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.

Elaine, who after three years, is still

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

could I forget the prison disaster three years ago? I'd gladly invite Mr. Lippert for a cup of 'tea' inside. As for

for Ludwik. Since Bryce took the helm, the Lutz Group

about their squabble, "The executives are waiting, Bryce, let's go. Let's

"Who's irrelevant?"

"Whitney, stop right there."

Ludwik's arms. Thankfully, she steadied herself against a wall, her patience wearing thin,

unshakable. His gaze lingered on her, from her carefully applied makeup to her fiery

so close with Bryce. Purposely making it difficult, he asked, "Have you sorted out the divorce papers yet?" He was sure she'd play games, not wanting

rest assured, I've got my legal bases covered. The divorce application is with the registry; after a seven-day

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 at

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? Could it be she had indeed secured Bryce as

why, at this moment, was there no 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 urgent

panicking now, sure to inform the Bartels family that Jaxon