Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Someone immediately echoed her sentiments.

Shane raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Well, in that case, we definitely need to check the surveillance footage. Let's make it so Ludwik can't argue. Ms. Patrick's grievances can't go unnoticed."

Ludwik smirked coldly, "I agree with checking the footage."

He had figured it out; Shane was on his side.

With Ludwik's agreement, Brielle deflated, casting a quick glance at Wade.

Wade stepped forward, offering Phineas a polite smile, "Mr. Wilson, let's call it a day. It's just some young folks causing a stir, gave me quite the headache. How about we go over there and have a drink? I was hoping to catch up with you."

Ludwik sneered at Wade, "Now that we're talking about checking the footage, you all back down. Weren't you all bashing me a moment ago? There's a word for that - guilt!"

Phineas frowned, deep in thought.

Wade's expression shifted.

Brielle, face flushing with anger, snapped, "Ludwik, I was only trying to avoid making things awkward for Mr. Nelson and Mr. Wilson. You turning this around on me is really low. I'm warning you, stay away from me next time, or I won't be so polite."

Jarvis, putting on airs, added, "Ludwik, if you dare to mess with my cousin again, you'll pay."

With that, they both quickly left the scene.

Because once the surveillance was checked, the truth would reveal Brielle's slander against Ludwik.

Jarvis shot Shane a dark look, not expecting him to intervene.

Their hasty departure made it obvious to everyone, though no one spoke up. After all, many were more interested in seeing Ludwik chased away in disgrace.

The clique that had been pushing Ludwik around found an excuse to leave as well.

For a moment, it was just Shane and Ludwik left, with Wade chatting up Phineas in the distance.

Ludwik calmed down, turning to Shane, "Thanks."

Beneath his stern brows, his eyes held a trace of dimness, realizing how quickly people turn against you when you're down.

"Ha, don't thank me. If it wasn't for her..." Shane began, then abruptly stopped, changing his tone, "I just couldn't stand seeing you bullied like that. Hard to believe you're the same Ludwik who used to be untouchable."

Ludwik's gaze grew colder, "Mock me if you will."

Shane paused, then patted him on the shoulder, "Wade and Jarvis's true colors are hard to ignore. They obviously got Brielle to frame you. Aren't you going to try and win Phineas over?"

Ludwik nodded, no need for Shane to say more.noveldrama

After Shane left, Ludwik pondered his words, then noticed Whitney standing away, her imposing figure stark against the crowd. She quickly looked away when their eyes met.

Ludwik suddenly understood something, his cold gaze warming, filled with an intense glow. He knew someone of Whitney's stature would attend this event, which was part of why he insisted on coming tonight.

Yet-

Ludwik's gaze returned to Phineas.

Surrounded by flatterers like Wade, even if Ludwik approached with a proposal, Phineas wouldn't give him the time of day, especially with Wade kicking him while he was down.

Perhaps, a quieter moment to meet Phineas alone would be better.

Moreover, Ludwik sensed something unusual in Phineas's look towards him, a hint of dislike.

For some reason?

Looking at Phineas's face again reminded him slightly of Parker...

Ludwik sighed inwardly. Parker, where are you now?

Meanwhile, Shane returned to Whitney's side.

"He's out of immediate trouble," Shane winked. "But Phineas seems to have a poor impression of Ludwik, didn't even give him a chance. With Wade eyeing the situation, it'll be tough for Ludwik to secure the deal."

Whitney was about to reply when she caught Ludwik's gaze from across the crowd, though she couldn't make out his expression, she quickly grew uncomfortable, "You didn't say anything weird to him, did you?"

"What, like telling him you asked me to help?" Shane teased, squinting, "But he's not dumb, he'll figure out you're worried about him eventually."

Worried about him?

Whitney bristled as if stung, glaring at him, "I am not worried about him!"

"Denial is just another form of admission." Shane, undeterred, leaned in closer, "I've been there, loved Sandy once, I get it. After all, he's someone you used to love. Seeing him in this state now, your feelings must be a tangled mess-hate mixed with pity, sympathy with conflict, a classic case of can't live with him, can't live without him..."

"Shut up," Whitney was fuming, wishing she could shut him up for good. "You talk a good game about feelings, why haven't you made your move on Sandy then? Too nosy for someone who's supposed to be the CEO of the Nelson Group."

Shane, feigning hurt, replied, "Here I am helping you, and I get trash talk in return."

"Don't play the good guy with me. I know you're siding with Ludwik because you can't stand the Patrick family," Whitney accused, well aware that no top business executive ever acted purely on emotion.

Shane might be genuine, but he had his motives.

"I'm done here; I'm off to find Bryce."

Whitney, tired of his mockery, quickly turned to leave, but she couldn't spot Bryce anywhere.

He had mentioned getting a drink earlier but hadn't returned.

Though she intended to find Bryce, Shane's words echoed in her mind.

Was she really worried about Ludwik?

Back when she absolutely despised him, during those days trapped on the island, she even cursed him to drown in the treacherous waters of Demon's Eye, wishing upon him a future of utter ruin.

Yet, when that day actually arrived, seeing him kicked while he was down by those people, everyone daring to mock him, she didn't feel the satisfaction she thought she would. Her emotions were tangled, complex.

But worry for him? That was out of the question.

How could she, of all people, feel pity for him? At best, her concern was for the sake of their two sons, not wanting their father to end up too pitifully. After a thorough search, Whitney finally found Bryce in a study on the second floor of the mansion, facing the world outside.

He was entertaining a few men dressed in sharp suits, reminiscent of high-powered politicians.

Among those men, Whitney's gaze immediately locked onto Ronan. The others, undoubtedly, were also men of significant influence and power. Bryce was trying a bit too hard to please, laughing and joking with them. He sat at a lower position at the tea table, occasionally picking up the pot to respectfully serve tea to these distinguished guests. His overt flattery felt alien to Whitney.

She paused, her steps silent, unaccustomed to seeing Bryce in such a sycophantic light.

In her memory, Bryce was always dignified and modest, a man of integrity who claimed to live by his principles. But now, he was clearly groveling before these individuals.