Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 992

Cora whispered over the phone, her voice barely a rustle against the backdrop of the Fuller Mansion's expansive backyard, where the shadows of the night seemed to hold their breath. "Elaine, it's dead quiet back here. Nobody around.

Around ten, Nolan stormed in, had a blazing row with the old man. I accidentally overheard him on the phone, calling someone 'Valerie'. He was saying something about getting a child back for treatment, claiming the Fuller family would spare no expense for the baby's well-being... Then I lost the thread."

"What?" Elaine gasped, her mind a whirlwind of shock and speculation.

Cora was an informant Elaine had planted within the Fuller household, a pawn in her game to curry favor with Ashton by feeding her insider information—bought with cash and promises.

But this...

Nolan calling 'Valerie' had to mean he was contacting her directly.

But... a child? What in the world?

Elaine's eyes widened in disbelief. Could Valerie have secretly had a child?

How could this be? That woman, silently plotting, hoping to trap Ashton with a child?

A dark fury blazed within Elaine, her breath hitched in panic at the thought. If that woman had indeed borne Ashton's child and he found out, Elaine's own schemes would become even more complicated.

Her fists clenched tight, a mix of rage and malice coursing through her. If Valerie dared to show up with a child in tow...

She wouldn't hesitate to fight for Ashton's attention...

-

Emperor City.

Whitney stepped off the plane, a bundle of nerves, and rushed back to the Lippert family's quaint newly-purchased cottage.

It was a fresh afternoon, just after a light shower, the air crisp and inviting. Camilla was out in the garden, tenderly watering the flowers with a small watering can, when she spotted Natalie waiting by the side.

Natalie looked up at the sound of footsteps, her eyes warm and a touch awkward—after all, it was Jason Lippert who had invited her over to spend time with her grandchildren.

Living alone in Delight Mansion, with Ludwik abroad, she longed for her grandsons' company.

And with Whitney away in Banyan City, Natalie had stepped in to help look after the kids.

"Whitney, you're back!" Natalie exclaimed, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Camilla, hearing this, set down her watering can and turned, her white hair catching the light. "Oh dear, you're back! Did you settle everything in Banyan City?"

Whitney searched for her children as she spoke, "Camilla, Natalie, I've sorted things out. Sammy called me yesterday, said he missed me, so I rushed back."

She didn't mention the incident with Bryce, not wanting to alarm her grandmother.

"The kids have been bored stiff! With Ludwik and his brothers gone from Emperor City, and Jason overprotective as ever, he's kept them indoors. They haven't been out much, got a bit stir-crazy, so I took them to a class the other day. They've been a bit off since, though. I've had them on a strict nap schedule to help them rest up," Camilla explained, her concern evident.

Whitney sensed something was amiss.

The kids must have been scared, and perhaps Jason or Camilla were unaware of the full story.

She smiled, masking her worry. "They're napping now? I'll go up and see them."

"They're upstairs!" Camilla said, lowering her voice as if to not disturb the children.