Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Can he be trusted? Really, judging from a couple of rumors, Florence's words, or the doctor's, doesn't scratch the surface of who this man truly is!" "...Madam Chairwoman, are you possibly considering a trip to Harmonia Country?" Erik said, with a focus that seemed to draw inward.

Parisa returned to her executive desk.

Leaning on it with one hand, her gaze was sharp, "It's been nearly two days since Director Phineas was attacked, and yet, there's been no word from the manager of our Harmonia branch about his condition.

I've got a bad feeling about this.

If something were to happen to Director Phineas, it would mean the loss of one of the most capable directors in Harmonia Country. As the global chairwoman, how could I just sit by idly?"

Her words implied a hope that Phineas would pull through.

Otherwise, she'd have to step in and sort out the affairs at the domestic branches.

Inko Group, under Phineas's direct supervision, was the conglomerate's crown jewel. Such a vast company couldn't go a day without leadership. Although she's kept a low profile, through Phineas, she's been indirectly collaborating and exercising control.

Parisa was deep in thought when suddenly, as if summoned, the office phone rang-

Her gaze shifted from the window back inside as she walked over and picked up the receiver, her slender fingers displaying an incoming international call.

"Miss. Tennyson, it's a call from the Harmonia branch!" Erik approached, reminding her.

Parisa waved him off, already aware, and answered, "Hello, is this the branch manager? I need an update on Director Phineas's condition."

After the caller identified themselves, they shared some news.

Listening, Parisa's legs gave way, stepping back in shock.

“A failed brain surgery, he's in a vegetative state?" Her complexion turned gravely serious, her piercing eyes tightening, “He might never wake up... How could this happen?!"

Erik stood by, watching her grip the phone tightly, her expression stern.

Three days flew by.

Florence was running out of patience, the wait growing more intolerable by the day!

She couldn't understand why Parisa, at her age, was still working so tirelessly, like a heartless work machine, never coming home.

She had said she needed to work late, promising to discuss matters when she returned to the estate for a break.

But, for the past few days, she hadn't set foot in the estate!

Was there really so much to attend to?

Inko Group was an immovable corporate giant, understandable, but why did Parisa insist on doing everything herself? Sitting on such a vast treasure yet unable to enjoy the wealth, buried in work day in and day out, what was the point?

Eventually, when she inherited this vast empire, she wouldn't be as dull as Parisa, working herself to the bone. She'd simply delegate, ensuring work was done and wealth flowed into her hands.

To her, Parisa was just like Whitney, both mother and daughter, peculiar and contrary.

It seemed gics really did determine everything.

The more Florence considered Parisa's strict self-demands and love for work, the more she remembered her time in the Sheldon family, skimming off the top, exploiting Sandy, and playing up to Emma and Hudson.

She wasn't cut out for hard work; that was for fools.

Now, she suddenly couldn't adopt Parisa's efficient, modest, strong-woman habits.noveldrama

And she wondered, did Parisa suspect she lacked the genes for excellence, or even doubt her maternity?

The more she thought, the more agitated Florence became.

Thinking it over, three days had passed since Parisa should have heard about Phineas becoming a living dead.

If she delayed any further without introducing Bryce to Parisa, Bryce would become impatient.

If Parisa appointed someone else to lead Inko Group in Harmonia Country, it would be a disaster for both her and Bryce. This woman was always at the company, never home.

Florence couldn't wait any longer. She got up from her bed, her face set as she instructed the maid to help her dress. Her wound had nearly healed; she was going out!

She needed to see Parisa immediately, to recommend Bryce for the position. Parisa had no reason to refuse.

With her mind set, Florence took the Bentley, courteously driven by Germinia, to the towering Inko headquarters.

The skyscraper, nestled among classic European-style buildings, shone brightly.

The sunlight, breaking through the clouds, illuminated the streets of Berlidon and pierced the dark glass windows, reaching into the office. Florence looked up, envisioning her swift entry into the global conglomerate, securing a position among the elite, her most splendid comeback. She'd also usurp Whitney's birthright and wealth, a sweet revenge.

Suppressing a gleam of joy, she calmly followed the company's receptionist into the elevator, heading straight to the 30th floor, where the executive offices were located.

The receptionist went ahead to announce her.

After a short wait in the central lobby, the door to the executive office opened, but it wasn't Parisa who emerged.

It was Erik.

Florence's mood soured. Why was there no sign of joy from Parisa at her daughter's arrival?

Observing Erik's serious demeanor, she wondered if he was about to send her away.

No, she was determined to speak her piece today.

Florence stepped forward to meet him.

Erik truly intended to stop her in her tracks. He shook his head, saying, "Miss Florence, Miss Tennyson is currently tied up in an extremely urgent matter!

She really can't spare a moment to see you right now.

Would you mind waiting in the lounge, or perhaps I could arrange for the estate's chauffeur to take you back home?"

Florence, looking utterly distressed, protested, "I can't do that, Erik. I haven't seen my mom for days now, and I'm really worried about her overworking!

Besides, I've just got wind of some major news back home, something I need to discuss with her.

Please, don't stand in my way..."

With those final words, she brushed past Erik.

Erik hadn't expected her to act so impulsively. Considering she had recently undergone surgery, he dared not truly hold her back.

In just a few seconds, Florence was already making her way through the office door, calling out, "Mom!"

There, Parisa sat upright at her desk, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on the computer screen, her brows furrowed in concentration: The Inko Group was in trouble!