Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 45

What was with that jerk? Just leaving like that was bad enough, but to send food? And then to insult her with it?

She was fuming.

With a forced smile, she said through gritted teeth, "Thanks for making the trip, Parker. But... has my friend Tiana left already?"

"No idea," he replied nonchalantly.

A bit embarrassed, Whitney asked, "She's a girl on her own. Would you mind giving her a lift, Parker, if it's not too much trouble?"

"No trouble," Parker said almost too easily.

Before leaving, he paused at the door, his eyes behind the gold-rimmed glasses betraying a lazy indifference. He dropped a bombshell. "Is Tiana's fiancé Gunner Lutz, the one from the Lutz family?"

Whitney was taken aback, but Parker added with a hint of mischief before she could respond, "Ran into Gunner at the hotel last week playing with some celebrity."

Being a man, the implications of 'playing' were clear.

Whitney was shocked. Was Tiana's fiancé cheating on her?

Parker had mentioned it casually, not really concerned with the lesser-known Tiana's family, but the Lutz clan was among the top four wealthiest families. He had seen Gunner before—a notorious playboy.

...

The next day, Whitney received a Facebook message from Tiana telling her to ignore the news.

Whitney guessed that her reputation must be boiling over by now. No doubt Monica had bought a legion of trolls to drag her name through the mud.

This debacle was Monica's golden ticket to fame and fortune.

To distract Whitney, Tiana sent over several pictures of engagement rings.

Bashfully, she said, "That bastard Gunner proposed to me. I didn't want to say yes, but our parents are pushing it. Whitney, can you help me choose? Or better yet, design a rock so big it makes him really pay!"

Whitney suddenly remembered Parker's reminder.

Tiana might badmouth Gunner, but she was still hopeful about their relationship.

Whitney hoped Parker was mistaken, or maybe Gunner was just playing the field.

She seriously considered several options before making her choice for Tiana.

Then, she called home to check on Natalie. Natalie was in high spirits, laughing. "Dear Whitney, your husband came home to sleep last night. When will you be back?"

Whitney was surprised. Had L come home last night? She thought he was off chasing some lover.

A smile tugged at her lips, one she did not even notice, as she softly said, "I'll come home after I finish up today, Mom."

But there were still things to do. The breakthrough in her plagiarism case hinged on Stella confessing she had given Whitney’s manuscript to Monica.

That's why Whitney had not rushed to confront Monica but had instead focused on dragging Stella into the light.

Without any other evidence, the outcome was in the hands of fate.

Whitney had found out Stella would be at the Golden Hue Bar tonight before leaving town for a film shoot.

Just then, Monica's taunting call came through.

"Whitney, the preliminary results are out in a week, and I'll be the top prize. The media are all over me. Phebe praised my talents today. She's over your little games, you wretch. Once the prize is mine, it'll be time for my engagement to the Perlman family. Oh, and Simon's throwing a celebration for me tonight at the Golden Hue Bar. You must come."

"Not interested," Whitney replied, dismissing the provocation.

But if she wanted to find Stella, tonight was her only chance.

Under the cloak of night, Whitney arrived at the Golden Hue Bar.

Simon had booked out the entire bar for Monica's celebration, and the Perlman family was well represented.