Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Jarvis stormed out of the boardroom, his eyes fixed on Ludwik with venomous intensity. "Playing games with me, Lud?"

"Don't forget the heap of scandals you're under, dragging the Lippert family's name through the mud. And now, you dare cross me? You clearly have no idea what you're getting into!"

"Oh, I know exactly what I'm dealing with," Ludwik retorted with a smirk. "Ever heard of Beloria Country? I've had my fair share of near-death experiences there. If you're planning on making a move, better make sure it doesn't trace back to you. Catch you slipping, and I'll ensure it's the last mistake you make."

Tucking a folder under his arm, Ludwik sauntered into the CEO's office, leaving Jarvis seething with rage.

'Let's see how you handle this mess. You think you can undermine me? Dream on,' Jarvis sneered to himself, plotting his next move.

Back in his office, Ludwik's phone rang. It was his dad, Jason, and by the look of it, a storm was brewing. "The demotion in West City, it's done," Ludwik answered, already anticipating his father's next line of inquiry.

Jason's voice was grave, "I know about the railway project in Beloria Country, a mess deliberately handed to you. But it seems there's more to it— multiple attempts on your life there."

Ludwik was well aware that Jason couldn't directly confront Jarvis, given the complex ties with the Patrick Group, backed by Jarvis and his stepmother, Thea. It was a delicate balance of family and business ties, one that Ludwik was now caught in the middle of.

"Father, the problem is, we've been too lenient. The Patrick Group has been leeching billions from us annually. If we don't act, even the Nelsons and the Sheldons won't hold a candle to them in the future."

Jason was taken aback, "Has the Patrick Group grown that powerful? After all the support they've received from us, they should know their place." The conversation then shifted to a more personal note, "Come home for dinner tonight," Jason suggested, changing the subject from the tense business matters.

At the Lippert Resort that evening, Ludwik was greeted by his grandmother Camilla and noticed the presence of Riley, hinting at an important family discussion ahead. Jason soon arrived with Florence and her mother, Holly, who was fussing over Florence's belongings with exaggerated concern. "Mind the steps, Florence," Jason cautioned, as everyone prepared for dinner.

Ignoring the brewing tension, Ludwik remained aloof, his disinterest palpable when his father broached the subject of his supposed engagement to Whitney, contrasting the current situation with Florence. The family dynamics were strained, with underlying rivalries and secrets threatening to surface.

Jason confronted Ludwik about his

relationship with Whitney,

questioning the sincerity of his

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intentions amidst the family's expectations and the looming pressures of the Lippert legacy The air was thick with unspoken words and the weight of decisions yet to be made, painting a complex picture of power, loyalty, and the intricate web of family ties. novelbin

"You threatened me with your future, demanding I don't meddle in your marriage. Have you conceded defeat now?" Jason's tone was pointed. Ludwik's Adam's apple bobbed as he exhaled a cloud of smoke.

Casually snuffing out his cigarette, he stood up and walked towards the elderly lady, "Grandma, let me help you to dinner."

He ignored the comment, leaving Jason gasping for air.

But what could he do? The kid was just as stubborn and cold-hearted as he was at that age!

The dinner table was tense.

Even though Ludwik remained silent, his presence was suffocating.

Riley couldn't stand it after a while and quickly finished eating with Joanne before leaving.

Florence felt as if she was chewing wax, ignored by Ludwik from the moment she entered.

Just because he couldn't marry Whitney, did that mean he had to treat her with such disdain?

"Ludwik, let me say this again,"

Jason started, "it was Whitney who

UT

rejected you. Just accept it. I have a good eye for people. She's not the staying kind, not as gentle and obedient as Florence. You and that girl would have too many disagreements. I don't like girls who are too opinionated and Clever."

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Jason clarified again, "What you said in front of the media yesterday about marrying her, I'll have the PR team suppress it. From now on, you should accept Florence. She had a

check-up yesterday, and theor

mentioned some bleeding. I've decided to have her move into the Lippert household temporarily, so we can take better care of the child."

Ludwik lifted his eyelids, his tone indifferent, "She better not stay here. Seeing her annoys me. If I get annoyed too often, I might just take care of her child ahead of time!"