Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 152

In the South City Police Station, the interrogation hall was silent except for the creak of leather shoes and the occasional shuffling of papers. As heir to the Lippert family fortune and a titan of industry in Banyan City, Ludwik sat with his entourage, his presence too formidable to be confined behind bars.

However, Braxton was also an influential figure in the government, so the police did not dare to take this matter lightly either.

The investigative proceedings had lasted only a couple of hours the previous night, and it had been a long wait

since then.

Ludwik could not leave for the hospital, and updates on the situation did not come swiftly.

As dawn’s tentative light seeped through the windows, marking the end of a sleepless night, Ludwik’s unreadable eyes lifted coldly, his gaze cutting across to the precinct entrance like a frost–covered blade.

Felix watched with a mixture of awe and fear. Another visitor had arrived, a shareholder from United Realty Corporation. Felix knew who Ludwik was hoping for and what disappointment he was trying to mask. He had called Whitney numerous times–why had she not picked up? Had she not promised…

Whitney, fraught with nerves, pushed through the precinct doors. The chilly coastal wind had lashed at her the whole drive, whipping through her open car windows and drying her damp clothes. She had to appear normal, for Bryce had delayed her and now feared she was too late.

Pregnant and anxious, she stumbled into the hall and immediately spotted Ludwik’s imposing silhouette. He sat tall and lean, his noble features tight with tension, an aura of icy detachment surrounding him. In his arm, he cradled a delicate hand, the wrist bandaged, while Elaine, ever the attentive companion, whispered to him, her touch gentle upon his arm, her handkerchief dabbing gracefully at his brow.

Elaine stood, conferring swiftly with the shareholders as if orchestrating their next move. Ludwik, stoic as ever, I was about to light a cigarette when Felix’s voice sliced through the tension.

“Madam…” Felix’s gaze fixed on the entrance as he called out to Whitney.

All eyes, including those of the United Realty Corporation executives, turned to see.

Ludwik’s piercing gaze settled on Whitney, his expression colder than the steel of a knife. She stood disheveled, looking like she had been dredged from the depths of a stormy sea, her face worn and lost.

Felix rushed to her. “Madam, why have you only just arrived? I told you last night to come quickly. Boss needed

you.”

his potential blunder, Felix clamped

turned glacial, his disappointment palpable. He had been

before.

had passed, and

turned away, his cold indifference like a

heart.

drained, watching Elaine’s tender ministrations, her heart sour with regret yet relieved for Ludwik. She hoped that her desperate actions from the night

entered from another door. It was Braxton’s son approaching Ludwik.

a changed demeanor, caution in his eyes. “Mr. Lippert, please understand our family’s distress last night. My father

voice a mixture of understanding and formality. “How

lost him, but by some miracle, he clung to life and has successfully undergone

in Ludwik’s

squeezed his hand excitedly. “Bro, you’re

their clasped hands, her heart bitter yet silently rejoicing for

and I’m here to convey the outcome of the land bid. He’s still troubled by the error in your proposal. He had high hopes for your luxury hotel project, but

faces turned ashen.

further. United Realty Corporation will not profit at the expense of Braxton’s health. I wish him a speedy recovery and will ensure

of great character, both inside and out. It’s no wonder you’re Banyan City’s leading businessman, having built your company from the ground up. This setback must be costing you hundreds of

words, he had addressed

his gratitude cool. “Thank

sit still. They respected Ludwik’s authority, but his youth was

in a huff, pointing fingers at Whitney. “Mr. President, the bid was prepared by Whitney. If she made a mistake, she should be the one held accountable. Drag her over to Braxton and clear the air. We can’t afford to lose this piece of land!”

her fault. Her irresponsibility has led to such a huge

her too

though their words were piercing her skin, the pain sharp in her

him.