Love Beyond the Mask

Chapter 130

“Mom, he dumped me right out in the open. He sent me packing back home. He used to put up with me

for the sake of the business, but now, because of that tramp Whitney… I was thinking of showing him

the half of the ring that proves I’m the one who saved his life all those years ago. He won’t be able to

leave me then!”

Delphine looked at the half–ring in her daughter’s hand and shook her head. “Good thing you had the

sense to come home and ask me. It’s not the right time now.”

“But Whitney has stolen him from me! Give it a few more days, and he might fall for that bitch. I can’t

stand it!”

“If you show him that half–ring now, pretending to be his savior while he’s disappointed in you, at best,

he’ll feel financially indebted. You still won’t win him back. Just wait. Ludwik is meant to be yours. You

don’t know, Whitney has an uncle.”

At that, Delphine smiled, her eyes sharp with calculation, “You think it’s a coincidence that Skye Gem

and Imperial Gem are at odds? Her uncle will show up sooner or later. When they fight, the prize will be

yours for the taking. Whitney and him won’t last long.

All you need to do is wait for the perfect moment to reveal the half–ring, and he’ll be entirely yours.”

Elaine kind of understood; the moment would be when Whitney and Ludwik fell out.

Did that mean her mother was sure that Whitney and Ludwik would split?

Elaine walked over and hugged Delphine, voicing her doubts. “Mom, how do you know about Whitney’s

uncle? Are you really that familiar with her family drama?”

Delphine hesitated, then playfully tapped her daughter’s nose. “You’re smart. Strive for a position at the

branch office; it’ll keep you connected to him. You have your inside man at the headquarters, and

returning to Banyan City is only a matter of time. Ludwik is a catch you must secure.”

Elaine nodded. Her mother had said when sending her to Ludwik’s side that his true identity was more

than just being the third son of the Lippert family, though even he was unaware of it, and that she must

hold on tight to Ludwik.

In the Banyan City, the Lippert family study.

Kaden was in a rage. “You publicly ditched Elaine for that Whitney? The ties between the Lippert family

and the Bartels are intricate. You explain it to Zane Bartels!”

“Ludwik, this is indecent of you. Where do you leave Elaine’s dignity? She’s been loyal to you for

years!” Zane challenged.

Ludwik, poised and detached, remained unfazed.

The vortex in his eyes was enough to slightly intimidate the two elder gentlemen,

He said coldly, “Elaine and I privately called off our engagement years ago. I’ve made it clear to

Delphine. You’re the ones using your family’s power to deny it. Any compensation I owe, I’ll pay in full.”

“Ludwik, without the Bartels‘ support, you’d better watch your back,” Zane said with a meaningful sneer

before leaving.

Kaden sat brooding in silence for a while before finally lifting his gaze, a calculating pressure in his

eyes. “Either get rid of Whitney and bring back Elaine so we maintain ties with the Bartels, and I’ll

ensure your place at Imperial Gem Corporation, or…

Without the Bartels, I won’t consider you for the heir. Your brother will take over the company.”

That last remark was most likely what he truly wanted to say today.

Ludwik had no expectations of his father.

19:09

With eyes cold as ice, he smiled. “When Imperial Gern Corporation was handed to me, it was bankrupt.

If Orion thinks he can take over a top global company now, let him try. Both the company and the

woman, I’ll have!”

“You’re declaring war against the Lippert family over a woman?” Kaden slammed his hand on the table,

standing up

“Yes,” Ludwik replied slowly, his voice as if emerging from the depths of hell.

Kaden’s eyes darkened.

Outside the study, Rylie, having eavesdropped, quickly retreated to her room and dialed a number.

After a moment, a young, handsome voice laced with mischief answered, “Mom, what’s up?”

“Orion, there’s a storm brewing in the Lippert family. Your brother is willing to forsake the Bartels for a

woman. It’s time to end your studies abroad and come home, son,”

Rylie clenched her fist, her eyes alight with anticipation.

After years of lying low, her opportunity was finally nearing.

“Sure,” the voice on the other end chuckled lightly, casual and carefree, “Bro’s got a girl named

Whitney? I’ve recently met someone interesting too, not a Valentine, but a Tennyson.”

Rylie did not grasp the connection in her son’s words.

But with her son returning, she felt secure. Under Ludwik’s leadership, Imperial Gem Corporation had

grown stronger, solidifying the Lippert family’s position as the foremost family in Banyan City.

But he was just Natalie’s son, the frail one, not the favored child of Kaden!

Her son, Orion, was the true heir, and Imperial Gem Corporation must belong to him.

Whitney waited at the villa until the man returned the next night.

The winter chill permeated the air as he walked in, weary: He removed his handcrafted leather shoes

and tie, revealing the redness in his eyes from exhaustion.

Whitney stood up, her small frame watching his towering figure in silence.

Suddenly, she dashed toward him, wrapping her tiny arms around his lean, chiseled waist.

Whitney looked up at him with concern in her eyes. “What’s going on? Is your family putting a lot of

pressure on you?”

The man was silent, his fingers gently lifting her chin.

Their eyes locked, his gaze narrow, fierce, and profound.

Without warning, he captured her lips in a passionate kiss.

Whitney was forced to tilt her head back as he kissed her fervently, his masculine vigor mingled with an

alluring scent of tobacco. The next moment, she found herself pinned against the wall.

The coat rack tumbled to the ground, along with various other items, creating a clatter.

After a long moment, their breaths uneven, he released her slightly, his gaze Intense and his hold on

her hand

still firm.

He kept her petite frame pressed against the cabinet, her body soft and intoxicating to him.

Ludwik held her gaze, his fingers tracing her cheeks as if trying to peer into her soul. He arched a brow

and said, “I hope you’re worth it.”

A thud resonated in Whitney’s chest at his words, her heart pounding fiercely.

Her blood seemed to warm and stir.

7 like you, L” she confessed, boldly yet shyly stepping into his embrace.

“Because I let Elaine go?” He asked, his brow arching coolly. Têxt © NôvelDrama.Org.

“No, but it moved me even more. You finally gave me a place of importance in your heart.” That had

always been Whitney’s concern.

In a swift motion, he scooped her up, his eyes deep and determined, and headed for the bathroom.

Whitney nestled her head against his broad shoulder, murmuring, “You were gone all day, and I know it

was not simple. I understand Elaine’s significance in your family; I can’t match her background. From

what your brother said, I know my status burdens you. But I want to be the woman who can support

you.”

His handsome jaw set firmly. “Are you mocking me, suggesting my success depends on a woman?”

“No!” Whitney trembled before quickly explaining, “Being part of the Valentine family, I’m all too aware

of the family struggles, how unavoidable they are.”

She felt for him.

He understood then. “You want to contribute, to help me?”