Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 451

The family dinner had wrapped up, and the guests were going their separate ways.

Ludwik's phone rang with a call from the Lipperts, darkening his handsome features. He strode out of the Sheldons' living room, ready to call his driver.

As he lifted his gaze, he caught sight of Whitney next to a BMW, about to get in the car under the moonlight, Bryce's hand resting on her shoulder, his suit jacket draped over her. Bryce, now just in his dress shirt, hadn't left yet. "It's pretty chilly out here tonight, Whitney. Keep the jacket on. I'll drive," Bryce offered, glancing at Ludwik before adding, "Maybe swing by my hotel afterwards?"

Whitney was about to suggest discussing business tomorrow, her evening spent confronting the Sheldons had already drained her-

A cold set of footsteps approached rapidly, and suddenly, her wrist was seized. Ludwik's fingers, still clutching a cigarette, caused the ember to fall on her sleeve with his rough gesture.

Whitney's face cooled as she looked up into the face she wished not to see.

Ludwik, towering over her, looked even colder, his tone harsh, "Your son is still with the Lipperts. Where do you think you're going?"

Heading to Bryce's hotel? The anger in Ludwik's chest surged.

In the bathroom earlier, his warnings seemed to have been ignored, her wearing Bryce's irritating jacket proof of it.

Whitney tried to pull her wrist free, aware of the intimidating chill in his eyes, but now, outside the bathroom, she could stand her ground. "Ludwik, I don't want to talk to you."

"Did you hear that, Mr. Lippert?" Bryce interjected, pulling Whitney away, his gaze slightly lifted towards Ludwik in defiance.

"Danny had a bit of trouble at the Lipperts'. What are you going to do about it?"

Ludwik's lips turned even colder.

"What?" Whitney's face paled. "What happened to him?"

"Get in my car." His voice was icy.

from Bryce's grasp, "Bryce, you go ahead

"Okay."

towards Ludwik's car under

overhearing their conversation, felt a vein in his forehead throb, his face a mask of icy

voice laced with venom and

clenched his fists, unable

mocking, his eyes merciless, "Even if I'm done with her, she's mine for the taking. And you, you'll never

her some respect!" Bryce, his

caught it easily,

demeanor shattered, revealing a flash of red in his eyes. Ludwik's words

confrontation wasn't over. Ludwik sneered, "Now she's the Sheldon heiress, does that make you love her more? Don't think I

as if Ludwik saw through Bryce's intentions of mingling with the Sheldons that

the most. The three years you lost her, I was the one who cared for

frosty, "You better stay away from Emperor

stew in humiliation outside the Sheldons'. Whitney's injured

the Sheldons felt like

Bryce clenched his fist, turning off the recording on his phone with a vow to retaliate against Ludwik's humiliation

the Lipperts, and Bryce was convinced he could find

---

the chance to join the Sheldon Group tonight? Letting that little tramp in, how can you be at ease? She's holding 10% of the shares. If she starts thriving in the Sheldon Group, your dad bringing her into headquarters is only a matter of time!" "I'll definitely join the Sheldon Group," Florence said with a veiled smile, her

have Uncle pull some strings. How could I possibly let Whitney have

always knew my daughter was sharp. We can't let her get involved with the Sheldon Group. Even in front of your father, she's managed to corner me

Holly's eyes. Florence listened quietly, without saying a

approached. Florence glanced toward the Sheldon family's living

explain, she said, "Ludwik rushed out a little while ago. It seems like there was some urgent business with the Lippert family? Though I

car ready. I'm going to the Lipperts'

her presence felt more around the Lippert family, to get closer to its senior members... How could she let Whitney