Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

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Chapter 130
“Mom, he dumped me right out in the open. He sent me packing back home. He used to put up with me for the sake of the
business, but now, because of that tramp Whitney... I was thinking of showing him the half of the ring that proves I’m the one
who saved his life all those years ago. He won’t be able to leave me then!”
Delphine looked at the half–ring in her daughter’s hand and shook her head. “Good thing you had the sense to come home and
ask me. It’s not the right time now.”
“But Whitney has stolen him from me! Give it a few more days, and he might fall for that bitch. I can’t stand it!”
“If you show him that half–ring now, pretending to be his savior while he’s disappointed in you, at best, he’ll feel financially
indebted. You still won’t win him back. Just wait. Ludwik is meant to be yours. You don’t know, Whitney has an uncle.”
At that, Delphine smiled, her eyes sharp with calculation, “You think it’s a coincidence that Skye Gem and Imperial Gem are at
odds? Her uncle will show up sooner or later. When they fight, the prize will be yours for the taking. Whitney and him won’t last
long.
All you need to do is wait for the perfect moment to reveal the half–ring, and he’ll be entirely yours.”
Elaine kind of understood; the moment would be when Whitney and Ludwik fell out.
Did that mean her mother was sure that Whitney and Ludwik would split?
Elaine walked over and hugged Delphine, voicing her doubts. “Mom, how do you know about Whitney’s uncle? Are you really
that familiar with her family drama?”
Delphine hesitated, then playfully tapped her daughter’s nose. “You’re smart. Strive for a position at the branch office; it’ll keep
you connected to him. You have your inside man at the headquarters, and returning to Banyan City is only a matter of time.
Ludwik is a catch you must secure.”
Elaine nodded. Her mother had said when sending her to Ludwik’s side that his true identity was more than just being the third
son of the Lippert family, though even he was unaware of it, and that she must hold on tight to Ludwik.
In the Banyan City, the Lippert family study.
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Kaden was in a rage. “You publicly ditched Elaine for that Whitney? The ties between the Lippert family and the Bartels are
intricate. You explain it to Zane Bartels!”
“Ludwik, this is indecent of you. Where do you leave Elaine’s dignity? She’s been loyal to you for years!” Zane challenged.
Ludwik, poised and detached, remained unfazed.
The vortex in his eyes was enough to slightly intimidate the two elder gentlemen,
He said coldly, “Elaine and I privately called off our engagement years ago. I’ve made it clear to Delphine. You’re the ones using
your family’s power to deny it. Any compensation I owe, I’ll pay in full.”
“Ludwik, without the Bartels‘ support, you’d better watch your back,” Zane said with a meaningful sneer before leaving.
Kaden sat brooding in silence for a while before finally lifting his gaze, a calculating pressure in his eyes. “Either get rid of
Whitney and bring back Elaine so we maintain ties with the Bartels, and I’ll ensure your place at Imperial Gem Corporation, or...
Without the Bartels, I won’t consider you for the heir. Your brother will take over the company.”
That last remark was most likely what he truly wanted to say today.
Ludwik had no expectations of his father.
1/3
19:09

With eyes cold as ice, he smiled. “When Imperial Gern Corporation was handed to me, it was bankrupt. If Orion thinks he can
take over a top global company now, let him try. Both the company and the woman, I’ll have!”
“You’re declaring war against the Lippert family over a woman?” Kaden slammed his hand on the table, standing up
“Yes,” Ludwik replied slowly, his voice as if emerging from the depths of hell.
Kaden’s eyes darkened.
Outside the study, Rylie, having eavesdropped, quickly retreated to her room and dialed a number.
After a moment, a young, handsome voice laced with mischief answered, “Mom, what’s up?”
“Orion, there’s a storm brewing in the Lippert family. Your brother is willing to forsake the Bartels for a woman. It’s time to end
your studies abroad and come home, son,”
Rylie clenched her fist, her eyes alight with anticipation.
After years of lying low, her opportunity was finally nearing.
“Sure,” the voice on the other end chuckled lightly, casual and carefree, “Bro’s got a girl named Whitney? I’ve recently met
someone interesting too, not a Valentine, but a Tennyson.”
Rylie did not grasp the connection in her son’s words.
But with her son returning, she felt secure. Under Ludwik’s leadership, Imperial Gem Corporation had grown stronger, solidifying

the Lippert family’s position as the foremost family in Banyan City.Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

But he was just Natalie’s son, the frail one, not the favored child of Kaden!
Her son, Orion, was the true heir, and Imperial Gem Corporation must belong to him.
Whitney waited at the villa until the man returned the next night.
The winter chill permeated the air as he walked in, weary: He removed his handcrafted leather shoes and tie, revealing the
redness in his eyes from exhaustion.
Whitney stood up, her small frame watching his towering figure in silence.
Suddenly, she dashed toward him, wrapping her tiny arms around his lean, chiseled waist.
Whitney looked up at him with concern in her eyes. “What’s going on? Is your family putting a lot of pressure on you?”
The man was silent, his fingers gently lifting her chin.
Their eyes locked, his gaze narrow, fierce, and profound.
Without warning, he captured her lips in a passionate kiss.
Whitney was forced to tilt her head back as he kissed her fervently, his masculine vigor mingled with an alluring scent of tobacco.
The next moment, she found herself pinned against the wall.
The coat rack tumbled to the ground, along with various other items, creating a clatter.
After a long moment, their breaths uneven, he released her slightly, his gaze Intense and his hold on her hand
still firm.
He kept her petite frame pressed against the cabinet, her body soft and intoxicating to him.
Ludwik held her gaze, his fingers tracing her cheeks as if trying to peer into her soul. He arched a brow and said, “I hope you’re
worth it.”
Chapter 130
A thud resonated in Whitney’s chest at his words, her heart pounding fiercely.

Her blood seemed to warm and stir.
7 like you, L” she confessed, boldly yet shyly stepping into his embrace.
“Because I let Elaine go?” He asked, his brow arching coolly.
“No, but it moved me even more. You finally gave me a place of importance in your heart.” That had always been Whitney’s
concern.
In a swift motion, he scooped her up, his eyes deep and determined, and headed for the bathroom.
Whitney nestled her head against his broad shoulder, murmuring, “You were gone all day, and I know it was not simple. I
understand Elaine’s significance in your family; I can’t match her background. From what your brother said, I know my status
burdens you. But I want to be the woman who can support you.”
His handsome jaw set firmly. “Are you mocking me, suggesting my success depends on a woman?”
“No!” Whitney trembled before quickly explaining, “Being part of the Valentine family, I’m all too aware of the family struggles,
how unavoidable they are.”
She felt for him.
He understood then. “You want to contribute, to help me?”.