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.

son, Whitney had no choice but to comply. Ludwik's Bentley was parked across the street. She gently freed herself from Bryce's grasp, "Bryce,

"Okay."

walked towards Ludwik's car under the

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

and impulse, "See her lip is injured? What

fists, unable to overlook

done with her, she's mine for the taking. And you, you'll

her some respect!" Bryce, his pride wounded, swung a

caught it

flash of red

she's the Sheldon heiress, does that make you love her more? Don't think I haven't seen your

Bryce's intentions of mingling with the Sheldons that evening,

you lost her, I was the

"You better stay away

stew in humiliation outside the Sheldons'.

attempt to blend with the Sheldons

on his phone with a vow to retaliate against Ludwik's humiliation tenfold. Watching Ludwik's Bentley speed away, Bryce called someone with a sinister

had just returned to the Lipperts, and Bryce was convinced he could find

---

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

I'll make Whitney pay. Then, I'll have Uncle pull some strings. How could I possibly let

sharp. We can't let her get involved with the Sheldon Group. Even in front of your father, she's managed to corner me into silence! It's time we dealt with Whitney too. We can't let her grow her influence in Emperor City. I'll have a word with your uncle from

shadow of malice flickered in Holly's eyes. Florence listened quietly,

glanced toward the Sheldon

ago. It seems like there was some urgent business with the Lippert family? Though I did see Whitney getting

ready. I'm going

presence felt more around the Lippert family, to get closer to