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."

sneer, "I've demoted Jarvis. You're here to rub salt in the wound? Or perhaps you think bullying

Since when is it wrong for me to visit your mother in Emperor City? After all, if she ever wishes to enter the Lippert family fold, I should have a say against it to Camilla. I am Jason's wife. A mere fling doesn't have the standing to enter the Lippert family's ancestral hall

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

Thea's face turned ashen.

her bag tightly, her knuckles

threw

Ludwik, how long do you think you'll hold onto the Lippert Group? The truth has a way

---

Thea's departure,

looking up at her son with pride. His regal and resolute nature was ingrained

the Lippert family, whether you could stand your ground amidst their scheming. But seeing

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 father has never been in the picture, and I understand

family. Once I'm discharged, buy me

listened silently, his mother's

whose gentleness occasionally revealed a

been a while since she

that was a thing of the

of her marriage had devastated

lips together, not responding to his mother's

mood, "If buying near Whitney's place is hard for you, I'll swallow.my pride. +saw the news today. Whitney and

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

selfish... Perhaps

go of the past is liberating. I ache for Whitney, and I think you've been foolish! Yet understanding your struggles with leukemia, my heart

chance between you and her, I'd want to help

eyes blazed with a