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.

he mean by

of no concern to me," Ludwik replied

cold air, pushing her into a metaphorical icy

she had approached Bryce first,

downstairs, but can you truly stand by and watch Whitney die? She might have had her differences with you, but she's the mother of your children, Danny and Sammy.

chord with Ludwik. His stern expression faltered momentarily,

if her mention of their children swayed him, couldn't believe Ludwik had completely stopped

that followed, could he

resuming his meal with a cold dismissal, "Felix, escort her out. If she disrupts my meeting

jerk! If you let her die, you'll

be swayed.

continued with

over an unchanged contract. Ludwik signed it swiftly, his signature, forceful, betraying a hint of inner

ton

urgency, wasn't surprised when Ludwik left abruptly

receiving a

already taken action. He wrapped up 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 beyond her reach. I have to go; Mr.

some men."

pride, and perhaps, an unacknowledged concern for Whitney. Whitney's throat was practically numb from the harsh liquor, the sting of alcohol overwhelming her

clumsily dragged to

her body

the brim. Her hair was gripped by rough hands, pulling her head down towards the water-filled bowl, her face inches away from the water, unable to

remnants of her