Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



"Mr. Thomas, I apologize for not visiting sooner since you've come around," Bryce said as he settled into a chair beside Hudson's hospital bed, his tone gentle and filled with concern. "First off, I was worried Whitney hadn't fully explained that we're married now. I didn't want to spring that on you abruptly.

Secondly, Whitney mentioned your long coma and that your sight and hearing might still be recovering. I didn't want to overwhelm you."

Hudson had a recollection of Bryce, the young man who had frequently assisted Whitney back at the Sheldon family's old mansion. They were already engaged before Hudson's accident. However, before going into a coma, there were unresolved tensions between Whitney and Ludwik. To Hudson's surprise, in the four months of his unconsciousness, Whitney had chosen Bryce. He wondered what had transpired in that time but reasoned that Ludwik must have pushed Whitney away for good.

As a father, he preferred his daughter to be with someone who truly cared for her.

"Bryce, can you promise me you'll take good care of my Whitney for the rest of your lives?" Hudson's speech was slurred, but his tone was earnest. Bryce responded seriously, "Mr. Thomas, rest assured, Whitney and I made vows to each other. We even paid you a visit before our wedding, hoping you could be a part of it in spirit. Whitney believes you would have respected her choice.

Now, we're living together happily."

Hudson sighed. Though his vision was blurred, the sincerity in Bryce's voice matched Whitney's assurances. Yet, as a father, he sensed something amiss. Bryce mentioned their happiness, but Hudson felt Whitney wasn't as content as she should be.noveldrama

"If you love her, you'll find a way to make her truly happy. And that includes loving her two kids just as much... cough, cough!"

"Of course, I will," Bryce said, standing up to adjust Hudson's breathing apparatus. "Mr. Thomas, are you alright? Nurse, is it time for his medication?" "Yes, Mr. Lutz, I was about to administer his meds when you arrived," the nurse replied, holding a tray with neatly organized pills.

Bryce glanced at the tray and offered, "Let me. I rarely get to do my part here. Plus, I'd like to have a chat with Mr. Thomas." The nurse hesitated, aware that Whitney Valentine had strict instructions regarding medication protocols.

Bryce, sensing her reluctance, added, "You being here might make it awkward to discuss certain matters about the Sheldon Group."

Upon hearing the mention of the Sheldon Group, Hudson frowned. Whitney had avoided discussing the company's affairs during her visits, simply stating her new role as vice president.

Feeling something was amiss, Hudson insisted, "Nurse, please step outside for a moment."

Once the nurse left, Bryce discreetly dissolved a pill into Hudson's water glass. As he helped Hudson drink, a dark shadow crossed his otherwise pleasant demeanor.

Hudson, concerned about the Sheldon Group, pressed Bryce for details.

Bryce leaned in, whispering about conspiracies and betrayals within the company, painting himself and Whitney as the saviors of the Sheldon legacy. Hudson listened, his grip tightening on the bedsheets, stunned by the revelations of betrayal.

"Mr. Thomas, don't stress yourself. In the end, we reclaimed the Sheldon Group," Bryce said, subtly highlighting his contributions.

Hudson looked at him, gratitude mixed with disbelief. "Thank you, Bryce. You've truly been supporting Whitney?"

"Absolutely, as her husband. Anything for her, especially when it comes to safeguarding the Sheldon Group for you," Bryce affirmed. Suddenly, Hudson clutched his head, a wave of dizziness washing over him. "My head...feels so dizzy!"

Bryce instantly called for the nurse, his concern evident, "He's feeling unwell. Please, get the doctor quickly."

The nurse, seeing Hudson in agony, panicked and immediately dashed out.

And then, the room was devoid of anyone else.

"Father-in-law?" Bryce glanced over.

"Why do I feel so dizzy... Bryce, what were you saying just now? I suddenly can't remember."

Hudson looked utterly bewildered, his eyes fixated blankly on a spot in the room.

Bryce watched him, noting the symptoms seemed similar to what Florence had described would happen after taking the medication.

He slowly took out a small bell, holding it in front of Hudson, "Father-in-law, focus on this bell... Remember what I just told you, I'm the hero of the Sheldon Group, the only man who's truly good for Whitney.

You need to talk to Whitney, get her to agree to the Sheldon Group's collaboration with the Lutz Group.

I'm going to make a big move in the Sheldon Group, you got that?"

Hudson, somewhat groggily, nodded, "Okay... I understand. I'll talk, I'll talk."

Watching Hudson turn into a compliant puppet, Bryce's lips curled up in a cold smile. Florence's lab really did produce some remarkably effective drugs.

With Hudson as his pawn, how could Whitney not listen to her father?

The Sheldon Group would soon be his for the taking.

As the nurse called for the doctor, they found Bryce carefully tucking Hudson in, while it seemed Jared had fallen asleep?

Bryce stood up, blocking the doctor with a gentle demeanor, "Shh, my father-in-law has just fallen asleep.

He suddenly said he was tired, it's my fault, I kept him up talking for too long.

Doctor, my father-in-law is fine, I'm here to look after him. Don't you trust me?"

Seeing Bryce as a family member, the patient's son-in-law, the doctor thought, could he really harm his father-in-law?