Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 1081

Ludwik stood at the top of the stairs, glaring down at the uninvited Bryce with narrowed, icy eyes. His presence was commanding, like a hawk surveying its prey.

Parker was the first to react, clenching his fists in agitation. "That jerk," he muttered, his temper flaring.

Without a second thought, Parker charged down the stairs, ready to confront Bryce. Ludwik didn't stop him; instead, he followed at a steady, deliberate pace, his long strides echoing on the steps.

As they reached the bottom, Ludwik and Bryce stood in opposition, like two gunslingers in an old western showdown.

Parker's eyes were filled with a cold malice as he folded his arms and smirked. "Security! Get over here! What the hell are you doing, letting this clown waltz into my uncle's company like he owns the place?"

Bryce's eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained silent, his expression unreadable.

The security team rushed over, but before they could say a word, one of the Inko Group's shareholders, who had been standing by Bryce, spoke up. "Mr. Doonan, Mr. Lutz here came in with me. He's carrying a message from the 'special envoy' sent by the head office. He's here on official business."

Parker's expression shifted, his sharp gaze darting back to Ludwik.

Bryce had been watching Ludwik closely, and now, buoyed by the shareholder's introduction, a smug smile crept across his face. He raised an eyebrow at Parker, taunting, "Oh, Mr. Doonan, haven't even taken over your uncle's branch yet, and you're already throwing your weight around? Inko Group is known for its hospitality, you know. We don't exactly have a 'no outsiders' policy."

"Besides," Bryce continued, his voice dripping with satisfaction, "I'm not really an outsider anymore, am I? Didn't you hear? I'm here to pass along some important information."

He turned his attention directly to Ludwik, his tone mocking. "And Ludwik, what are you still doing here at Inko Group? Word on the street is that the head office pulled the plug on your aerospace project and stripped you of all your rights here. Shouldn't you be packing your bags by now?"

Ludwik's handsome face remained impassive, though a faint, amused smile played on his lips. He stepped closer, meeting Bryce's gaze with a casual laugh. "You've got your ear to the ground, Bryce. You know all about the board's decisions. So, what? Cozying up to the envoy, hoping they'll give you a leg up?"

His tone was laced with sarcasm, which made Bryce's expression tighten, though he quickly swallowed his anger. It seemed Ludwik might have guessed at the plan involving Florence. Could he really have figured out that Bryce had the upper hand with the head office?

Bryce's eyes narrowed slyly, wondering how much Ludwik actually knew. Surely, he couldn't have discovered Parisa's identity.

Stepping forward cautiously, Bryce lowered his voice to a cold whisper. "You know what they say, tables turn. You thought you'd crushed the Lutz Group, but I told you, I wouldn't go down without a fight. Fortune favors me, and I've got powerful friends now."

He smirked, his voice dripping with malice. "The envoy from the head office isn't a fan of yours. She's aware of your past misdeeds and is eager to help me take you down. Do you think I'd pass up such a golden opportunity?"

Parker, unable to hold back any longer, exploded with rage. "You son of a—"

Ludwik's response was calm yet sharp, "The real issue isn’t going head-to-head with Bryce. We need to figure out why the mysterious figure didn’t show up at the company. Where is she?"

"I don't buy it that she'd appoint Bryce to handle any Inko Group affairs on her behalf. He’s acting on his own, trying to provoke me."

"If he's got so much free time, that likely means the mysterious figure isn’t with him. Let’s assume the mysterious figure is Whitney’s mom. If she’s back in the country, what would be her first move? Could she have gone to Maplewood?"

Parker paused, considering this.

Ludwik furrowed his brow as he started the car, "Whitney’s grandfather is buried in Maplewood. It’s entirely possible!"

"Exactly, Ludwik. Our priority is to bypass Bryce and locate this mysterious figure! Should we send someone to Maplewood to check on Whitney’s grandfather’s grave?"

Ludwik pondered for a few moments, not answering directly. Instead, he turned the steering wheel, "Let's head to the Children's Hospital. Whitney’s there."

Parker noticed the thoughtful look on Ludwik's face. Was he planning to tell Whitney something significant? If Whitney could go to Maplewood herself… that might be the best solution.