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.”

potential blunder, Felix clamped his mouth

stare turned glacial, his disappointment palpable. He had been

before.

had passed, and

at her once more, then turned away, his cold

heart.

yet relieved for Ludwik. She

time, a new group entered from another door. It was

stood, his towering presence commanding the room. Braxton’s son, a man of about fifty and shorter in stature, approached with a changed demeanor, caution in his eyes. “Mr. Lippert,

course,” Ludwik replied, his voice a mixture of understanding and formality. “How is Braxton

but by some miracle, he clung to life

in Ludwik’s brow eased slightly.

hand excitedly.

hands, her heart bitter yet silently

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 I’m afraid the land will

executives‘ faces turned ashen.

steely calm. “Mr. Tarrington, I accept responsibility for Braxton’s condition and the consequences. I won’t contest the land bid any further. United Realty Corporation will not profit at the expense of Braxton’s health. I wish him a speedy recovery

a man 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

courteous words, he had addressed a

his gratitude cool.

United Realty Corporation executives could hardly sit still. They respected Ludwik’s authority, but his youth was belied by his formidable

a mistake, she should

irresponsibility has led to such a huge blunder

her too much,

were piercing her skin, the pain sharp in

him.