Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 641

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Bryce's gaze drifted towards her, his voice laced with concern. "I only found out from the news that a company in Germinia unveiled a new, more advanced microchip. The Lippert family was caught completely off guard. Their stocks plummeted for two days straight, wiping out over six hundred billion in value." Whitney gasped, her mind reeling. Six hundred billion was an astronomical figure, no wonder Ludwik had rushed off that night.

"How could their stocks plummet like that?"

"Ludwik was too boastful," Bryce continued. "Once the microchip was developed, the Lipperts made a huge deal about it being the most advanced in the world. They even signed contracts with over two hundred companies worldwide. Those companies paid hefty deposits to get their hands on it first. But when Weiman Technologies released their chip, everyone felt cheated.

The most ironic part? Rumor has it that the Lippert's lab microchip was actually stolen by Parker, who then destroyed all the evidence. After Justin chased him out, Parker vanished without a trace."

"What?" Whitney was stunned.

Parker, Ludwik's right-hand man, involved in data theft? It didn't make sense to her. Ludwik had always been an unshakeable titan in her eyes, always steps ahead in his dealings, never one to act rashly. How could he have missed Weiman Technologies' development? This was too strange, too sudden a downfall for Ludwik, and Parker the 'accomplice'? It seemed like a calculated move against the Lipperts...

Unable to contain her curiosity, Whitney whispered, "What's the situation with the Lippert family now?"

"They've lost their standing as the top family in Harmonia Country, overtaken by the Patrick Group. The Lipperts' market value is even lower than my company's now."

Whitney was speechless.

Bryce's lips curved slightly, "We'll see what tomorrow brings. If Ludwik doesn't compensate those two hundred companies, the Lippert's reputation will hit rock bottom, and no one will want to do business with them. But paying those exorbitant fines could bankrupt them, destroying their other ventures. Without financial backing for new microchip research, the Lipperts will quickly become irrelevant in the market."

Whitney understood; Ludwik was cornered.

Her heart ached for the rapid downfall of what was once Harmonia's leading empire. "Whitney. Ludwik can no longer threaten us."

Bryce took a deep breath, his grip on her shoulder tightening. His eyes, filled with determination and a hint of vengeance, met hers. "And I haven't forgotten how he tried to take you from me. I won't let it go." Whitney looked up, sensing his resolve and the deep-seated hatred in his gaze. She was taken aback. "Bryce."

me in seeking revenge?" he cut in, his voice heavy with sorrow and fury. "As a man, having my bride taken from me on our wedding day... how can I just let that go? Especially after you've been imprisoned on that island, suffering for so long, we need to settle both new and

She understood his need for retribution; any man would. She too harbored resentment towards Ludwik,

against Ludwik? The thought of revenge had crossed her mind during their worst moments, but now, calm and collected, she wasn't

or had his treatment of

contemplation. "Bryce... what

kidnapping," Bryce said, his tone icy. "You were abducted, Whitney. Just tell the police about your captivity, how your freedom was

understood the implication, her cheeks burning with

a moment, she managed to ask, "Bryce... what kind of

it. During the month you were taken, I can't believe Ludwik... didn't touch you. But as my wife, unless it was consensual, his actions are criminal, it's assault." Whitney

in turmoil, she gently pulled away from Bryce and walked towards

Whitney, you can trust me. I'm here

grew intensely

feeling your pain. I know you never wanted things to turn out this way All along, I've blamed myself for not being strong enough to rescue you sooner. But you can't run away. Ludwik has gone too far he's inhuman. The hurt and humiliation

words pierced her

wake up from the

Yes.

was criminal. This past month

for criminals to

hesitate or feel

if Ludwik goes to jail and the Lippert family falls apart, it wouldn't be her fault. Why the

for me?" Bryce's eyes were filled with a bitter pain, "I've been mocked online for the whole month. But thankfully, I found you. We have a future to face together, and

crumbled under his sincere gaze, feeling utterly

her, the heavier the

Nine hours later.

city of Emperor