Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 820

The moment Ludwik announced his plan to invest a staggering five hundred billion in the Sheldon Group, it was clear that the Lippert family's latest innovation was about to hit the market big time.

His scheme would not only derail Sheldon's ongoing deal with the Inko Group but also set the stage for a perfect pincer move against them.

Ludwik mentioned this so casually, it was almost frightening.

Whitney froze, her gaze locked on his impassive face. She suddenly understood why Ludwik was dubbed the king of commerce. When he aimed to take someone down, it wasn't with petty schemes. No, he planned to uproot them entirely, leaving them blindsided. This realization sent a cold shiver down Whitney's spine, making her feel like she was staring down the apocalypse.

Bryce was dead set on swallowing Sheldon whole.

Yet, Ludwik's tactic could turn Bryce's seemingly victorious position into his own grave.

Tiana was utterly gobsmacked. The Sheldon Group, which seemed on the verge of collapse, was now poised to blackmail Bryce, thanks to Ludwik's machinations. "Talk about a mastermind, Ludwik. You've really outdone yourself this time. Bryce, blinded by greed, might just fall into your trap."

"He's bitten off more than he can chew and now he's in too deep. Just follow my lead, Whitney," Ludwik said, taking a sip from his ice-cold beer and setting down the glass.

Whitney, finding new direction in his words, nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders. The frustration that had been building up inside her began to dissipate, "Alright, I'll get in touch with Cody. We'll start with a little shareholder drama to stir up some internal chaos within Sheldon. Let's get that investment contract drafted."

Ludwik's smirk was all the answer Whitney needed, his thick brows lifting in amusement, "Quick on the uptake, as always. No wonder you're my girl."

Tiana: "..."

Parker: ""

Including a blushing Whitney: "...Really, Ludwik? Now's not the time for your flirting. We've got bigger fish to fry."

With the situation in disarray, Whitney was on edge.

And there was Ludwik, shamelessly seizing the moment to make his move.

"Ahem, after our little scandal, even if the media tears me apart, the whole country knows you've remained faithful, not letting Bryce lay a finger on you. Your marriage is doomed, and where else would you turn but back to me? You're mine," Ludwik claimed with unwavering confidence and a dash of audacity.

Whitney's cheeks flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment.

Tiana scoffed, stepping in front of Whitney, "Who says she's out of options? Whitney's the heiress of the Sheldon Group. Once she steadies the ship and takes Bryce down, she could very well enjoy her life surrounded by young, vibrant companions. Far better than enduring someone like you, a washed-up has-been."

Ludwik: "..."

If it weren't for Tiana's role as Whitney's supportive friend, Ludwik would have gladly shown her the door.

Danny, eager to defend his dad, was disheartened by Tiana's suggestion of Whitney remaining single. "Tiana, how could you wish a life of solitude on my mom? That's just cruel!"

"Danny, don't twist my words. I'm saying your mom should enjoy her life, not rush back into your dad's arms," Tiana retorted, her gaze on the little schemer.

"But mom needs dad right now, to strategize against Bryce. With dad's brains, they'll rebuild their love stronger than ever. Please, Tiana, don't stand in their way just because you're single," Danny argued, his logic sharp for his age.

Tiana, chased by an indignant Danny, couldn't help but admire Whitney's fortune. Even without Ludwik, Whitney's life was filled with love and warmth, something Bryce could never tarnish.

The ringing of Ludwik's phone interrupted their banter. As he reached to answer, Whitney caught a glimpse of the caller ID - Elodie.

Whitney's playful jab about the call from Elodie, the Miller heiress, didn't go unnoticed. Ludwik knew Whitney too well; her jest hid her true feelings.

"You jealous?" Ludwik teased, his voice a blend of amusement and challenge.

"Jealous? I'd be thrilled to see you and Elodie together. Imagine, becoming Ronan Miller's son-in-law might even be a quicker route to taking down the Patricks than any deal with Inko," Whitney retorted, her tone light yet laced with sarcasm. "Are you mocking me?" Ludwik's gaze turned icy, a chill spreading through the air, "Do you see me as someone who'd climb the ladder using a woman's influence?"

"I never said that, but keeping Elodie's number and even tagging it says a lot," Whitney argued with logic, feeling uneasy about him having Elodie's number saved.

One moment he's all about winning her back, the next, he's flipping the script.

Men, they're all the same.

Ludwik looked genuinely wronged, "That was the night I saved her, and I had to exchange numbers with her for the police report. I just forgot to delete it afterward... Fine, my bad!

But I'm not answering, okay? Don't be mad. There's absolutely nothing between me and Elodie, I even managed to offend her publicly."

"Just answer it, see what she wants," Whitney said, now clearly jealous.

She wanted to see if Ludwik was telling the truth about cutting ties with Elodie.

Ludwik was at his wit's end, the phone in his hand felt like a hot potato. Answering it was trouble, not answering was worse.

He felt a hint of being whipped, the consequences of trying to win his wife back.

A wife must not be upset, or she won't come back.

He pressed the answer button and cleared his throat coldly, "Elodie, I don't want to keep in touch! Just hang up..."

"But I've missed you, Mr. Lippert! I haven't seen you in two weeks, you could at least check on me." Elodie's voice was a mix of anger and coquetry. Ludwik was speechless.

Whitney gave him a mocking glance, full of meaning.

Meanwhile, Parker and Tiana, they hit the pause button on life, turning their full attention towards the drama, the quintessential audience.

Great, Ludwik thought, feeling trapped. Elodie was going to be the death of him.