Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 371

Jason's eyes held a distant sorrow as he sighed, "I've wronged both you and Natalie."

Knowing he was about to delve into sensitive territory regarding his origins, Ludwik pressed his lips together in a silent response. His hand, casually resting on the sofa, tightened unconsciously.

Jason buried his head in his hands and began, "Your mother never woke up, and my memories of that time are blurred. The Lipperts have their roots deep in Emperor City. Before Kaden moved to Banyan City, he married your mother, Natalie. He never loved her. In fact, he saw her as an obstacle to marrying his true love and plotted to dishonor her by sending her into another man's arms.

By sheer coincidence, I stumbled upon her that night. Perhaps the alcohol was to blame, but I ended up saving her. I never expected her to become pregnant, let alone with my own flesh and blood!

I was often away with the military in Emperor City and seldom visited the Lipperts. It was from the Bartels that I learned you were my own son when you were already 20, a young man capable of standing on his own.

I learned about the hardships you and Natalie faced. In Kaden's household, you were hardly treated as human. Even after he divorced her, Natalie had nowhere to go and endured much to raise you.

Considering your rebellious nature... I chose not to acknowledge you immediately, keeping an eye on you from afar all these years. Having controlled the Lipperts for many years, I was making preparations for you. Three years ago, the old patriarch passed away, and the timing was right..."

Ludwik's face grew cold and expressionless as he absorbed his father's words. So this was his origin. No wonder Kaden saw him as a thorn in his side, and no wonder his mother never spoke the truth, preferring to suffer in Banyan City under Kaden's cold treatment. She did it all to protect his dignity as a child.

and can't support you much longer. The vast empire of the Lipperts now needs you to return to Emperor City, to acknowledge your ancestors and carry on the legacy. You are not meant to be confined

as he locked eyes with his son. The silence stretched before Ludwik scoffed, looking at the father he'd just met, "So,

young man's gaze made Jason pause. He raised an eyebrow, "The Lipperts, the foremost family in

I have my own ventures," Ludwik replied,

help but smirk, his expression turning cunning, "Ludwik, some things are beyond your control. Great responsibilities await, and with your position, you must act accordingly. Do you

a high position within the Lipperts. Before you, I needed him, which has now given him quite a faction within our family. Jar Rail Corporation is just one of his ventures. My dear Ludwik, though the Lipperts are wealthy beyond measure, we are not without our crises. My wife Thea's family is not to be underestimated, and Jarvis is one of

to avenge Jarvis. Your dealings with Skyfaith Group, I'm not sure if West City is involved. But you must have sensed it, Ludwik; you can no longer remain neutral. Whether you return to the Lipperts in Emperor City or not, you've become a target. Why not come back and claim what is rightfully yours? Consider your mother's position. She's lived her whole life in Banyan City without proper recognition. If you agree to my terms, I can

and decided to wait for a response. "I'll

his coat, he frowned slightly, adding casually, "That girl Whitney, I don't like her. Since you and Elaine

still undecided. As for Whitney, Jason's approval was irrelevant. Ludwik's feelings for her were complicated enough without his father's interference. Leaving Jason's, Ludwik returned to Everwood Villa Estate. Climbing the stairs, he noted Danny's absence. The doubts he had outside Whitney's house earlier... perhaps he was overthinking it. His other son, Jacky, whom he had personally laid to rest, had a grave. Miracles didn't

Ludwik opened a bottle of wine to drink alone. Memories of Jacky always put an invisible barrier between him and Whitney. His phone buzzed relentlessly in his pocket, all from Elaine. Within minutes, there were several missed calls. He didn't want to answer, setting the phone

only to be met with refusal after refusal.

Thinking it was Ludwik finally returning her call,

me, Elaine..." Endora's

tone icy, "Endora?