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."

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 old

resentment towards

to retaliate against Ludwik? The thought of revenge had crossed her mind during their worst moments, but now, calm and collected,

or had his treatment of her

avoided further contemplation. "Bryce... what do you

press charges for kidnapping," Bryce said, his tone icy. "You were abducted, Whitney. Just tell the police about your captivity, how your freedom was restricted, and... how you were harmed.

Whitney understood the implication, her

a moment, she managed to ask, "Bryce... what kind of harm are you suggesting I tell the

agony passed through Bryce's eyes, quickly replaced by hatred. "Whitney, it's hard for both of us, but we have to face 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 clenched her

in turmoil, she gently pulled away from Bryce and

You were forced, right? Whitney, you can trust me. I'm here for you, and I won't

grew intensely

I've blamed myself for not being strong enough to rescue you sooner. But you can't run

pierced her foggy mind

her to wake up

Yes.

Ludwik had done to her was criminal. This past month wasn't her

criminals to

she hesitate or feel

falls apart, it wouldn't be her fault.

think it's any easier for me?" Bryce's eyes were filled with a bitter pain, "I've been mocked online for the whole month.

sincere

heavier the pressure felt

Nine hours later.

of Emperor City, night had