Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 414

In the Vice President's office, Jarvis's demeanor darkened for a brief moment when he found out that his subordinate, Derek, had been fired directly by Ludwik. Just yesterday, he had made snide remarks about Ludwik not being familiar with the top brass at the Lippert Corporation during an event in the grand hall. Today, Ludwik had retorted by not only dismissing Derek but also his and Riley's boss, signaling that he didn't need to win over any branch managers with charm when he had other, more direct means at his disposal.

However, Jarvis's smile quickly returned. With this move, Ludwik thought he was showing strength, but in reality, he was just poking the bear. Jarvis knew that he didn't even need to intervene; with Riley and three other managers being fired, they would make the first move. Ludwik's boldness in firing them would mean nothing if he couldn't get the work done. Sitting in that CEO office, he'd soon become a joke, a leader who couldn't lead anyone.

Jarvis was well-versed in the art of corporate power plays and knew it wasn't going to be as easy for Ludwik as he thought.

---

Contrary to Jarvis and Riley's expectations, the CEO's office remained quiet, with no announcements for manager assignments or shareholder meetings. The silence was puzzling until, just after 9:30, when all the managers, including Mr. Nelson, were waiting, Ludwik called them in for a meeting. They were prepared to follow their superiors' instructions: to challenge and delay Ludwik from engaging with any corporate affairs as much as possible.

But as the elevator doors opened, an elite team strode out, mostly men, all in sharp suits. With serious and cold expressions, they carried their laptops and quickly made their way to the CEO's office.

Felix, with a welcoming smile, opened the door, "Welcome to Mr. Lippert's brain trust!"

"Mr. Lippert has been expecting you."

"Good morning, Mr. Lippert."

The team entered in an orderly fashion. Ludwik, leaning against his desk with an air of nobility, simply gestured with his hand without saying a word. The team immediately got to work, laptops open and ready. "Felix, what are those peeping toms outside doing?" one of the female managers asked.

Felix, by the door, closed it with a slow smile, loudly proclaiming, "Those are the Lippert Corporation's general managers waiting for Mr. Lippert to assign them tasks. But Mr. Lippert doesn't need their talent. The usual corporate infighting tactics don't apply to him; he's not interested!"

Ludwik's gaze softened, revealing a lazy smirk, his expression chilling. The strategic team chuckled. They had been with Mr. Lippert at Skyfaith for three years, versatile talents capable of fitting into any corporation and hitting the ground running!

spies heard this, they rushed back to their

staff? Isn't this a clear message that his team could replace any position in the company, making me

threatened by this newcomer. He had intended to use his corporate power to embarrass Ludwik. But Ludwik was unfazed

Jarvis took a deep drag of his cigarette, his smile darkening, "So, Ludwik, using Riley to make an example out of me? Bypassing our managers and directly handling corporate business with his team, thinking he can leave us without a way to challenge him?" Jarvis stood

the last. And about a dozen major projects, though the core real estate and finance are still in your and the old man's

tell him the shareholders are withholding authority. Let's see how he survives

a cold smile on their

---

CEO's office, Ludwik, as if expecting this,

what Jarvis

first day on the job, and firing a few old-timers was just causing ripples on the surface, a

was contemplating, the office phone rang. Felix answered, his expression strange, "Mr. Lippert, the caller identified themselves as Florence? She wants to meet, intending to cancel the arranged

called them yet. Florence taking

time?" he

morning

"Alright."

---

private booth, his posture relaxed as he reviewed documents. Florence paused at the door, peering through the crack at his handsome profile, a slight smile touching her pale lips. With a mysterious glint in her eyes, she pushed open the door, lowering her gaze to start, "Ludwik, I'm sorry, I'm Ms. Sheldon

soft voice made Ludwik look up, his eyes slightly

suddenly looked up, her eyes wide in confusion, "Nor-, Ludwik? What are you doing here?

Her confusion was palpable.

frowned, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind, but seeing her

be..." the girl was