Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



The bodyguard was making his way towards her.

Tiana sprang to her feet in an instant, grabbing the IV drip tube and wrapping it around the bodyguard's neck!

"Lady, what are you trying to do..."

"Shh. Nothing much, I just want a word with your boss," Tiana threatened immediately. "Best not to fight back, or it'll be bad news for you if I get hurt. I'm the only one with the antidote.

I can't exactly run away, can I?"

Caught off guard, the bodyguard hesitated, and Tiana seized the opportunity to dash out and lock the door behind her.

Tiana scanned her surroundings, still intent on escaping. Suddenly, she heard voices coming from the room next door in the corridor.

Approaching, she noticed the study's door was slightly ajar.

A person looking like a secretary was reporting to a middle-aged man, "Mr. Wilson, ever since you've been spotted in Emperor City, numerous companies have been inquiring about Inko Group.

These companies are eager to collaborate with Inko Group, probably having heard of your backing by the president and your vast wealth.

Among the companies submitting their proposals, the Patrick Group is the most formidable, followed by the Nelson Group, and the newly risen Lutz Group.

Additionally, the Lippert family has also approached us, with Ludwik seeking a partnership."

"Ludwik?" Phineas reacted with anger, "After what he did to Parkie, he's got some nerve!"

Pausing for a moment, he commanded, "At the Brew Hill banquet in a few days, Ludwik is not welcome.

Also, return the Lippert family's proposal immediately; they don't qualify for collaboration.

I've heard about Ludwik's philandering ways and how he ruined his own family's fortune by eloping with someone else's bride. If he doesn't fall, who will?"

Phineas's tone was disdainful, exuding an air of superiority as if Ludwik was beneath his notice.

Outside, Tiana listened in on their conversation. Inko Group?

She reassessed the middle-aged man, noting his aura of untouchable nobility.

Inko Group... that sounded familiar. She recalled Felix mentioning it.

Back then, when they were searching for Parker, she overheard that the Lippert family, in dire straits, sought a partnership with a major corporation. Could it be that this middle-aged man was the chairman of Inko Group? Such a significant figure!

And he was Parker's uncle, no less.

So, the company Ludwik sought to collaborate with was Parker's family business?

The extent of Parker's family background was unexpectedly... formidable.

After circling around, he turned out to be a major player behind the scenes?noveldrama

Tiana's face turned ashen, a surge of resentment towards the wealthy swirling in her mind.

However... they seemed to be discussing a banquet, explicitly barring Ludwik and discarding the Lippert family's proposal, denying Ludwik any chance of redemption.

Though it was that scoundrel's own fault for harming Whitney.

But then, wasn't the Lutz Group among the competitors? Wasn't that Bryce's company?

Moreover, it appeared Phineas might prioritize the Patrick Group.

Bryce and Jarvis were in cahoots, having captured her and thrown her into the sea that day! Tiana shivered with rage.

No, she couldn't let the Patrick Group or the Lutz Group secure a partnership with Inko Group!

If Bryce grew stronger, no one could counter him, and he'd have free rein over Whitney, even swallowing up the Sheldon Group to get back at her. Tiana's resolve hardened suddenly; perhaps it was better to help Ludwik rise to power, using him as a counterbalance to Bryce. Maybe Ludwik was the only one who could match Bryce's cunning and deceit. If Ludwik could turn his fortunes around, he might rescue Whitney from Bryce's clutches. With that thought, Tiana impulsively barged in, "Mr. Wilson, right?

Are you the chairman of Inko Group?

I must tell you, you've got Ludwik all wrong.

Don't buy into the gossip from Emperor City; the Lippert Group's downfall isn't as straightforward as it seems. And Ludwik's bad reputation is a smear campaign by the Patrick family.

He was framed; he never harmed Parker! I know Ludwik and Parker, and I was even closer with Parker before. I'm not defending Ludwik without cause, I swear!

Please don't misunderstand Ludwik any longer. He once had the keenest technology for chip development.

If the Lippert family were to collaborate with Inko Group, it would surely be a win-win. Ludwik's capabilities won't disappoint you.

I plead with you, don't rush to push him out.

I understand the Patrick family and the Lutz Group better than you do; they're not good news!

Please, reconsider your stance on Ludwik, will you?"

Phineas, overwhelmed by this girl's sudden intrusion and barrage of words, stared at her blankly.

After regaining his composure, his eyebrows knitted together in fury, "You're clearly in cahoots with Ludwik. How much did he pay you to come and try to brainwash me?

Do you think I, a significant business magnate, lack the ability to discern the truth?"

"I..." Tiana struggled to explain further, feeling powerless.

"Cut the crap!" Phineas glared at her, his voice icy. "You really don't know when you're well off, do you? I might have been willing to treat you, but that doesn't give you the right to push your luck. I've treated you with respect by not chaining you up.

And you dared to run away again?

Guards! Seize her. It seems you're well enough now. Back to the dungeon with you."

Tiana's face paled slightly.

Just then, the butler rushed in, wiping sweat from his brow. "Sir, as soon as night fell, Master Parker's fever spiked again. His temperature shot up to 107 degrees Fahrenheit, and his condition is truly alarming.

His episodes are becoming more frequent and severe. He's smashed everything in his room.

Perhaps... perhaps the lady here..."

The butler cast a complex glance at Tiana.

Phineas, frustrated and furious, was forced to swallow his anger and awkwardly turned to Tiana. "Butler, hold off on taking her to the dungeon." Tiana was utterly confused.

She also couldn't help but frown. It had been less than 12 hours, and Parker's fever had returned?

But this time, she wasn't going to help him. Let this man suffer the consequences of his own folly.

"Miss," Phineas suddenly became more pleasant, approaching Tiana gently. "You mentioned earlier that you and Parker used to get along quite well.

His condition is worsening with each episode. You couldn't possibly bear to watch him suffer like this, could you?"

Tiana was dumbfounded by his rapid change of demeanor. Just a moment ago, who was it that wanted to throw her in a dungeon?

"Hmph, don't even think about using me again.

I've been a fool once; that's enough. Do I look like I've lost my mind to walk into that trap a second time?

Besides, it's not like he's going to die from it. At worst, he'll just end up with a fever brain or something." Tiana crossed her arms, her expression cold and unyielding.