Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 705

The group left, and the door to the cell was slammed shut.

Tiana was frozen in place, dumbfounded. Parker had been poisoned.

His cries of agony echoed continuously, filled with pain.

Her heart clenched in sympathy.

She speculated that after he had been shot by those men, he had jumped into the sea to escape. Because he was bleeding from the gunshot wound, it was likely that he attracted some of the ocean's rare venomous creatures.

He had been bitten, and after a narrow escape from death, he ended up both amnesiac and poisoned.

Her thoughts slowly coalesced, bringing order to the chaos before her.

Clearly, the middle-aged man was indeed related to Parker, showing genuine concern for him.

That day, when Barclay came to Emperor City looking for trouble and inadvertently revealed that Parker's maternal family was influential, seemingly close confidants of the president, Barclay boasted about getting Ludwik thrown into jail. And he had made good on his threat.

The police in Emperor City had been pressured by the president's office to arrest Ludwik.

Meaning, Parker's uncle was not only wealthy and influential but also possessed significant power!

Now, this uncle was hiding Parker here, nursing him back to health.

And he had misunderstood her intentions, thinking she was there to harm Parker.

How was she supposed to get out of this godforsaken place?

The most pressing matter was to get close to Parker, find a way to restore his memory, and clear up the misunderstanding with his uncle so they could leave.

She was anxious about not being able to return to Emperor City, worried that no one would expose Bryce, that scumbag, and what he might do to Whitney.

Moreover, if Ludwik couldn't find Parker, he would be charged with murder.

Oh, how she missed her daughter...

With tears in her eyes, Tiana stood up, feeling both wronged and panicked. She looked around the cell, wondering how she could escape and see Parker. She desperately wanted to know how he was doing. The priority was to heal him and help him remember her.

Tiana frantically searched the room until her eyes lit upon a vent in the cell wall...

-

In Emperor City, at the Nelson family mansion.

Shane drove home to make lunch for his daughter.

As he got out of the car, he saw Ludwik standing rigidly at his doorstep, obviously having waited for some time.

The man raised his eyebrows thoughtfully, debating whether to slip away now or continue home-

"Shane." Ludwik called out to him with a cold tone.

"Hey, Ludwik, what brings you here?"

Shane reluctantly got out of the car, walking over with the grace of a gentleman.

Ludwik, hearing the jest, said, "Mr. Nelson, everyone in Emperor City is kicking me when I'm down. I thought, despite our past disagreements, we were somewhat equal rivals, friends even. Do you really need to mock me?" "Oh... not at all. Just got used to calling you Ludwik," Shane touched his nose, not wanting to put on airs and sincerely added, "Besides, in my eyes, the current top dog of Harmonia Country, Jarvis, is nothing compared to you." Ludwik nodded, "The Nelson family, the Lippert family, the Sheldon family, these three have been reputable and upright for centuries. Regardless of their methods, at least their character and morals are upright. It's natural for you to look down on Jarvis' tactics." Shane, gauging Ludwik's expressionless face, thought to himself what a skilled negotiator the man was. Smirking, he said, "Whether I look down on him or not, I won't comment. It's the victor's world now, and I believe you, Ludwik, are fully aware of that. If there's nothing else, then I'll just..."

"Shane, let's not beat around the bush. I'm here to seek an alliance with you, to propose a real estate collaboration," Ludwik said, locking eyes with him.

Shane frowned.

He casually gestured with his hand, speaking sharply, "Ludwik, I respect your straightforwardness, but as things stand, the Lippert family doesn't have much to offer me in terms of partnership. Moreover, you're not the first to come seeking a collaboration. Jarvis tried both threats and enticements. If I, Shane, were afraid of that, I would have already sided with Jarvis to completely devour what's left of the Lippert family. I'm staying out of your feud. The Nelson Group doesn't need anyone, and nobody should count on us."

Ludwik's calm demeanor cracked into a smile, "The Nelson family, a powerhouse in Harmonia Country, has the right to say that. But you also know, once the Patrick Group swallows up the Lippert family, who will Wade target next? Especially when the Nelson Group, this juicy piece, doesn't dance to his tune? Wade is petty and calculating; having schemed against the Lippert family for thirty years, do you think he won't gradually target the Nelson family? The principle of mutual dependence is something the Nelson Group should understand more than anyone. You wouldn't want to be the next Lippert family, would you?"

"So, to avoid becoming the next Lippert family, I should help you rise to power?" Shane's casual demeanor hid a mocking tone, "Ludwik, we're both titans of industry; spare me the scare tactics."

Ludwik's lips curled, acknowledging Shane's insight. Despite Shane's usually pleasant demeanor, he had the cunning to lead the Nelson Group successfully at such a young age.

Narrowing his eyes, Ludwik said, "I'm not asking Mr. Nelson for charity. I'm asking you to choose between me and Jarvis, to back the horse you believe will win."

After all, in the future, it's either me or Jarvis who's going down!

Mr. Nelson seems to think he can stay out of this mess, but sooner or later, he'll get dragged into the fray.

Let me make one thing clear-if you're on my side, I swear I won't touch a dime of the Nelson family's fortune. But Jarvis, that sneaky wolf in sheep's clothing, you better watch out for him.

It's not about being afraid of not being able to beat him; it's about being afraid of him getting his claws into you." Shane squinted his eyes fiercely.

You've got to hand it to Ludwik; the man's a born threatener and persuader, hitting right where Shane's worries lie.

He might be able to stay neutral now, but as things stand, the Patrick Group will definitely seize any chance to start trouble with the Nelson Group.

Better to side with Ludwik than to inadvertently provoke Wade.

At least Ludwik's methods were something Shane could respect.

Far better than Jarvis, that amateur.

As long as Ludwik is around, his comeback is only a matter of time. But...

He still wasn't ready to be swayed by Ludwik just yet.

Shane let out a cold laugh, unmoved.

Just then-

A beautiful little munchkin ran out from inside, glanced at her daddy, then at the man next to him who was even more handsome than her daddy, and pouted, "Daddy, why are you and this uncle standing outside like you're in timeout?" Uncle... was she referring to him?

Ludwik turned his head to see a little girl who looked a lot like Shane.

He scowled.

"Ha." Shane looked at his bewildered daughter, couldn't help but laugh, "Ahem, Mr. Lippert, no offense. My daughter's just a kid. Besides, you might be looking a bit older these days!"

"Your daughter?" No wonder she looked so much like him.

Ludwik couldn't tell that Shane was young enough to have a daughter, but he remained unfazed.