skye Gem Ltd. has showcased her managerial chops.

I propose we bring Whitney on board! Let her temporarily replace Hugh and Florence to steer the Sheldon Group back on course."

Whitney felt a shiver of unease; taking over the Sheldon Group wasn't her aim. She didn't immediately respond to the shareholder's suggestion.

"Mr. Cook, I appreciate your fairness," Whitney finally spoke, her gaze shifting to a deeply disappointed Jared. "Grandpa, rest assured, this company will always belong to my father.

There's hope from the hospital; he might wake up within three months.

Provided, of course, no one continues their attempts on his life!"

Her icy stare briefly met Holly and Hugh's.

For the first time, Jared looked directly at Hugh, who was slumped in his wheelchair, with a chilling gaze.

A family scandal was laid bare within the company's walls, and while Jared had his reservations about Whitney, he was also grateful. Without her, Hudson might have been lost to them, and the Sheldon Group could have slipped from their grasp, transformed beyond recognition under Hugh's corrupt stewardship.

Shaken to his core, Jared decisively stripped Hugh of his position, "Hugh, you are hereby relieved of your duties. Stay out of the Sheldon Group's affairs."

"Father! Please, no..."

"Silence. Reflect on what you've done to your brother!

As for Holly, your divorce from Hudson will be finalized promptly, and don't expect to gain anything from Hugh.

I won't air more dirty laundry here!

And Florence... Florence, were you aware of your mother's affair with Hugh?"

"Grandpa... I was completely in the dark! I always thought my mom and dad were in love. How could this be happening? I've been by dad's side in the hospital these days, oblivious to mom and uncle's betrayal," Florence quickly distanced herself from the scandal, tears streaming down her face.

Emma frowned, feeling a twinge of sympathy.

Jared remained silent, weighing Florence's words for truth.

Whitney tapped the table sharply, turning to face her, "Grandpa, if my sister claims ignorance, that's truly curious. Yet, her eagerness to join the Sheldon Group's board suggests otherwise. Without her whispers in Hugh's ear, why would he be so desperate to usurp the Sheldon Group? She claims to have been caring for dad in the hospital, yet I never once bumped into her there. So, sister, if you were indeed at the hospital, why didn't you stop Hugh from trying to kill our father?!"

Florence, caught off-guard by Whitney's barrage of questions, froze.

Jared, upon hearing Whitney's retort, had his suspicions confirmed. His gaze towards Florence grew more complex and cold as he announced, "Florence's position as a board member is hereby revoked."

"Grandpa... Grandma! Please help me. I truly didn't know anything.

Sister, if you wanted me out, just say it. Why humiliate me in front of everyone? My mother's mistakes aren't mine..."

"Florence, go home," Jared instructed wearily.

He tapped his cane on the floor, signaling the need to stabilize the situation. He regarded Whitney, whose calm and capable handling of the situation impressed him, realizing she was indeed the best choice for safeguarding Hudson's interests and stabilizing the Sheldon Group amidst the scandal.

Jared had no other option, "Rest assured, the Sheldon family's issues won't jeopardize the Sheldon Group's future. I've considered it.

Until Hudson awakens, Whitney will take charge of the company's affairs. She's Hudson's only daughter and will undoubtedly do her utmost. If everyone agrees, we'll vote on it."

Florence's hands clenched in

frustration, her nails digging into her palms. She was livid at the thought of Whitney so easily gaining control of the entire Sheldon Group. Yet, as the vote unfolded, most

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shareholders, whether staunch supporters of Hudson or those previously swayed by Hugh, opted for self-preservation, casting their votes for Whitney.

"Whitney, you'll start at the company tomorrow. But be warned, if you harbor any ulterior motives, I won't let it slide," Jared cautioned, his wisdom cutting deep. "I believe you're acting in your father's best interests. Your role is to stabilize the Sheldon Group."

Whitney understood Jared's stance, reaffirming her commitment, "Grandpa, as I said, I'm here to protect the Sheldon Group for my father. If not for Hugh's relentless scheming, I wouldn't have stepped in. You can revoke my appointment anytime."

Jared, not fully convinced, nodded thoughtfully.

Whitney's gaze briefly met Florence's, now deflated and cold. Florence had played her games for power and influence, scheming

against others, plotting against

Whitney, kidnapping Sammy, and seducing Ludwik Lippert. Today, Whitney had settled their scores, once and for all.

The battle for the inheritance of the Sheldon Corporation had taken a dramatic turn, and it seemed Florence's chances were now slim to none.noveldrama

Her gaze sliced through Whitney with icy precision, as if to say, "This isn't over, you witch. I won't let you get away with this."

"As for the company's decision, that's all for now. Meeting adjourned!"

Jared, looking years older with the weight of the world on his shoulders, leaned on his cane as he and the matriarch made their way out. Hugh and Holly, pale as ghosts, followed the old man closely.

The shareholders stood to pay their silent respects, whispering among themselves about the scandal that had rocked their world today. Whitney remained still, her hand open to reveal a pool of cold sweat. It turned out she was not as unflappable as she appeared.

Even with Cody working with her behind the scenes, and everything seemingly in place, she feared the unknown. After all, to the Sheldon Corporation, she was still an outsider.

But, thankfully, everything had gone according to plan.

Hugh had been ousted from the company, and Holly's twenty years of plotting had come to naught.

Now, all she had to do was wait for her father to wake up.

Cody approached Whitney with a relieved smile, "Congratulations, young director!"

Mr. Rufus let out a cold sigh, "Who would've thought Florence was Hugh's illegitimate child? Mrs. Sheldon hid it well. No, she's not Mrs. Sheldon

anymore.

This Ms. Sheldon doesn't deserve the name anymore.

We've managed to keep the company safe for your dad. If Hugh and his bastard had taken over, it would've killed your dad in his sickbed." Whitney looked down, not yet ready to breathe a sigh of relief. "I wonder if dad can accept this truth?"