Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 448

The scene was like a needle jab to his eyes, unbearable and sharp.

In Banyan City, he was nothing but a defeated underling to Bryce.

Ludwik clenched his fists, his features twisted with cold fury. Despite being surrounded by people, his gaze lingered on Bryce, a sarcastic smile breaking through, "And who might this gentleman be?"

Whitney stiffened, knowing too well the pretense in his question. Was he really going to...

Bryce patted her shoulder, stepping forward to introduce himself to the crowd, "Ludwik, is it? Pleasure, I'm Bryce, Whitney's fiancé."

"Who? Never heard of you." The man's cold smirk was chilling.

Catching Whitney's worried look towards Bryce, Ludwik's tone dropped to freezing, "A bastard child with a no-name fiancé, quite the match!"

Whitney's face turned pale, her chest feeling pierced.

He had scolded Sienna before, told her never to call Whitney a bastard, and now he was doing the same?

That bastard, her fists clenched tight.

The atmosphere turned rigid as everyone paused, taken aback.

Bryce looked straight at Ludwik, a slight smile on his face, "Banyan City's Lutz Group might not compare with the likes of Emperor City's Lippert or Sheldon families, but I pride myself on being practical. The Lutz Group has expanded into Emperor City for a few years now, even before Ludwik returned home.

We've set up a factory in the Economic Zone. Ladies, perhaps you've used the Lutz Group's high-end skincare and electronics?"

The women's eyes lit up, "That latest powerful hairdryer is a Lutz Group product, it's quite the hit."

"So you're the brains behind it."

"Securing land and setting up a factory early in the Economic Zone shows Mr. Lutz has quite the foresight."

Hudson stepped in, glancing at Whitney's pale face, wanting to defend Bryce, "Pedigree is one thing, but being young and successful matters more. If my daughter is happy, honestly, I don't care much about status..."

"The Economic Zone, you say? That's all under the Lippert family's control. Mr. Lutz, you'd do well not to cross me in the future. Or I might just tear it down!" Ludwik's casual threat was a cold reminder, turning to Hudson, "Mr. Sheldon, pedigree does matter, doesn't it?"

The underlying threat in his eyes startled the Sheldons.

Bryce's face darkened; the power Ludwik wielded as Harmonia Country's top young master made his own efforts seem insignificant.

Hudson, troubled by Ludwik's status, could only instruct Florence, "Florence, please seat Ludwik."

"Ludwik, please, take the seat of honor," Emma offered with flattery.

Ludwik nodded politely to the elders, Florence clinging to his arm like a delicate bird, "Ludwik, it's dinner time."

He barely glanced at the hand on his arm, his gaze turning icy upon seeing Whitney's indifference, allowing Florence to lead him away, "How are you feeling today?"

"The usual... cough, but having Ludwik here for dinner, I'll make sure to eat well."

Ludwik's gaze swept over, his voice cold, "Be good. Eat well, your health is important."

"Sure," Florence replied, a shy cough in her voice.

Whitney chose to ignore them, but Florence called out politely, "Sister, Mr. Lutz, won't you join us?"

Whitney eyed Florence coldly, about to refuse,

Ludwik twirled his wine glass, his tone mocking, "The Sheldon family's main table isn't for just anyone, Florence. People are of different standings, see his status clearly before you invite."

With those words, Bryce's face turned a shade of green, a deep chill flashing through his usually gentle eyes.

He clenched his fists tight.

Sienna laughed loudly, "Exactly, not everyone is worthy to sit with Ludwik, Mr. Lutz is a bit lacking."