Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 584

Tiana had been pacing back and forth for what seemed like an eternity, at least seven or eight minutes, waiting for Felix's return. When he didn't come back, a sinking feeling told her that either her message hadn't been delivered or Ludwik had refused to help. The mere thought of Ludwik's refusal sent Tiana storming into the room without a second thought.

The scene before her was like something out of a high-stakes business movie. Around a grand dining table sat about thirty elite executives, with Ludwik at the head, embodying an air of untouchable authority. His legs were crossed, casually playing with a knife and fork, his posture relaxed yet commanding. Only his profile, sharp and stern, betrayed an aura of cold, unapproachable detachment.

Feeling his gaze pierce through her, Tiana was momentarily paralyzed.

She looked desperately towards Felix.

Felix shook his head subtly at Tiana.

So Ludwik had indeed refused. He wouldn't save Whitney?

A lump formed in Tiana's throat, heavy as a boulder, suffocating her with its weight.

Deep down, Tiana wasn't surprised. After all, Whitney's relationship with Ludwik had been anything but smooth lately.

Swallowing hard, Tiana mustered her courage, "Mr. Lippert, you can't just stand by and watch Whitney suffer. She's been under Hugh's thumb for almost an hour now, with no sign of escape. She tried to expose Hugh's dirty secrets, and now he's sure to silence her for good!"

Ludwik's icy gaze flickered, unreadable and indifferent.

His silence only drew more attention to Tiana's desperate plea.

"Ms. Melford!" Felix, sensing Mr. Lippert's ambiguous stance, quickly intervened, "Mr. Lippert is in the middle of a crucial business negotiation. This is neither the time nor the place. I'll address your concerns, but please, can you wait outside?"

Tiana, incredulous at Felix's response, stared wide-eyed, struggling to comprehend Ludwik's impassive facade.

did he

business deal more important to you than Whitney's life? Ludwik, I don't have the luxury of patience. If you're trying to punish or mock me and Whitney, you're gravely mistaken. She doesn't have the luxury of time either!" "Her life is of no concern to me," Ludwik replied with a chilling calmness, a mocking smile playing on his lips, "Why isn't Bryce stepping in to save her? Or is it that Bryce can't save

cold air, pushing her into a metaphorical icy

had approached Bryce first,

if I was rude to you downstairs, but can you truly stand by and watch Whitney die? She might have had her differences with

in her words seemed to strike a chord with Ludwik. His stern expression faltered momentarily, a shadow of concern

swayed him, couldn't believe Ludwik

the public scandal that

escort her out. If she disrupts my meeting again, show her

you'll regret it!" Tiana yelled as she was

Whitney both, for believing Ludwik could be swayed. No matter how much she accused him, he remained untouchable, his

continued

the opposing company's CEO handing over an unchanged contract. Ludwik signed it swiftly, his signature, forceful, betraying

ton

to his boss's distraction and urgency, wasn't surprised when

receiving a call from

the deal as quickly as possible. It was also a tesson for Ms. Valentine reminding her not to overstep her bounds. Even someone like Mr. Lippert is

some men."

dynamics in room 088 had shifted, but Ludwik's next moves were already in motion, driven by a complex mix of duty, pride, and perhaps, an unacknowledged concern for Whitney. Whitney's throat was practically numb from the harsh

was clumsily dragged

body

as she watched the toilet bowl fill to the brim. Her hair was gripped by rough hands, pulling her head down towards the water-filled

of her sanity in