Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 772

"Ronan grumbled with a frown, his mind working overtime. "Elodie, honey, I'll admit the kid had his moment in the sun, but look at him now. His family's down on their luck, and that's not the sort of match you want. Not to mention, I heard through the grapevine he's been married before." "Dad, you can't judge someone by their worst chapter. I believe in Ludwik. Anyone who's been to the top once can do it again. He's not the type to just give up. Besides, he's got that quiet confidence, a real go-getter."

Elodie was nonchalant, her optimism unshaken. "As long as a man's got the goods, a little help from us could easily get him back on his feet. He's no ordinary Joe."

Ronan had heard of Ludwik's capabilities and raised an eyebrow in thought.

Seeing her father silent, Elodie playfully tugged at his arm. "You're wise, Dad. Tell me, in all of Harmonia Country, how many can match Ludwik's savvy and experience? Who else could stabilize the Lippert family's fortunes in just two months? His recent setback? From what I gathered, it was nothing but a backstabbing plot.

If we play our cards right with him, who knows? He might just be your ticket to the presidency."

Ronan glanced around quickly, chastising her in a low voice, "What nonsense are you spouting now?

I haven't even secured the vice presidency yet."

Elodie hinted broadly, "But you will be vice president next year, right? Don't you want to aim higher? If you don't, Uncle Phineas might just take your place after the president steps down.

Do you really want to play second fiddle to him forever?"

Ronan's eyes twinkled with cunning. "So, you've really set your heart on him?

I won't stand in your way, but darling, did you miss the gossip in the hall? Ludwik's still hung up on his ex-wife..."

"Pfft. A Whitney she may be, but she's already married off. Harmless. Dad, as long as you're on board, I've got a plan to win him over," Elodie boasted confidently.

"Just don't do anything rash," Ronan sighed, forever at a loss with this daughter of his.

Considering her analysis, he thought Ludwik might indeed be worth a shot.

With that, he left her to it, turning away.

gone, Elodie's eyes narrowed, and she quickly

-

returned to the main hall,

and inseparable, an

to schmooze with tonight, and with her by his side, he had to maintain

time to reveal his

Whitney's eyes, Bryce had always been the epitome of gentleness

go hang out with Ms. Turner? I saw her arrive with Mr. Nelson earlier. I'm afraid you'll be bored

seem right to split up at a social event like this. Besides, Ludwik's here too. I wouldn't want any

you," Bryce said,

this had been before,

excuse to leave her side and mingle with Ronan, Whitney

death had left her with

kept her eyes on

Phineas's absence. He was overly friendly, lighting cigarettes for Ronan and other dignitaries, his demeanor far from his usual

Bryce always been wearing a

his true colors? Ludwik had warned her that Bryce was

of thought. "A Miss Sandy has been looking for you. She said she

Sandy?

she had

of curiosity and skepticism, walking through the villa's garden towards the pool's

with the sounds

the poolside, the maid abruptly stopped and, with surprising swiftness, turned and charged at Whitney. Startled, Whitney asked, "What

maid pushed her towards the

maid, who plunged headfirst into the

and the splashing drew

doing, jumping on me?" a man swimming in the