Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 772

"Ronan grumbled with a frown, his mind working overtime. "Elodie, honey, I'll admit the kid had his moment in the sun, but look at him now. His family's down on their luck, and that's not the sort of match you want. Not to mention, I heard through the grapevine he's been married before." "Dad, you can't judge someone by their worst chapter. I believe in Ludwik. Anyone who's been to the top once can do it again. He's not the type to just give up. Besides, he's got that quiet confidence, a real go-getter."

Elodie was nonchalant, her optimism unshaken. "As long as a man's got the goods, a little help from us could easily get him back on his feet. He's no ordinary Joe."

Ronan had heard of Ludwik's capabilities and raised an eyebrow in thought.

Seeing her father silent, Elodie playfully tugged at his arm. "You're wise, Dad. Tell me, in all of Harmonia Country, how many can match Ludwik's savvy and experience? Who else could stabilize the Lippert family's fortunes in just two months? His recent setback? From what I gathered, it was nothing but a backstabbing plot.

If we play our cards right with him, who knows? He might just be your ticket to the presidency."

Ronan glanced around quickly, chastising her in a low voice, "What nonsense are you spouting now?

I haven't even secured the vice presidency yet."

Elodie hinted broadly, "But you will be vice president next year, right? Don't you want to aim higher? If you don't, Uncle Phineas might just take your place after the president steps down.

Do you really want to play second fiddle to him forever?"

Ronan's eyes twinkled with cunning. "So, you've really set your heart on him?

I won't stand in your way, but darling, did you miss the gossip in the hall? Ludwik's still hung up on his ex-wife..."

"Pfft. A Whitney she may be, but she's already married off. Harmless. Dad, as long as you're on board, I've got a plan to win him over," Elodie boasted confidently.

"Just don't do anything rash," Ronan sighed, forever at a loss with this daughter of his.

Considering her analysis, he thought Ludwik might indeed be worth a shot.

With that, he left her to it, turning away.

As soon as he was gone, Elodie's eyes narrowed, and she quickly beckoned a male server, whispering, "Slip this into Ludwik's drink later."

-

After Whitney drove Sienna away, she returned to the main hall, sticking close to Bryce's side.

She remained silent and inseparable, an arrangement that Bryce found incredibly restrictive.

He had many people to schmooze with tonight, and with her by his side, he had to maintain his gentlemanly facade.

This wasn't the time to reveal his true colors.

In Whitney's eyes, Bryce had always been the epitome of gentleness and refinement.

Bryce massaged his temples. "Whitney, why don't you go hang out with Ms. Turner? I saw her arrive with Mr. Nelson earlier. I'm afraid you'll be bored with me. Maybe you girls could have a chat over some snacks?" He was trying to get her to leave.

Whitney looked troubled. "But I'm your wife. It doesn't seem right to split up at a social event like this. Besides, Ludwik's here too. I wouldn't want any misunderstandings."

"I trust you," Bryce said, gazing at her affectionately.

If this had been before, Whitney might have believed him.

But ever since Phineas's party, where he used Ludwik as an excuse to leave her side and mingle with Ronan, Whitney knew he was just eager to rub elbows with the elite.

Not to mention... Audrey's death had left her with too many questions.

She stepped aside but kept her eyes on Bryce.

She watched as he immediately gravitated towards Ronan, seemingly inquiring about Phineas's absence. He was overly friendly, lighting cigarettes for Ronan and other dignitaries, his demeanor far from his usual restrained elegance. His smooth, ingratiating manner left Whitney feeling cold and disappointed.

Had Bryce always been wearing a mask in front of her?

Away from her sight, did he show his true colors? Ludwik had warned her that Bryce was not as he seemed...

"Mrs. Lutz, there you are," a maid approached, breaking her train of thought. "A Miss Sandy has been looking for you. She said she needs to speak with you."

Sandy?

Could it be she had found out something through Shane?

Whitney followed the maid with a mix of curiosity and skepticism, walking through the villa's garden towards the pool's back entrance.

The pool area was buzzing with the sounds of the wealthy youth socializing, singing, and barbecuing.

Just as Whitney reached the poolside, the maid abruptly stopped and, with surprising swiftness, turned and charged at Whitney. Startled, Whitney asked, "What are you doing..."

Before she could finish, the maid pushed her towards the pool.

Whitney's instincts kicked in, dodging to the side while tripping the maid, who plunged headfirst into the deep end of the pool. "Splash!"

The commotion and the splashing drew everyone's attention.

"What are you doing, jumping on me?" a man swimming in the pool collided with the falling maid.

Whitney, seizing the moment, cried out in a feigned panic, "Help! Someone's fallen in the water!" Several servants rushed over.

Whitney, however, strategically blocked their path, delaying the rescue.

Ludwik, hearing a familiar voice, quickly approached from the shadows, eyeing Whitney with concern. "Whitney, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Whitney replied, her irritation with him surfacing. "Thanks to your good fortune, I nearly ended up in the water. Lucky for me, I reacted quickly."

Ludwik's brows furrowed, confusion giving way to a darkening expression as he noticed the fallen maid - one of the Miller family's staff.

"What on earth is going on here?" Elodie rushed over, a look of concern plastered on her face, very much the lady of the manor.

She had fully expected to witness Whitney in a disheveled state, having fallen into the pool, engaged in a laughable embrace with some man.

Not only would this have been a scene of humiliation for Whitney, but it would also have branded her with the scandalous reputation of being a married woman behaving inappropriately, further pushing Ludwik to disdain her.

To her dismay, it was actually her own maid who ended up being fished out of the pool, looking all bedraggled. Elodie was so furious she felt like she could spit blood.

What added salt to the wound was seeing Ludwik rush to Whitney's side with such concern.

At that moment, Elodie's resentment towards Whitney deepened.

She had been looking everywhere for Ludwik, who seemed to be avoiding her, yet here he was, doting over that wretched woman.

It appeared she had underestimated Ludwik's fondness for Whitney!