Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 672

This time, Whitney caught a definitive glimpse of Shane's peripheral vision, locked onto Sandy's face throughout the encounter.

The slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth, the faint furrow between his brows, and the intensity of his gaze fixed on the necktie Sandy was holding gave him away.

Instantly, Whitney connected the dots, her almond-shaped eyes narrowing slightly. It dawned on her that this man must have overheard their casual conversation.

Sandy was planning to give a necktie to a guy, but who could this mystery man be?

Shane's demeanor turned subtly tense, sending a shiver down Sandy's spine. She hurriedly retreated to Whitney's side, lowering her head in a respectful greeting, "Mr. Nelson, good to see you!"

"Mr. Turner, still working with Ms. Valentine at the Sheldon Group, I see?"

"Yes, Mr. Nelson, Whitney is my cousin. We're quite close."

"Are you running errands for her or wooing clients that you need to buy a necktie for a male client?"

Shane's casual interrogation did not miss a beat.

Whitney squinted her eyes, amused internally. Turns out Shane was the manipulative type, probing Sandy about his potential rival.

Caught off guard by his questioning, Sandy, aware of the Nelson Group's significant dealings with the Sheldon Group, treated Shane with unfamiliar respect. She felt compelled to answer truthfully, "Mr. Nelson, the necktie isn't for a client... It's a personal matter, so I'd rather not discuss it further."

Shane's eyes narrowed, his handsome features darkening visibly.

Clearly, the necktie wasn't meant for him. In Sandy's eyes, he was nothing more than a stranger, aloof and unattainable.

This realization left Shane feeling a surge of irritation. Damn it, he thought, having raised their daughter alone for four years, and this woman remained blissfully unaware, still playing the part of the innocent.

Choosing to ignore her, he turned to Whitney.

"Anything else, Mr. Nelson?" Whitney raised an eyebrow, her tone implying it was time for him to leave after making such a fool of himself.

Shane shot her a glare, then, as if recalling something, beckoned her over, "Ms. Valentine, I've got a piece of news. Interested?"

Assuming it was business-related, Whitney approached, "What is it, Mr. Nelson?"

Shane leaned in, whispering as if sharing gossip, "I heard Ludwik got into trouble at the detention center. Had to be rushed to the hospital last night."

Whitney paused, surprised. With the detention center's strict protocols, how could Ludwik have encountered trouble...

She zoned out for a moment, then, trying to detach herself, responded lightly, "That's hard to believe. Knowing Ludwik's skills, it would take more than a dozen men to overpower him."

Shane shrugged, "I don't know the details. Just heard he's badly hurt. Had my assistant check with the police; the hospital's situation is unclear."

Whitney fell silent, trying not to dwell on Ludwik.

Her heartbeat erratic, she retorted, "Shane, have you turned into a gossip? Why come to me with this nonsense?"

"It's not nonsense. We're talking about Ludwik here. What, are you immune to him now? I thought you might still have a shred of sympathy for the man. Seems like your heart's turned to steel. Guess I can't count on you to help me with Sandy then. Maybe I should approach Ludwik directly, get him to spill Florence's secrets."

Shane's gaze drifted to Sandy, still as graceful as ever.

Whitney internally debated, recalling Shane's words about forcing her hand if she refused to help.

Her expression hardened, "Mr. Nelson, if you dare approach Florence, then forget about letting your daughter be around Sandy."

"Is that a threat?"

"Aren't you using Florence to threaten me?" Whitney scoffed.

"Let's not fight," Shane said with a teasing smile. "Now that the Patrick family has risen to the top in Harmonia Country, with Wade's twisted ambitions, he's likely to shake up the Emperor City elite. In such times, our families should stick together as friends, don't you think?"

"As long as Mr. Nelson doesn't harbor any devious plans, I'm open to friendship."