Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



\"Don't overthink it! Danny's with him, and he might find some solace. Who knows, the little guy might come back in a better mood tomorrow.

I know tonight's dinner was supposed to be Bryce's proposal dinner.

And I heard you agreed to meet his father.

The wedding... I'm worried Ludwik will cause a scene. Maybe it's best if Bryce doesn't make it too extravagant.\"

Whitney hung her head low, nodding, \"He said they're planning to do it in Banyan City.\"

\"What do you think?\"

\"I agree.\" All she wanted was for Sammy to come back; the wedding was the least of her worries.

\"That settles it, then. It's for the best!\" Tiana sighed with relief, wrapping her in a hug, \"I'm your maid of honor, right?\"

\"Of course.\" A faint smile touched Whitney's lips under the soft light.

Morning dawned.

Ludwik woke up, the stench of alcohol clinging to him.

Danny, holding a cold towel with a look of utter disdain, tossed it at his face, standing on tiptoes with frost in his gaze, \"What did I do to deserve this? Mommy's getting remarried, Daddy's a mess, you were supposed to comfort me, and instead, I ended up taking care of you all night.

Uncle Parker was just as useless, slumped over there, saying he was about to drink himself to death with you.

Ludwik, even if you drink yourself to death, it won't make Mommy glance your way!\"

As he spoke, tears fell, and he stood there, pouting and glaring at the man before him.

Ludwik's lips moved slightly, pressing together as he stood up and pulled his son closer, raising his hands, \"Okay, I surrender, alright?\" \"You're really surrendering? To Bryce, that jerk?\"

Danny couldn't hide his disappointment.

Ludwik's gaze darkened, ambiguous, \"What do you think I should do?\"

Win Mommy back, stop the wedding?

In Danny's mind, that's exactly what Daddy should do!

But in reality, he didn't want to see Mommy cry.

After a night of internal struggle and coming up short, Danny wiped away his tears, his voice hoarse, \"I don't want to make Mommy unhappy.

If getting married makes her happy.

Please, don't hurt her, okay?\"

\"It's you who's surrendered.\" The man's towering figure sat on the edge of the bed, eyes deep and shadowed, reaching out to flick his son's nose. Danny thought his father's voice sounded as if he was crying.

But he didn't see tears in his father's eyes.

Probably crying on the inside.novelbin

He clenched his fists, lowering his head, \"Mommy's getting married, but I still have a dad and a mom. I'm lucky.

But what about Mommy? She lost everything because of you. Sammy's gone, Grandpa's in a coma.

I just don't think Bryce is the right choice! I'm afraid she won't be happy.\"

"Her being with me didn't make her happy. Leaving me won't make her happy either.

A good choice? Any other man is not the right choice.\"

Ludwik pulled his son onto his strong lap.

The sunlight filtered onto his chiseled features, his face so still, like the darkness in the abyss that couldn't escape, enveloping his intense brows, shadowing his eyes.

His fingers, defined and strong, gently touched his son's ear, his voice deep and somber, \"I want her to be happy, too.

No one wants her to be happy more than I do.

If a man can't make his woman happy, is he a failure, should he leave?

Will she be happy if I leave?\"

Seeing his father seriously questioning himself, Danny watched as his father's long lashes cast shadows, hiding his gaze.

His heart trembled along with his father's murmurs.

His father's words were disjointed, his gaze calm as water, but his body radiated not a trace of warmth, chilling to the bone! Danny felt his helplessness, his immense sadness.

Was his father implying he should let go and let Mommy get married?

Danny breathed a sigh of relief but felt incredibly sad.

At ten in the morning, Ludwik left the apartment for the Lippert Group offices.

Felix was worried about his

l

condition, Mr. Lippert, you drank too much last night. Mr. Doonan said you might have alcohol poisoning. You should rest a bit

more, no need to come in so early.\"

Ludwik strode into his office chair, lowering his head to open a file, not wasting words, \"After Jarvis was demoted, staying in that smaller company, what has he been up to?\"

Felix immediately presented the records of Jarvis's activities.

"Thea's been seeing him often, not sure what kind of alliance they have, but it's solid.

They're definitely not content with your decision to exile him!\"

\"How's the stock price of the Patrick Group doing now? How much has it fallen?\"

\"After the profit-sharing agreement

between the Lippert family and the

Patrick Group was terminated by you, the Patrick Group lost billions All cooperation with the Lippert Group has been suspended. The Patrick Group is currently struggling. As far as I know, Thea is secretly pulling together investment chains, even trying to win over the Nelson Group.\"

"Arrange a meeting with Shane.\"

Ludwik didn't look up, his gaze sharp and cold, \"Did the investigation clarify? Is Thea the only one in power behind the Patrick Group?\"

Felix frowned, \"We didn't find any notable figures in the Patrick family. They've been low-key for years, not sure if it's due to incompetence or discretion.

Thea is the largest shareholder and the legal person of the Patrick Group.\"

Ludwik's lips curled up slightly, shaking his head with indifference, \"Thea is a woman, she can't handle the Patrick Group on her own.

There must be someone behind her.

This person, lurking in the Patrick family, shows that they're not incompetent, just overly discreet.

Over the years, how much benefit have they gleaned from the Lippert family? Even my father might not have a clear account!\"

Felix was secretly alarmed.

Indeed, if there wasn't a powerful person lurking behind, how could Jarvis, a cunning and arrogant man, willingly follow Thea's orders and work for her Patrick Group?

\"Mr. Lippert, I've been thinking, Jarvis and Thea's bond seems too close for comfort.

It doesn't just seem like an alliance; Jarvis is a bit too self-serving. Why would he go out of his way for the Patrick family?\"

Ludwik clasped his hands together,

his eyes gleaming with a cold mirth, "Whatever their relationship might be, Jarvis forcing me to take a trip to Beloria Country means he's already lost. He had his chance to take me out in Savanterra and he missed it.

Now, I've cut off his power at the knees; it's going to be a tough road for him to come back.

All those projects he had his hands on? They're coming back to the Lippert family. Go fetch Riley for me; I want to have a word with him.\"

Felix, piecing it all together, had a lightbulb moment, \"You plan on dividing Jarvis's influence among Riley?

He's going to be over the moon that you're bringing him into the fold!

Mr. Lippert, you've been playing the long game, living up to the promise you made to Camilla.

No infighting among brothers.

Outsiders, kept at bay!

You've truly secured the Lippert family legacy on behalf of the old man.\"

Ludwik gave him a glance, his expression untroubled, \"Has the Skyfaith chip development team arrived in Emperor City yet?

Get the Skyfaith technology integrated into the Lippert Group projects, immediately.\"

Felix's smile widened, \"They're here!

Following the release of the Sharp-F Chip, the team leader said the latest, globally superior chip - the Zenith - will hit the market in just a couple of

weeks.

With Skyfaith's technology boosting the Lippert Group, we're going from the leading financial dynasty in Harmonia Country to a global tech

powerhouse.

You'll not just secure the Lippert family's legacy but also lead the charge in the global tech arena.\"

The Lippert Group, a powerhouse in traditional industries and the top dog in Harmonia Country, had always lagged slightly in the tech field. That was its Achilles' heel.

By bolstering this weakness, the Lippert Group would become invincible, propelling Mr. Lippert to the status of the world's wealthiest.

This man was unshakable.

Felix, glowing with excitement and pride, thought to himself, even if Mr. Lippert sets his sights on Ms. Valentine, Bryce doesn't stand a chance!

The ringtone of a phone broke the silence.

Ludwik picked it up, his brows furrowing instantly.