Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Their gazes met for a fleeting moment before Whitney casually averted her eyes. He was making his way over. Quickly, Whitney pulled Tiana aside. Tiana whispered, "What's up?"

The man's eyes were dark and brooding. It was only then Tiana looked up and caught sight of Ludwik, her eyes widening slightly as if she was seeing him in a new light. This was Tiana's first glimpse of Ludwik in full business mode, and despite his flaws, she couldn't deny his striking presence. Ludwik, with his chiseled features and an air of mature elegance, was like the epitome of a corporate titan.

Tiana couldn't help but recall the buzz around his return to the Lippert family empire, stepping off the jet and instantly becoming the talk of the town in Emperor City, captivating countless hearts. The way he wore his suit, it seemed tailor-made, just as if he was stepping off a fashion runway.novelbin

Tiana pinched her own hand to snap out of her reverie and whispered to Whitney, "What's he doing here?"

Whitney paused before saying, "Beats me. The Treasure Restaurant is a hotspot for business types."

Tiana frowned, "Great, talk about bad luck running into him here!"

Whitney just kept walking, trying to ignore Tiana's grumbles about the inevitable run-ins in Emperor City, given their proximity to the Lippert Group. She even mentioned the Lippert Resort and the Sheldon family's estate on Brew Hill.

"Hey... Whitney, you wouldn't invite Ludwik to your wedding, would you?" Tiana's voice was barely a whisper.

However, at that moment, they crossed paths with a group of people. Whitney moved aside as Ludwik's scent-a mix of warmth and cleanliness despite his icy demeanor-wafted over them. Ludwik stopped right behind Whitney, his gaze intensifying as he looked at Tiana.

Feeling his chilling stare, Tiana retorted defensively, "What are you staring at, Mr. Lippert? I wasn't even talking to you!"

"Let's go," Whitney urged, hoping to avoid any confrontation.

"Ludwik," Whitney called out, her voice tense. She slowly turned, facing him with a cool detachment, "Is there something you need, Mr. Lippert?" Ludwik stepped closer, his tall frame looming. With a flick of his hand, his executives discreetly stepped back. His gaze bore down on her, his voice cold and demanding, "What did you say to my mother today? She was upset when she got back to the hospital!"

Whitney bit her lip. Tiana, unable to tolerate his domineering attitude, burst out, "Your mom wanted to buy the house next to Whitney's, and you think that's okay? She made unreasonable demands, and Whitney simply refused. And now you're here to make a scene?"

Ludwik's expression darkened. He pinched the bridge of his nose, his voice icy, "Can't she speak for herself, or do you need someone to sew your mouth shut, Ms. Melford?"

Tiana stepped back, intimidated by his glare. Whitney stepped forward, shielding Tiana, "What we said stands."

"You think it's okay to hurt my mother's feelings just because you disagree?"

"We have our home to protect. I won't allow people I don't want near it."

The coldness in Ludwik's eyes intensified. Remembering his mother's tearful eyes, he was infuriated by Whitney's indifference. His next words were a command "Felix, buy properties two and three immediately! Ms. Valentine needs to understand she doesn't own the neighborhood. If she's so capable, let her buy them all. Or sell hers if she can't handle living near my mother!"

Whitney's gaze hardened, but she remained silent. Ludwik, with a final cold look, turned and left.

"You're way out of line, Ludwik! Just because Whitney doesn't want to deal with your antics, you go this far? I'm so... furious! Who wants to be neighbors with your mom? Money isn't everything!"

Tiana's anger bubbled over, but Whitney held her back, "We've got bigger things to worry about."

"Still, he's infuriating! Maybe we should just sell Delight Mansion."

"We've only had it for a month, and it's not that simple."

Tiana, fuming, muttered, "Great, so we just let him walk all over us."

Whitney didn't continue the argument. She had learned to quickly regain her composure after countless disputes with Ludwik. She knew better than to let his provocations get to her. Silence was her weapon.

In a luxurious business suite around the corner, Felix nervously followed Mr. Lippert, "Are you sure about buying properties two and three, sir? Ms. Valentine will resent you even more."

Ludwik's eyes were filled with defiance, "Buy them. What does her hatred matter to me?"

Ludwik swirled his glass of red wine, the crimson liquid casting a sinister shadow on his face. Felix glanced at Mr. Lippert's attractive lips, stained with the color of the wine, and sighed, "You might act indifferent towards Ms. Valentine in public, but behind closed doors, you can't control your emotions. You haven't moved on from her."

el.n

As the clock struck eight, Hugh made his entrance into booth number 088. Good fortune had been smiling on him lately, as he basked in the glory of being the Vice Chairman of the Sheldon Group, wielding 80% of the corporate power. Even confined to a wheelchair, his somber looks and demeanor exuded a chilling aura, demanding respect.

The shift in power dynamics had the corporate sharks circling, each trying to curry favor. Several executives raised their glasses, making their way to Hugh's side to offer a toast.

After the third round of drinks, Hugh's usually stoic face broke into a rare smile, "Tonight, the Sheldon Group is hosting this dinner to honor all of you, and also to discuss a potential partnership with Splendor Group for the upcoming semester. Secretary, bring out the contract."

Just then, the doors to the booth were flung open as several figures stormed in. The leader, visibly furious, bellowed, "Hugh, you backstabbing scoundrel!"

The guests were taken aback. Hugh set down his glass and locked eyes with the intruders, recognizing familiar faces amongst them-Cody, Whitney, and others who were once loyal to his brother, now nothing more than toothless dogs.

Hugh's gaze then settled on Whitney, standing quietly at the back. His eyes narrowed.