Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 871

Whitney stared at the man's striking features on the screen, taking a deep, cold breath in silence.

She had never imagined Ludwik could be so ruthlessly formidable when pushing someone into a corner. A shiver of fear ran through her.

Ring, ring-

The phone rang, as if on cue.

With mixed feelings, Whitney answered, "You're pretty harsh in dealing with Bryce."

She couldn't help but express her astonishment to Ludwik.

Ludwik couldn't suppress a cold chuckle internally. You have no idea how vile Bryce can be, Whitney. He's taken our daughter, hidden her away...

His heart heavy, he managed a cold, thin smile, "I can't afford your kindness or the luxury of turning the other cheek! I'm doing you a favor by getting rid of him. Aren't you pleased?"

Whitney felt a chill run down her spine, her heart turning cold and then warming up again. She murmured softly, "Thank you for avenging me against Bryce. He's responsible for two lives, Audrey's and indirectly, Tiana's as well. Such a man doesn't deserve mercy, nor the chance to turn things around.

You've taken care of it all."

What she didn't say out loud was that without him, she really wouldn't know what to do.

But the man on the other end didn't need her to say it to understand.

Through the phone, Ludwik's deep, resonant laughter could be heard, "Then, may I invite you to dinner, Ms. Valentine?"

Whitney's cheeks warmed instantly, perhaps charmed by his voice, a stark contrast to any other teasing she'd experienced.

It was like a pleasant current flowed through her ears.

Without realizing, she bit her lip, glanced at her watch, and said, "If a dinner is all it takes to thank you, I'm all for it. How about seven? I'll bring the kids."

intentions for a candlelit

an eyebrow slightly, admiring the woman's cunning

just like yesterday's gathering

the presence of

towards his boss, Ludwik waved his hand dismissively and said to Whitney, "Then I'll book a family-friendly restaurant and wait for you, darling." His gentle

gaze turning stormy, "So, Bryce hasn't called

photos just sent by the detective, shook his head, "Since Bryce's assets were frozen by Fortu-Nova Bank, he hasn't left his mansion. Reporters are even speculating

the tobacco shredded, then he pocketed his hands and stood by the window, overlooking the dusk with a cold, detached gaze. After a moment of deep thought, his eyes darkened with suspicion, "Ordinary people would beg on their knees if their assets were frozen and

he had to do was to

in such desperation... something's off,

Bryce still harbors some plan, possibly

He doesn't see his downfall yet, so he's holding on... his mind is full of schemes,

Florence, aside from the child, that could benefit

has to use Florence for

See if he found out from

in the

tension, knowing Bryce was stubborn; as

his mouth open, Ludwik would have to find

old; they couldn't afford to

calm down. You'll surely protect your and Ms. Valentine's

for a moment, then looked at his watch and straightened up. Grabbing his suit jacket, he strode out, "Keep the search for Florence quiet. Whitney must not catch even a hint! She's suffered enough this past year under my watch. Now, I just want her to believe all is calm, that her life won't have any more upheaval. Otherwise, she'll only grow more resistant and lose faith

Lippert. I'll inform Mr. Doonan and

very understanding,

meet Whitney for dinner, only

was hugging her leg, begging for

naturally, Whitney was

his handsome face darkened at the sight of Danny clinging to Whitney's

"Whitney." He approached quickly.

clearly, he draped his jacket over

clinging to her leg,