Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 569

As Ludwik swung the door open, his sharp gaze immediately locked with Thea's.

Clutching her Hermes Birkin, Thea exuded an aura of opulence and grace, standing by the bedside a good two yards from Natalie.

Natalie was seated on the bed, her simplicity and tranquility a stark contrast to her long battle with illness. The toll of her sickness had left her gaunt and pallid. Next to Thea, she felt as if she had aged a decade.

Her demeanor was calm, with a slight, welcoming smile for her visitor, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of insecurity and unease.

Upon seeing Ludwik, Natalie's voice was soft and steady, "Ludwik, you're here. Mrs. Lippert has come to visit me..."

Ludwik's chilly demeanor took over as he stepped in, his gaze settling on Thea's smiling face, "And what exactly brings Mrs. Lippert here to visit my mother? Are you two acquainted?"

"Ludwik, please, don't jump to conclusions. As Jason's wife, it's only right that I come to check on your mother, isn't it? Jason would never show up; it's against the Lippert family's principles. I thought I'd come in his stead to show some concern," Thea replied, her voice composed and dignified, her hands clasped together.

Natalie looked down, her eyes shimmering with timidity.

To the world, Thea was Jason's legitimate wife, the lady of Harmonia Country's premier family.

And she? Just a woman who had shamefully crossed paths with Jason years ago, bearing Ludwik as a result.

The right and wrong of it all were vividly painted in Thea's words.

Ludwik glanced at his mother's expression, his eyes turning icy, "Mrs. Lippert, I think it's time for you to leave. It won't be pretty if you're still here when I lose my temper."

"Ludwik..." Natalie, wary of her son's impulsiveness, interjected, "She's family, after all. She said she came to visit me, we should be gracious hosts."

Thea smirked, "See, your mother knows a thing or two about manners. Perhaps it's her years of living under someone else's roof that taught her some life lessons. It's refreshing, coming from someone of a lesser background."

Thea, towering over her with a sneer, "I've demoted Jarvis. You're here to rub salt in the wound? Or perhaps you think bullying my mother will somehow weaken me? Let me make it clear, every action

ever wishes to enter the Lippert family fold, I should have a say against it to Camilla. I

this a threat?" Ludwik scoffed, grabbing Thea by the arm and dragging her towards the door, "You're overthinking it. As the CEO of Lippert Group, my mother already has a distinguished status in Harmonia Country. That alone puts her above

Thea's face turned ashen.

her bag tightly, her knuckles

unceremoniously threw

revenge. Without a son, she couldn't become the queen mother? Ludwik, how long do you think you'll hold onto the Lippert Group? The truth has a way of toppling the mighty!

---

Thea's departure, Natalie visibly

son with pride. His regal and resolute nature was ingrained in him; he was a

stand your ground amidst their scheming. But seeing how you

family's ancestral hall. Though a part of me yearned for a title, to rid myself of the inferiority Kaden imposed on me for years. But you're right. As the CEO of the Lippert Group, what do I have to feel inferior about? I'd rather not associate with Thea. Your

the Lippert family. Once I'm discharged, buy me a villa, preferably close to Danny's place. I want to be near

his

gentleness

since she spoke to him with

was a thing of

public announcement of her marriage had devastated

pressed his lips together, not responding to

seemed to read his troubled mood, "If buying near Whitney's place is hard for you, I'll swallow.my pride. +saw the

Natalie grasped her son's slender, cold fingers, torn with emotion, "I've come to see Whitney as a daughter. I want her happiness, yet it pains me to see her

truly selfish... Perhaps I

and I think you've been foolish!

you and

blazed with