Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 855

Wade was fuming, his voice spiked with frustration as he listened to the thinly veiled threats coming from the other end of the line. "You expect me to bail you out of your own mess with a whopping two hundred billion? With what, exactly? Remember how we rode the wave of Inko Group's success, boasting about having the latest tech in our hands? Orders poured in from all over the globe, and Patrick Group even teamed up with a bunch of arms dealers.

If I don't pay those guys back ASAP, you think I'll still be breathing? We're talking arms dealers from the Middle East here!

This whole mess is your doing! You never should've confronted Phineas Wilson yesterday. If you hadn't, that recording wouldn't have leaked. You've dragged me down with you, now the elite circles think I'm just as disposable to Phineas as you are! Damn it, I haven't even started on you and you have the gall to ask me for money? Get lost."

With those harsh words, Wade was ready to hang up.

Bryce's face went pale, his teeth clenched in anger. "So, that's it, Wade? After everything I've done for you, you're just going to cut ties? Believe me, if I spill everything, you'll regret it!"

"Go ahead, spill." Wade was beyond caring, his warning laced with venom. "You better watch your own back, Bryce. Do you honestly think Ludwik will let you off after what you've done to him? Your days are numbered!"

Bryce clung to the car window, a bitter smirk on his lips despite the despair in his eyes. "Done for? We'll see about that. But remember this, Wade, you abandon me now, I'll make sure to return the favor. Just you wait."

"I'd love to see what you've got left to throw at Ludwik," Wade scoffed, clearly doubting Bryce's words before hanging up.

Deflated like a burst balloon, Bryce slumped in his seat, hurling his phone in frustration. "Damn it...to hell with all of them...No, get my secretary. I need to see Florence, and I need to see her now!"

-

At the Sheldon Group, it was well past closing time. Whitney had just wrapped up a marathon of meetings and was about to pack up for the day when Ludwik's call came through.

Tiana, spotting the caller ID, gave Whitney a meaningful smirk.

Whitney shot her a look and answered the phone with a calm, "Hello?"

was even more composed than hers. "Whitney, I'm downstairs

I was about to..." Whitney started, intending to drop

whisk her away. You two

Whitney was almost grinding her

was indeed thinking it's time for Whitney to see her sons. Maybe she and I should make a trip to my

frowned, not responding

shoved her bag into her hands and nudged her

you up after work," Ludwik replied, his laughter low

the elevator by Tiana, Whitney's gaze met her friend's playful look, and she felt her cheeks warm, shooting Tiana a

and Ludwik teaming up so well lately, you guys deserve to celebrate your victory. Even if you don't get back together, being allies has its perks. Go on, no need to be so shy." With a sigh,

their communication had been strictly via email, with Ludwik guiding her on how to undermine

had finally come to fruition today, exposing

waiting by a sleek, understated Rolls-Royce. He was a striking figure against the night sky, his well-cut features and tall frame as imposing and handsome

Zayne from the Sky-Surprise Inn project called, reporting on the day's progress. "Ms. Valentine, rest assured, the three hundred billion is securely invested in the project. Bryce showed up with a horde of bodyguards, trying to strong-arm the funds from me. But we managed to chase him

surprised by the turn of

job, Zayne," she

embarrassed, started to say,

steering the car, let out a soft cough,

caught on, immediately

Whitney asked, curious, as she browsed the latest news on her

you posted on any developments.

the project," Whitney said coolly, her attention caught by a breaking news alert.

people surrounding him, camera flashes chasing after him like he was some sort of Hollywood scandal. And there he was, his face a mix of panic and anger, egg dripping down his