Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 684

Jason's sigh hung heavily in the air as he looked at Ludwik, "I've been a force to be reckoned with all my life, never did I imagine witnessing the Lippert dynasty's decline in my old age. Ludwik, remember, we've burdened your grandmother!

She lived a life of splendor alongside your grandfather. Now, at eighty, she's confined to this small place."

"Jason," the matriarch frowned, interrupting her son, "Don't speak like that. The nature of the world is such; rise and fall follow one another.

Perhaps it's all fate. We're doing alright as is."

Her calm demeanor hid a resilient strength, "In times of decline, we must remain optimistic. At least we're not struggling for food or shelter. Compared to the average family, we're still much better off. Aside from the disdain from those nouveau riche, it's nothing." Ludwik lowered his gaze, surprised by his grandmother's outlook. She truly was the most insightful in the family.

"Grandma, I'm sorry. It's my fault the Lippert family has fallen to this state," he admitted.

"You certainly have a part in it!" Jason didn't mince his words, his rebuke cold, "You were supposed to lead the company during the chip launch. If it weren't for your elopement with Whitney, creating endless scandals, our adversaries wouldn't have had their chance. But I blame myself more, deceived by someone close for thirty years."

The old lady's gentle eyes turned cold, "I told you, Thea wasn't the right woman for you. You thought marrying an ordinary woman would safeguard the Lippert legacy. I advised you, why not marry someone you actually love?

In the end, you and Thea grew apart.

Actually, when you and Ludwik's mother got together, I saw she was a good girl.

Unfortunately, you both had your own families. It wasn't meant to be."

Her expression was complex, "By the way, Ludwik, where does your mother live now?"

"Why ask about such irrelevant matters?" Jason was uncertain of his mother's intent, his weathered face stiffening. Ludwik's mother had taken care of him in the hospital, he knew vaguely.

But he had no intention of reconnecting, to avoid discomfort on both sides.

Ludwik looked down, "Mom's living well in a villa downtown."

"That's good," the old lady nodded, her voice softening, "You and your father are alike, stubborn in matters of the heart. You're too devoted, and your father, too detached. Besides worrying about the Lippert family, I'm concerned about you both." Jason felt guilty.

Riley approached, trying to console, "Mom, let's not dwell on the sadness.

My brother divorcing at his age could be a blessing. Should he have let Thea drive him to his grave instead?

Thea played us, and Wade took it too far,

But we've retained our foundation. Selling the estate brought in billions, along with the subsidiaries. We've got seed money.

Brother, it's up to you and Ludwik now. With you two at the helm, there's hope for the Lippert family."

Jason nodded, "I'm still in touch with the estate buyer.

We owe that mysterious person a lot.

Speaking of which, Ludwik, I heard the chairman of Inko Group has discreetly arrived in Harmonia. If we could partner with Inko Group, bringing in their exclusive chips, the Lippert's electronics and tech divisions might weather this storm." "Inko Group?" Ludwik was unfamiliar.

Jason explained, "Their HQ is in Eurovoria, but rumor has it the chairman has ties to the president. This elusive powerholder shuns the public eye, hence their absence from the corporate rankings.

But Inko Group's reach is vast, with offices worldwide.

They're the president's secret financial powerhouse.

Ludwik, come to the office tomorrow. It's time for the Lippert family to regroup.

Let's try to meet with Inko's chairman."

Jason's gaze was intense.

Ludwik remained silent for a moment.

-

After dinner with his grandmother, Ludwik excused himself, leaving the villa.

Truthfully, he felt lost.

With his health in shambles, his spirit hit rock bottom. What future did he have if he wasn't whole? He couldn't envision a life with Whitney, let alone his sons recognizing a disabled father. He was destined for solitude.

Yet, his father's penetrating gaze reminded him, the Lippert family depended on him. He couldn't afford to retreat.

Perhaps it was the overwhelming despair, or sheer exhaustion, but Ludwik found himself wandering into a bar, seeking refuge in alcohol to numb the pain.

He ordered drink after drink, his vision blurring as he laughed at the irony. Indeed, liquor was a good friend.

He barely remembered Whitney now.

Raising another bottle of vodka, he drank deeply.

Upstairs, a figure glanced down at the drunken Ludwik, chuckled, then quickly disappeared into a private room to make a call.

"Hey, Jarvis, guess who I just saw at the bar?"

"Carson Patrick? Just spill it."

"It's Ludwik. Man, he looks so beaten down, cheap clothes and all, drowning his sorrows. I barely recognized him.

Looks like Bryce did a number on him, huh?"

"Ludwik?" Jarvis laughed, a cold smile playing on his lips as he nudged Bryce, who was entwined with a woman, "Seems our friend has hit rock bottom, seeking solace in booze. Carson, you're saying Bryce's little stunt in jail worked out then?" "Where did it hit him?"

Bryce knew Jarvis was playing dumb.

His hand slid down from the woman beside him, his smooth features lighting up with a smirk, "Well, let's just say he might end up a nobody after this.

But now, he's out on bail, and the Lippert Resort just snagged a cool two billion.

Nolan, aren't you worried he'll make a comeback?"

Jarvis's smile faltered slightly.

Florence's words were still a thorn in his side, and he remained wary of Ludwik.

Despite his current downfall, it still wasn't enough for Jarvis. He picked up his glass and clinked it against Bryce's, "Didn't Lane try to take over the Lippert family a while back? Got kicked out of the company by Ludwik, left him all twisted up in anger. Mr. Lutz, my uncle was pretty upset about the auction flop.

Fancy cheering him up a bit?"

Bryce got the hint. Jarvis was cunning, always keeping his own hands clean.

But he didn't mind stepping in. With Ludwik now stripped of everything, breaking his spirit would be the ultimate defeat.

Bryce coolly pulled out his phone and dialed, "Lane, it's Jarvis's buddy, Bryce.

Got some good news for you, Ludwik's out..."