Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 407

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Tiana was absolutely gobsmacked, "Whitney! Can you believe Ludwik is such a big deal? He's Jason's son, the top bachelor of Harmonia Country, straight from Emperor City. And here I was, thinking he was already a catch in Banyan City. Shame he's a jerk, otherwise, you could really consider getting back together. Imagine being the leading lady of Harmonia Country."

Whitney was speechless, Tiana's flip-flopping was legendary.

"Seriously, the way the Lippert family rolled out the red carpet for him, it's clear how much Jason values Ludwik! The man really does let his achievements speak for themselves," Tiana couldn't help but admit.

Whitney glanced at the handsome figure again, noting he hadn't even mentioned his trip to Emperor City. After their argument, it seemed he had quickly moved on, no longer feeling the need to communicate with her. Do men really move on that quickly? She felt a surprising pang of loss and scoffed at herself as she put down her tablet...

Emperor City.

At the airport, Ludwik stood out, greeted by the Lippert family's top brass - executives, management, and shareholders. They all nodded in unison, "Welcome home, young master!"

Even Parker, who was no stranger to grandeur, was taken aback by the spectacle.

Ludwik, however, maintained his cool composure, merely nodding in acknowledgment, his face betraying little emotion.

Seeing his son, Jason was filled with pride. His son had the demeanor of a true leader, seemingly uninterested in the pomp and circumstance.

The old man was visibly delighted to welcome his son, "Ludwik, it's good to have you back!"

Cameras discreetly set up by the media captured the moment from a distance, the reporters shooting with a respectful air.

Ludwik glanced over, his lips parting slightly, "Father."

Jason's eyes moistened at the address, a term of endearment he had longed to hear for nearly a decade since discovering Ludwik's lineage.

"Let's head to the car. We're going to Everwood Villa Estate to see the family first... These are the company's senior shareholders; they'll be reporting to you as you take over the group. By the way... Where are Tate, Jesse, and Derek?" Jason asked the company's chief secretary.

The secretary, slightly troubled, glanced at Ludwik, "Mr. Chairman, those executives were dispatched by Jarvis to handle an urgent land issue and couldn't make it..."

Ludwik, hearing familiar names, raised an eyebrow, his lips curling slightly.

Jason paused, "Alright. Let's get in the car, Ludwik."

As they approached the vehicle, Ludwik gave Parker a look.

Parker immediately understood and left the airport on his own.

His mission in Emperor City with Ludwik was primarily to look for Sammy.

Moreover, being new and unsure of the Lippert family's dynamics, he could offer Ludwik some level of protection.

-

Ludwik was anxious about Sammy and had asked him to find a certain black car upon landing.

The Lippert Resort, nestled at the pinnacle of Brew Hill in Emperor City, boasted tens of thousands of hectares, with its own snow-capped mountains, private lake, helipad, and golf course. Brew Hill, a gathering place for Emperor City's elite, was home to the villas of other notable families below the Lippert Resort.

A modest car parked outside -

The gates of the Lippert Resort opened wide, the head butler leading a line of servants, "Welcome home, master and young master!"

Inside the grandiose Lippert family living room, numerous guests were already seated.

Ludwik, with his cool demeanor, strode in alongside Jason.

"Is this Ludwik? My, isn't he handsome!" exclaimed Thea, gracefully approaching in a flowing gown.

Jason introduced her, "This is my wife, Ludwik..."

"Hello," was all Ludwik offered, his expression indifferent.

He didn't even bother to look up.

The relatives present exchanged looks, their reactions mixed.

Understanding his son's reserved nature, Jason quickly moved Thea aside, pointing to the elderly matriarch seated at the head of the table, "First, meet your grandmother. She's been eager to see you." Ludwik then lifted his gaze, approaching with long strides. He took the tea cup offered by the butler, kneeling on one knee, "Grandmother."

His voice was deep and resonant.

Though soft, his greeting silenced the room, the underlying tension palpable.

The matriarch beamed, "Ah! So you're Ludwik. Jason, we finally have a grandson!"

Her words immediately drew Thea's gaze towards Jarvis, who lurked nearby with a dark glint in his eye.

The undercurrents of family politics were unmistakable, yet Jarvis merely smirked, focusing on Riley Lippert, who also seemed displeased by the matriarch's favoritism.

Riley, ever impulsive, smiled at Jason, "With Ludwik's return, my Justin has been the eldest grandson for twenty-four years only to be supplanted. Mother's bias is quite clear, don't you think?" Jason frowned.

The matriarch rebuked, "Ludwik is Jason's son, and Justin is much younger. What is there to dispute?"

"Exactly," Jarvis chimed in, eyeing Ludwik, "With Ludwik now officially recognized by his father, he's set to take over the Lippert family. Uncle Riley, your son naturally has to make way for him." Thea added her support gently, "The patriarch's word is law in our family. With Ludwik stepping up, I hope everyone will assist him unconditionally."

Her stance reinforced the dominant position of the main branch, leaving Riley and the other uncles visibly disgruntled.

Jason's gaze cooled as he looked at Thea, who stiffened, falling silent.

Ludwik remained silent, his gaze on Thea and Jarvis was calm yet piercing, a lazy smirk on his lips and a tranquil storm in his eyes, sending an inexplicable shiver down Thea's spine.

Heidi, failing to grasp the gravity of her mother's words, burst out in defense, "Mom, West has been bending over backward for the Lippert family for years. He's the one who truly knows the ins and outs of our operations. How can you speak in favor of Ludwik?" She murmured, fully aware that her mother resented Ludwik's return.

Heidi's words stirred a contemplative silence among the crowd.

Riley couldn't help but laugh, turning to Jarvis, "Heidi's got a point. West's expertise surely outshines Ludwik's, who's just returned without any real grasp of things. Big bro, even though West is adopted, it's unfair to favor him so thinly! If we're talking about who to support for the leadership, our vote goes to West!"

Jason's brows furrowed, his glare sharp as he looked at Heidi.

Jarvis and Thea's expressions darkened, wishing they could drag the thoughtless Heidi away.

Ludwik, however, observed Heidi with what seemed like 'appreciation'.

Everyone had their own thoughts.

Jarvis stepped forward, smiling, "What strength do I have? It was all thanks to our adoptive father's favor, entrusting me with a few companies which, by luck, ranked top in Harmonia Country. I don't harbor such ambitions. Let's hand the company over to Ludwik. Come on, uncles, be generous. Don't be afraid of losing a slice of your pie!" Riley's expression turned cold, while others clenched their fists.

Their outwardly friendly glances towards Ludwik masked growing discontent.

Jason knew the situation had been stirred up, whether by his adopted son or his siblings.

In reality, they were all at odds, each vying for their own interests.

He was resolute in making his decision known, declaring sternly, "With our mother here today, I acknowledge Ludwik's return. He's an exceptionally talented young man. In Banyan City alone, his Skyfaith Group is influential enough to shake Harmonia Country. I believe entrusting the Lippert family to his capable and ruthless hands will ensure our continued ascendancy. Otherwise, our century-old legacy will rot from within. I appoint Ludwik as the CEO of our conglomerate. You're all witnesses here today, so let's make it official!" His words hung in the air, met with mixed reactions...