Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Their gazes met for a fleeting moment before Whitney casually averted her eyes. He was making his way over. Quickly, Whitney pulled Tiana aside. Tiana whispered, "What's up?"

The man's eyes were dark and brooding. It was only then Tiana looked up and caught sight of Ludwik, her eyes widening slightly as if she was seeing him in a new light. This was Tiana's first glimpse of Ludwik in full business mode, and despite his flaws, she couldn't deny his striking presence. Ludwik, with his chiseled features and an air of mature elegance, was like the epitome of a corporate titan.

Tiana couldn't help but recall the buzz around his return to the Lippert family empire, stepping off the jet and instantly becoming the talk of the town in Emperor City, captivating countless hearts. The way he wore his suit, it seemed tailor-made, just as if he was stepping off a fashion runway.

Tiana pinched her own hand to snap out of her reverie and whispered to Whitney, "What's he doing here?"

Whitney paused before saying, "Beats me. The Treasure Restaurant is a hotspot for business types."

Tiana frowned, "Great, talk about bad luck running into him here!"

Whitney just kept walking, trying to ignore Tiana's grumbles about the inevitable run-ins in Emperor City, given their proximity to the Lippert Group. She even mentioned the Lippert Resort and the Sheldon family's estate on Brew Hill. "Hey... Whitney, you wouldn't invite Ludwik to your wedding, would you?" Tiana's voice was barely a whisper.

However, at that moment, they crossed paths with a group of people. Whitney moved aside as Ludwik's scent-a mix of warmth and cleanliness despite his icy demeanor-wafted over them. Ludwik stopped right behind Whitney, his gaze intensifying as he looked at Tiana.

Feeling his chilling stare, Tiana retorted defensively, "What are you staring at, Mr. Lippert? I wasn't even talking to you!"

urged, hoping to avoid

turned, facing him

to the hospital!" Whitney bit her lip. Tiana, unable to tolerate his domineering attitude, burst out, "Your mom wanted to buy the house next to Whitney's, and you think that's okay? She made unreasonable demands, and Whitney simply refused.

his glare. Whitney

it's okay to hurt my

our home to protect. I won't allow people I don't want near

were a command, "Felix, buy properties two and three immediately! Ms. Valentine needs to understand she doesn't own the neighborhood. If she's so capable, let her buy them all. Or sell hers if she

she remained silent. Ludwik, with a final cold

deal with your antics, you go this far? I'm so... furious! Who wants to be neighbors with your mom? Money isn't everything!" Tiana's anger bubbled over, but Whitney held her back,

he's infuriating! Maybe we should just sell Delight

a month, and

fuming, muttered, "Great, so we just

She knew better than to let his provocations get to her. Silence was her weapon. In a luxurious business suite around the corner, Felix nervously followed Mr. Lippert, "Are you sure about buying properties two

eyes were filled with defiance, "Buy them. What does her hatred matter

his glass of red wine, the crimson liquid casting a sinister shadow on his face. Felix glanced at Mr. Lippert's attractive lips, stained with the color of the wine, and sighed "You might act indifferent towards Ms.