Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 451

The family dinner had wrapped up, and the guests were going their separate ways.

Ludwik's phone rang with a call from the Lipperts, darkening his handsome features. He strode out of the Sheldons' living room, ready to call his driver.

As he lifted his gaze, he caught sight of Whitney next to a BMW, about to get in the car under the moonlight, Bryce's hand resting on her shoulder, his suit jacket draped over her. Bryce, now just in his dress shirt, hadn't left yet.

"It's pretty chilly out here tonight, Whitney. Keep the jacket on. I'll drive," Bryce offered, glancing at Ludwik before adding, "Maybe swing by my hotel afterwards?"

Whitney was about to suggest discussing business tomorrow, her evening spent confronting the Sheldons had already drained her—

A cold set of footsteps approached rapidly, and suddenly, her wrist was seized. Ludwik's fingers, still clutching a cigarette, caused the ember to fall on her sleeve with his rough gesture.

Whitney's face cooled as she looked up into the face she wished not to see.

Ludwik, towering over her, looked even colder, his tone harsh, "Your son is still with the Lipperts. Where do you think you're going?"

Heading to Bryce's hotel? The anger in Ludwik's chest surged.

In the bathroom earlier, his warnings seemed to have been ignored, her wearing Bryce's irritating jacket proof of it.

Whitney tried to pull her wrist free, aware of the intimidating chill in his eyes, but now, outside the bathroom, she could stand her ground. "Ludwik, I don't want to talk to you."

"Did you hear that, Mr. Lippert?" Bryce interjected, pulling Whitney away, his gaze slightly lifted towards Ludwik in defiance.

"Danny had a bit of trouble at the Lipperts'. What are you going to do about it?"

Ludwik's lips turned even colder.

"What?" Whitney's face paled. "What happened to him?"

"Get in my car." His voice was icy.

Worried for her son, Whitney had no choice but to comply. Ludwik's Bentley was parked across the street. She gently freed herself from Bryce's grasp, "Bryce, you go ahead in my car. I need to see Danny."

Bryce frowned but let go, "Whitney, we'll talk tomorrow then."

"Okay."

Whitney walked towards Ludwik's car under the moonlight.

Ludwik, overhearing their conversation, felt a vein in his forehead throb, his face a mask of icy disdain. He didn't leave.

As he extinguished his cigarette, his glare intensified at Bryce, his voice laced with venom and impulse, "See her lip is injured? What do you think we did in the bathroom?"

Bryce clenched his fists, unable to overlook the insult.

Ludwik's laugh was mocking, his eyes merciless, "Even if I'm done with her, she's mine for the taking. And you, you'll never have her."

"Show her some respect!" Bryce, his pride wounded, swung a punch.

But Ludwik caught it easily, their strength matched.

Bryce's genteel demeanor shattered, revealing a flash of red in his eyes. Ludwik's words were a deep cut.

Yet, the confrontation wasn't over. Ludwik sneered, "Now she's the Sheldon heiress, does that make you love her more? Don't think I haven't seen your ambition. Your love isn't pure. You think you're worthy?"

It was as if Ludwik saw through Bryce's intentions of mingling with the Sheldons that evening, a blow to Bryce's ego.

"You think your love is pure? Ludwik, you've hurt her the most. The three years you lost her, I was the one who cared for her. We'll see who has the last laugh."

Ludwik's eyes were frosty, "You better stay away from Emperor City."