Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 659

He always prided himself on being impeccably groomed, a man of sophistication. Since returning from that island, it seemed sleep had become a stranger.

But that was none of her concern.

Whitney's gaze suddenly turned icy.

"Whitney, you're here because...?"

His voice, husky and laced with caution, barely began before Whitney cut him off, "I'm obviously here for Tiana. Why did you break your promise? Why haven't you released Tiana? Are you deliberately making me come here? Ludwik, don't stoop so low."

Ludwik's breath hitched, his complex gaze fixed on her with a tinge of a sad smile, "I didn't force you to come. Nor am I holding Tiana against her will. She went with us to search for Parker's last known location and left today. I understand your concern for not being able to contact her, but she truly has returned."

Whitney paused, biting her lip, "But I couldn't reach her phone. And you, you didn't answer yours."

Standing behind his desk, Ludwik straightened some scattered files and pulled out his phone, noticing the missed calls, "Sorry. It's been chaotic here at the office, as you might have seen."

His tone was cool, mixed with a hint of self-mockery, making Whitney feel awkwardly out of place.

It seemed he really had let Tiana go.

Just moments ago, someone boldly declared they'd take over the Lippert family; his company must be in turmoil...

Quietly retracting her steps, Whitney mumbled, "Then I should check if Tiana has returned."

She gripped her purse, ready to leave, his presence overwhelming the office.

"Whitney." Ludwik's voice stopped her, his deep gaze locking onto her. Was she really leaving?

to say,

frowned, "Of course, I've seen him. Ludwik, you're swamped, probably can't take care of him,

recall the island-if not for Ludwik using Sammy to buy time, she wouldn't have had to submit to him for

alone. He's essentially my son. I don't think you need to

was surprisingly swift, his deep

to him, she saw a profound sorrow in

shambles; he

take Sammy to live with you for a while. I agree to you raising them alone," Ludwik continued, "But I will never agree to you living with Bryce

Whitney stiffened.

had already agreed to Bryce's suggestion to move

escape Ludwik, his

his presence towering, "You're not

Whitney clenched her jaw.

spending a whole month with me on that island, every inch of you marked

Whitney, flushed with

embarrassment from his

right, and it's none of your business anymore! We used to fear you, unable to fight back.

at the

at

City, while I... I've joined the Sheldon Group, possibly its future heir. I was no match for you before, but now? Do you think

trace

favored

Ludwik's features darkened.

had knocked him from his pedestal, no longer the untouchable scion

and his company faced threats

words struck him hard, a blow to his pride