Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 291

At first, Ludwik seemed somewhat fair about Jaxon's situation, which nearly convinced Whitney that he wasn't a complete jerk.

She almost believed that he was clueless about her uncle's case and was just misused by Elaine's influence. But in a flash, any shred of goodwill evaporated.

Just as Whitney was about to step up and confront them, Bryce gently pulled her back, shielding her behind him. He winked at her, as if to say, "Do you really need to get involved?"

Bryce then put himself between Whitney and Ludwik, his disdain evident. "Mr. Lippert, among those present, who's really in need of a billion? This establishment's owner certainly doesn't need your billion. Sorry to burst your bubble, but I happen to own a bit of it, not much, just 90%. So, Mr. Lippert and your fiancée, you can see yourselves out!"

With that, he elegantly gestured towards the door. Whitney couldn't help but smirk, recognizing the dismissal as one would shoo away an unwelcome pet.

Ludwik, with his icy gaze unflinching, shot back at Bryce, "Mr. Lutz seems to have forgotten the terror of the prison incident at Emperor City three years ago. Or perhaps, you're itching for a repeat? Flaunting your strength in front of a lady requires weighing your own capabilities."

Elaine, proudly clinging to her man, chimed in, "Ludwik, Mr. Lutz is just trying to impress Ms. Valentine, provoking you because he can't handle a scolding. It seems Ms. Valentine has quite the handle on her man."

Her backhanded compliments added fuel to the fire, stirring up drama.

a smirk, "Unlike Elaine, who after three years, is still meekly nodding along to Mr. Lippert, I guess I do know how to handle

make you my wife, which is probably the worst-kept secret in Banyan City. But your heart's in your career. Unlike Elaine, who's lost her

I forget the prison disaster three years

tone left no room for doubt about his disregard for Ludwik. Since Bryce took the helm, the Lutz Group had

couldn't care less about their squabble, "The executives are waiting, Bryce, let's go. Let's not let

"Who's irrelevant?"

"Whitney, stop right there."

arms. Thankfully, she steadied herself against a wall, her patience wearing thin, "Mr. Lippert, enough with the public manhandling.

by their snide remarks, couldn't hide his irritation. She was reclaiming Skye Gem Ltd., soaring high. Her confidence seemed unshakable. His gaze lingered on her, from her carefully applied makeup to her fiery red lips and her poised

divorce papers yet?" He was sure she'd play games, not wanting a quick divorce. "So keen on running the company with your new

bases covered. The divorce application is with the registry; after

Ltd. now, she couldn't risk Ludwik meddling if their marriage still stood. Initially, she considered dangling the divorce papers over Elaine's head for spite. But now, with Elaine's complications, Whitney felt it unnecessary to stir more trouble. She coldly glanced

though burdened with her own issues, felt a weight lift at the news. Ludwik was finally getting a divorce! Marrying him would now be effortless. However, Ludwik didn't share the joy of impending divorce documents. His gaze fixed on Whitney, filled with surprise and an unexplained panic tightening around his heart. Wasn't she supposed to be manipulative? Why the sudden straightforwardness?

sense of relief, perhaps even a hint of pain? Lost in his thoughts, Ludwik's brows furrowed deeply... Meanwhile, Whitney turned away, walking side by side with Bryce towards their reserved spot. Elaine glared at Whitney's retreating figure, her mind racing back to the

panicking now, sure to inform the Bartels