Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 671

"Where the heck could Mr. Doonan be?

I just can't buy that he fell into the ocean near the old brickworks and died.

Could someone have rescued him, or... could he be under someone's control? I mean, how does a full-grown man just vanish into thin air?"

Ludwik clenched his fists, his eyes heavy with exhaustion. "I don't want to believe he's gone either, but his guys, wiped out by Jarvis and his cronies. Maybe he did fall into the sea.

If Parker was saved, if someone's got him, given his skills, it'd have to be someone with even more power.

Otherwise, he would've reached out to us by now."

Ashton's gaze darkened further. "The more you talk, the more complicated it gets.

Could Parker's disappearance still be tied to Jarvis somehow?"

"And what about those guys who jumped you in jail, Ludwik? What do you think?"

"Nolan, didn't we just cover that? It was..."

"Probably Bryce." Ludwik suddenly broke in, a fierce chill flashing in his eyes, his brows furrowed deeply. "I've given it a lot of thought. If Jarvis wanted me gone, he'd have had me killed in my cell. Our feud with him is both personal and business. He wouldn't bother trying to strip me of my dignity.

The only one who'd stoop to that level is Bryce."

Ashton raised an eyebrow. So, he figured it out on his own.

"As long as you're aware, that's what matters," Ashton said coldly. "Bryce, that guy, turns out to be a dark horse, huh? Be careful with him from now on."

Ludwik was taken aback by Bryce's move against him.

He never expected Bryce to play dirty, let alone have the reach to manipulate the police!

In just a month, Bryce's status skyrocketed, his wealth doubled, making him the talk of Emperor City.

Before, Bryce was nothing more than an ant under Ludwik's boot,

even when Ludwik stole Whitney from him at their engagement and wedding, Bryce didn't dare make a peep.

This month, the thought of going to the cops never crossed his mind.

But the more Ludwik thought about it, the scarier the silent types seemed. Calm and collected on the surface, twisted inside.

Otherwise, how could he have risen so quickly?

Men who hide their true selves, whose intentions you can't see... If he really ends up with Whitney,

Ludwik's concern for her grew.

After sending that intimate video to Bryce, did he start hating Whitney?

He still wouldn't divorce Whitney. What might Bryce do to her once he had her?

A cold shiver ran down Ludwik's spine, a stark wake-up call. He needed to warn Whitney somehow.

Last time at the Patrick family gathering, Jarvis hinted at knowing Bryce.

Could Bryce's connections in Emperor City... involve Wade?

Ludwik furrowed his brow. "Felix, keep digging into Bryce's connections.

But right now, finding Parker is the top priority."

Ashton nodded. "I'll push the cops to ramp up the search. Alive or dead, we need to know.

If Barclay and Jarvis team up against you, we'll be ready. I'll get the best lawyer on the planet to represent you."

"Thanks, Ashton. You've been running yourself ragged these days."

Ludwik's voice was weary, avoiding a glance at his wounds, his spirit seemingly gone, though his gaze remained as sharp as ever. "I've got a plan for this lawsuit. If Barclay dares to fight, we'll make sure they're grasping at straws." "That's the spirit. Rest up now. I'll get some nurses in here, just take it easy, Ludwik. You're tough."

Ludwik fell silent for a moment before saying, "Let's keep this from my mom, alright?"

"Understood."

-

At dusk, Pearl Plaza.

After checking on Skye Gem Ltd.'s counter, Whitney headed into a men's fashion store.

"Looking at men's brands, Whitney?" Sandy tucked away her paperwork and followed.

Whitney glanced at her, a bit embarrassed, and asked, "If you were buying a gift for a guy, what would you pick?"

"Oh, you're shopping for Danny and Sammy?" Sandy didn't catch on at first,

Seeing Whitney's awkward expression, she suddenly got it and blurted out, embarrassed, "Sis, you're picking something for Bryce? That's thoughtful."

Whitney gave her a look and coughed lightly.

Bryce had been upset with her since the other night and hadn't contacted her since.

These past days, her uncle kept giving her the cold shoulder, wondering why Bryce hadn't visited.

Busy with work, Whitney figured this was the best she could do.

"How about a tie?" Sandy suggested, pointing at the display with various designer ties.

Whitney set down a suit she'd been holding, realizing she didn't know Bryce's size.

If it were Ludwik, she knew he'd need a large. The man was nearly six-three, lean and toned, so anything would fit him.

But Ludwik always wore custom-tailored shirts, never revealing the brand...

Ugh. Why was she drifting off again?

Shaking her head, Whitney approached the display, comparing choices with Sandy until they settled on a dark blue diagonal-striped designer tie. Sandy picked up another from Hermès, saying, "I'll take this one then."

"You're buying too?" Whitney was surprised, curious.

Knowing Sandy to be practically allergic to men, focused on her career and as innocent as a bunny,

Sandy pointed at the price tag. "They're offering a discount for two, Whitney. You're loaded, a 70k tie doesn't even make you blink."

Whitney took the gift box, shifting her stance, and eyed Sandy's delicate features, unable to contain her curiosity, "Who are you buying the tie for?"

Sandy froze for a moment, not expecting Whitney to probe into her personal matters.

Under Whitney's gaze, a blush crept across Sandy's cheeks. "I'm just buying it, doesn't mean I have to give it away!"

Whitney raised an eyebrow, her thoughts inadvertently drifting to Shane, her curiosity piqued. "Sandy, I haven't seen you hang out with any guys. Who are you planning to give it to?"

"I'm not even sure if I'll give it away, Whitney, oh please..." Sandy pleaded, trying to dodge the question with a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.

Just then, Whitney felt a piercing gaze from behind them, heavy with intent.

She subtly turned her head towards the entrance and saw Shane's tall figure stepping into the store, an assistant in tow.

The man, with his lean and elegant demeanor and handsome features, quickly became the center of attention among the female staff and customers, shining like a Hollywood heartthrob. Though, in Whitney's mind, he still couldn't quite match up to the charm of someone like Ludwik...

As Whitney was silently critiquing, Shane approached them as if by coincidence, "Ms. Valentine, long time no see!"