Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Whitney's cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as she pursed her lips and instinctively shook her head.

Danny's young face turned stormy, his eyes flashing with a dark intensity reminiscent of Ludwik's brooding glare.

However, the man in question merely chuckled, lightening the mood. "Come on, I was talking about the new property I bought. Have you decided to move Skye Gem Ltd. over yet?"

Whitney let out the breath she'd been holding.

Before she could respond, Bryce frowned, "I figured Ludwik might cave and give you the golf course land. He plays you first, then acts like he's doing you a favor. Do you really want his charity? I hope this time you'll stand with me. After all, I'd never harm you, Whitney."

Bryce capitalized on her indignation.

Indeed, Whitney had her considerations. The Sheldon Group, under Hugh's control, was something she wanted to reclaim for her father, a challenging feat at the moment!

Her only strategy was to leverage Skye Gem Ltd. to quickly establish a foothold in Emperor City. Having her own strength meant Holly would have a harder time targeting her!

And right now, she wanted nothing to do with Ludwik.

Whitney made her decision, "Okay, Bryce, I'll visit the unfinished building with you as soon as possible."

Bryce's dark eyes sparkled with joy as he grasped her wrist, "Having you move the company to be closer to me is wonderful. The Lutz Group will always support Skye Gem Ltd., just like I'll always be there for you."

Danny's hope shattered. Was Mommy indirectly choosing Bryce?

He didn't want Mommy and Bryce to be together day and night!novelbin

Danny quickly sent a message to his absentee dad: [Ludwik, Mommy's planning to co-found a company with Bryce. Looks like you're out of the picture. You only have yourself to blame.]

At the Lippert Group office.

When Ludwik read his son's message on Facebook, Florence was just entering his office with a packed lunch, knocking softly.

"Ludwik, I heard you've been swamped with work lately, so I brought you lunch," Florence said, her effort to appear casually elegant clear. She approached his desk, a halo of inheritance from the Sheldon Group surrounding her. Ludwik glanced at her, noting something different about her demeanor.

Perhaps she always possessed these qualities, simply choosing to hide them.

Ludwik's lips curved in a mocking smile, fleeting like a shadow.

He didn't acknowledge her gesture, focusing instead on replying to Danny's message.

Seeing Florence receive a cold reception, Myra coughed lightly, "Ludwik, Ms. Sheldon has been preparing this lunch since morning. She hasn't eaten anything, fearing her stomach might not take it well."

"It's not that serious," Florence said with a cough, casting a reproachful look at Myra.

Ludwik retorted, "Is it my fault she can't manage her meals? A grown woman who can't even eat properly?"

Florence's face stiffened at his harsh words.

Myra hadn't expected Ludwik to be so blunt with Ms. Sheldon, their mocking tone leaving both women breathless!

Felix, standing aside, and another executive witnessed the exchange.

Florence's gaze darkened, her engagement to Ludwik already public, yet he hadn't acknowledged her new position at the Sheldon Group or made any contact.

Her grandparents and the elite circles in Emperor City were starting to wonder.

To maintain a facade of intimacy and secure her position, Florence had no choice but to approach him, only to be rebuffed.

Her attempts at manipulation clear, Ludwik wouldn't play into her hands, especially not to provoke Whitney.

With a cold, mocking smile, Ludwik stood up, his imposing height adding to his authoritative presence.

Ignoring Florence's hopeful look

net

about accompanying her to a hospital check-up-a ploy for public affection-Ludwik dismissed her threats and manipulations

He coldly instructed Felix to prepare his car, leaving Florence to deal with the embarrassment and

consequences of her own actions, now clearly beyond Ludwik's care or threats.

Florence, caught in her schemes and facing Ludwik's indifference, was left

bilə!

in a difficult position, her manipulations laid bare in front of the company's executives.

Ludwik stormed off.

Myra, supporting an agitated Florence, whispered, "Ms. Sheldon, how could Ludwik be so dreadful to you?"

"Shut up." Florence glared toward the door with disdain.

Where was he rushing off to in such a hurry?

A gnawing suspicion took root in her mind, fueling her jealousy.

Whitney...

Was Ludwik intentionally humiliating her after their engagement?

His closeness with Whitney was becoming all too apparent, leaving no room for pretense!

This meant she couldn't even bask in her engagement glory without becoming the subject of scornful looks in the high-society circles of Emperor City. Was he aiming to make her the laughingstock?

Ludwik, if you're going to be this ruthless, don't blame me for not showing any mercy to your son...

Florence clenched her fists, a simmering rage building within. Once she bore his child, he wouldn't dare treat her this way!

"Florence, would you like me to show you around the Lippert Group?" Felix called out from a distance, his tone casual.

"There's no need to trouble yourself, Assistant Felix."

Florence forced a smile, feeling as though the aide harbored some dislike for her.

Before long, she had to leave. As soon as she entered the elevator, Florence squinted and ordered Myra, "Contact Elaine for me. I need to see her secretly."

In the underground parking of the Lippert family mansion.

A car pulled up in front of Ludwik, who glanced at it and noted the absence of his usual driver. "Got some time on your hands?"

"Aren't you headed to Whitney's hotel? Danny texted me too," Parker said with a grin.

"And what business is it of yours?"