Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



The prestigious Sheldon family found themselves in a whirlwind of scandal, losing their daughter and causing a media uproar, pointing fingers at Ludwik. But now, Ludwik's reputation was on the line, tainted by accusations he couldn't just ignore. Accusations of mistreating a woman to the point of miscarriage were not something the scion of the Lippert Group could allow to fester. The shareholders and the various branches of the Lippert family were not to be trifled with, especially not by the likes of Jarvis, who'd surely use this scandal against Ludwik.novelbin

Even with Hudson Sheldon down for the count, Jared and Emma Sheldon had always doted on their Florence. If they joined the fray alongside Holly Sheldon against the Lipperts, it would be an ugly scene.

As the head of the Lippert family, Jason had long commanded respect and authority. His word was law, and his reputation was unassailable. With a heavy heart and few options left, Jason saw only one solution to this mess-a solution that would, hopefully, turn this scandal into a tale of romance. He had always approved of Florence as a daughter-in-law, after all.

"Listen, Ludwik, there's no way we're terminating that pregnancy. Not a chance. Your grandma, bless her, wouldn't have it either," Jason declared, his voice firm but fair. "A child coming into our family is a blessing, and if you're still doubting, take Florence for a paternity test in two months. But know this, I'll be announcing your marriage before the end of the year. Florence is going to be officially part of this family, and that's final."

Holly sighed in relief. Florence's plan, as risky as it was, seemed to be coming together.

Florence, for her part, relaxed slightly, her eyes shining with unshed tears as she coughed softly. "Thank you, Jason. As long as Ludwik agrees, I'll be the happiest member of your family."

"Hold on a minute," Ludwik interjected, standing up and commanding the room with his presence. Florence's hopes were dashed in an instant, her breath hitching.

"Ludwik, your father has given his blessing. What's left to discuss?" she managed to say, her voice trembling.

Ludwik scoffed, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Let him marry you if he's so inclined. I won't be part of this farce, not unless I'm six feet under." Jason was incensed, slamming his hand on the table. "What nonsense is this? You're my son. Do you think I don't have a say in this? You got yourself into this mess. It's time you made it right and married Florence."

"Sorry, father, but I refuse," Ludwik stated, his resolve as unyielding as iron. "I won't be threatened or manipulated, not by anyone. Florence's pregnancy was a calculated move on her part. She's always been about schemes. As for that night, she's already been compensated."

Florence's tears flowed freely now. "I didn't manipulate you, Ludwik. I loved you, that's all."

"Loved me?" Ludwik's smirk

widened. "Let me make one thing

clear to everyone here. My relationship with Florence was nothing but a transaction from the

start. My mother, Natalie, was

е

et

diagnosed with leukemia, and Florence's bone marrow was a match. She agreed to donate only if I pretended to be her boyfriend. That was our deal."

"But there's more," Ludwik continued, his voice hard. "Florence is responsible for my mother's illness. She injected my mom with poison. And my son, Sammy, was kidnapped by her in Banyan City."

Jason frowned, not liking where this was going. He had always had doubts about Whitney, Florence's sister, especially after their encounter in Banyan City. Whitney seemed the type to stir trouble, especially for Ludwik.

"Ludwik, your affair with Whitney should've ended long ago. She's been nothing but trouble, constantly trying to drive a wedge between you and Florence. And your mother's illness-have you thoroughly investigated that? Are you just taking Whitney's word for it?"

"I am the evidence, father. And I won't stand for you speaking ill of her," Ludwik countered, his loyalty to Whitney clear.

Ludwik's voice boomed with fury, his

et

expression fierce. Then, as quickly as the storm came, it passed, leaving a calm demeanor in its wake. His gaze lifted, locking eyes with Jason. "Since Dad brought her up, let me make one thing crystal clear to you. When it comes to my marriage, no one gets to call the shots for me. If I'm to have a wife, there's only one woman who'll ever stand by my side in this lifetime! Rather than marrying Florence to quiet down the tabloids' chatter about me, I've got a better plan—"

Jason, his features hardened with age and anger, was speechless with fury.

Florence's delicate face slowly drained of joy, a profound unease washing over her.

Ludwik's lips curled into a sinister

smirk, cold as the grave. "Three minutes ago made our little bone marrow donation transaction with Florence public and called off our engagement. Let the media rage they can't accuse me of breaking the law. If everyone's so invested in my marital status that they're pushing me to marry someone, well, then I'll be proposing to Whitney soon enough-provided she's willing! As for Florence..."

He turned, his dark eyes boring into Florence's face with chilling intensity. "If you want to keep your baby safe, you'd better go on TV with your mom and clear the air. Tell them I've done nothing to you. No abuse, no forcing a miscarriage. Otherwise, you might just end up losing the baby for real!"

"Ludwik, this is madness! Marriage isn't a game. By acting this impulsively, you're not just gambling with your future but you're jeopardizing the future of the Lippert family as well!" Jason exploded, his face red with anger.