Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



She never expected the man to just swoop her into his arms without a word, his strong limbs enveloping her in a tight embrace.

In the darkness, she could feel his muscular build - he was incredibly strong, easily lifting her up. Dodging flames with agile moves straight out of an action movie.noveldrama

Elodie had to admit, her young, restless heart fluttered open in an instant.

The name Ludwik had been familiar to her ears since she studied abroad six months ago.

Her friends had all been buzzing about the return of the Lippert family's breathtaking heir, dubbed the most eligible bachelor in Harmonia Country.

In just a few months, Ludwik had expanded the Lippert legacy even further.

Then, the Lippert family faced a scandal, and Ludwik was vilified, accused of being a womanizer and even abducting a bride.

At that time, she didn't pay much attention; after all, she was barely in her twenties and still in school.

But tonight, in a life-or-death moment, she saw this stranger and noble man in a new light.

He was nothing like the rumors painted him to be. His gaze was firm, showing no signs of defeat.

In her heart, he was filled with charm, providing a sense of security to any woman, for he was strong, wise, and profound.

Elodie finally understood what love at first sight meant.

Yet Ludwik seemed oblivious to Elodie's tumultuous feelings.

He merely gave her a casual glance, too indifferent to even acknowledge her thanks.

"As long as the victims are safe, that's all that matters!"

At that moment, Phineas approached with long strides, his gaze shifting from cold to surprised upon seeing Ludwik, eventually muttering, "Ludwik, we owe you one for keeping her safe tonight."

Otherwise, the death of Ronan's daughter at his housewarming would have been on him, possibly ending years of friendship with Ronan and creating a rift.

"Mr. Wilson, no thanks needed. But the explosion was odd."

Ludwik's sharp gaze reminded Phineas, "Each estate in Brew Hill invests millions annually in security. A household explosion, especially without gas appliances, is highly suspicious. Even in case of a malfunction, the villa's emergency systems should've provided enough time to escape. But tonight's explosion was too sudden!"

"I will look into it," Phineas nodded, a promise to Ronan and his wife.

"Hmph. I suspect it was an attempt on my life," Ludwik scoffed suddenly, "Perhaps even dragging Ronan's daughter into it."

The room fell silent at his words.

If someone was targeting Ludwik, the first suspects would be the Patrick family, especially after their obvious schemes at the party.

Now, with Ludwik's influence waning, no one dared offend the Patrick family openly.

Phineas and Ronan's expressions soured. Was it a deliberate act?

Phineas told Ludwik, "I'll thoroughly investigate this. I heard you were injured; let the ambulance take you to the hospital."

"No need." Ludwik moved his arm, then confidently presented a document to Phineas, "Mr. Wilson, after tonight, I hope you see I'm not as bad as rumored. Could you please review the Lippert family's proposal at your convenience?"

Caught off guard, Phineas squinted, realizing Ludwik's opportunistic timing.

Phineas smirked, "Are you using your life to hand me documents?"

"I hope for a fair assessment of all companies seeking partnership."

Ludwik remained calm.

After a moment, Phineas snatched the document, a tacit acceptance, "I'll give you this much consideration, but don't expect much from the Lippert family. They're subpar."

"I'll take my leave then," Ludwik said coldly, turning away.

Whitney, who had been silent, watched his departing figure until it vanished.

Shane, equally relieved Ludwik survived, detested the idea of the Patrick family gloating.

"Feeling better now that he's alive?" Shane teased Whitney.

Whitney glared back, then frowned, "Was Ludwik right? Was the explosion intentional, aimed at killing him?"

"Likely so. You could even suspect the Patrick family, but whether others are involved against Ludwik remains unseen," Shane replied sharply. Whitney shuddered at the thought. The Patrick family, so desperate to eliminate Ludwik, dared to sabotage Mr. Wilson's event?

Lost in thought, she was jolted back to reality by Shane's nudge.

Outside the villa, Shane pointed at Elodie, "Think she's fallen for Ludwik?"

"Who knows? I don't care," Whitney responded coldly, though she too noticed Elodie's peculiar gaze at Ludwik.

In the end, it was that infuriating man, playing the hero even at life's edge. How did he not end up a casualty? Whitney brooded with frustration.

Whitney and Shane had just reached the parking lot when the guy she had been mentally tearing apart a moment ago was now standing quietly under a dim streetlight. The faint light sliced into his dark pupils as he stood, hands in pockets, lazily yet intensely staring at Whitney.

It was as if he could see right into the depths of her soul, catching her completely off guard.

"Ludwik..." Shane raised an eyebrow with a smirk.

Whitney quickly averted her gaze, pressing her lips together in a cool, indifferent manner, acting as if she hadn't seen him at all as they passed by. Suddenly, her slender arm was gently caught by a large hand.

Ludwik, with his lips slightly curved in a seductive manner, approached her. Within a few strides, his tall frame and masculine scent enveloped her. "Step aside," Whitney said, her voice cold and sharp.

She moved towards Shane.

Ludwik stepped to the left.

She dodged to the right.

But the man relentlessly blocked her way again.

"Are you done?" Shane finally spoke up, unable to watch this old dog's antics any longer.

"Who asked Mr. Nelson to play third wheel? Can't you see I want to have a word with her alone?

Interfering in others' love life, be careful it doesn't backfire on your own," Ludwik said, his voice dripping with disdain.

"..." Damn it, Shane thought, regretting his concern for this jerk; it was like throwing pearls before swine.

However, thinking of his own relationship with Sandy, he felt threatened by Ludwik's words.

With a dark look, he reluctantly glanced at Whitney, "I'll head to the car first. If this jerk bothers you, just yell for me."