Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 291

At first, Ludwik seemed somewhat fair about Jaxon's situation, which nearly convinced Whitney that he wasn't a complete jerk.

She almost believed that he was clueless about her uncle's case and was just misused by Elaine's influence. But in a flash, any shred of goodwill evaporated.

Just as Whitney was about to step up and confront them, Bryce gently pulled her back, shielding her behind him. He winked at her, as if to say, "Do you really need to get involved?"

Bryce then put himself between Whitney and Ludwik, his disdain evident. "Mr. Lippert, among those present, who's really in need of a billion? This establishment's owner certainly doesn't need your billion. Sorry to burst your bubble, but I happen to own a bit of it, not much, just 90%. So, Mr. Lippert and your fiancée, you can see yourselves out!"

With that, he elegantly gestured towards the door. Whitney couldn't help but smirk, recognizing the dismissal as one would shoo away an unwelcome pet.

Ludwik, with his icy gaze unflinching, shot back at Bryce, "Mr. Lutz seems to have forgotten the terror of the prison incident at Emperor City three years ago. Or perhaps, you're itching for a repeat? Flaunting your strength in front of a lady requires weighing your own capabilities."

Elaine, proudly clinging to her man, chimed in, "Ludwik, Mr. Lutz is just trying to impress Ms. Valentine, provoking you because he can't handle a scolding. It seems Ms. Valentine has quite the handle on her man."

Her backhanded compliments added fuel to the fire, stirring up drama.

Whitney glanced coldly at her, retorting with a smirk, "Unlike Elaine, who after three years, is still meekly nodding along to Mr. Lippert, I guess I do know how to handle men better."

Bryce raised an eyebrow, squeezing her hand a little tighter, playing along, "Exactly. I've been wanting to make you my wife, which is probably the worst-kept secret in Banyan City. But your heart's in your career. Unlike Elaine, who's lost her career focus, solely fixated on marriage, yet here you are, three years later, still not married?" Elaine's face turned a shade of green. This pair, mocking her with their banter.

Feeling her blood boil, she was about to spur Ludwik into action. Bryce, with a cold glance towards Ludwik, said, "How could I forget the prison disaster three years ago? I'd gladly invite Mr. Lippert for a cup of 'tea' inside. As for my capabilities, Mr. Lippert is welcome to test them."

His tone left no room for doubt about his disregard for Ludwik. Since Bryce took the helm, the Lutz Group had seen remarkable growth over these three years.

Whitney couldn't care less about their squabble, "The executives are waiting, Bryce, let's go. Let's not let irrelevant people ruin our celebration."

"Who's irrelevant?"

"Whitney, stop right there."

Her arm was suddenly gripped with force, pulling her off balance, nearly into Ludwik's arms. Thankfully, she steadied herself against a wall, her patience wearing thin, "Mr. Lippert, enough with the public manhandling. Have you no end?"

Ludwik, already darkened by their snide remarks, couldn't hide his irritation. She was reclaiming Skye Gem Ltd., soaring high. Her confidence seemed unshakable. His gaze lingered on her, from her carefully applied makeup to her fiery red lips and her poised demeanor, undeniable and imposing.

He couldn't stand seeing her so close with Bryce. Purposely making it difficult, he asked, "Have you sorted out the divorce papers yet?" He was sure she'd play games, not wanting a quick divorce. "So keen on running the company with your new man, aren't you afraid I'll sue you into bankruptcy..."

"Mr. Lippert, rest assured, I've got my legal bases covered. The divorce application is with the registry; after a seven-day cooling-off period, the papers will be mailed to you!" Whitney stated firmly.

Owning Skye Gem Ltd. now, she couldn't risk Ludwik meddling if their marriage still stood. Initially, she considered dangling the divorce papers over Elaine's head for spite. But now, with Elaine's complications, Whitney felt it unnecessary to stir more trouble. She coldly glanced at their varied reactions, "Satisfied?"

Elaine, though burdened with her own issues, felt a weight lift at the news. Ludwik was finally getting a divorce! Marrying him would now be effortless. However, Ludwik didn't share the joy of impending divorce documents. His gaze fixed on Whitney, filled with surprise and an unexplained panic tightening around his heart. Wasn't she supposed to be manipulative? Why the sudden straightforwardness? Could it be she had indeed secured Bryce as her next move?

Unwillingly, a suffocating heaviness filled him, even though he wanted to be rid of her. But why, at this moment, was there no sense of relief, perhaps even a hint of pain? Lost in his thoughts, Ludwik's brows furrowed deeply... Meanwhile, Whitney turned away, walking side by side with Bryce towards their reserved spot. Elaine glared at Whitney's retreating figure, her mind racing back to the urgent issue at hand - Jaxon was a significant problem! Meanwhile, Whitney and Bryce were quietly strategizing, "This case with my uncle, we're officially at war with Elaine."

"She's panicking now, sure to inform the Bartels family that Jaxon didn't escape."

"We won't get anything out of Jaxon by pressing him; he thinks Elaine will protect him."

Bryce frowned, "My security can't hold him for long. The Bartels family will replace a reason to alert the authorities, claiming I've unlawfully detained an employee of the Bartels Group. They'll use it as a pretext to take him back." When the Bartels family whisked Jaxon away, Whitney instantly feared the worst: death. Dead men tell no tales, and with Jaxon silenced, all truths would be buried with him. Yet, Jaxon himself didn't see it this way; he was sure to seek refuge with Elaine. Whitney's thoughts flickered through her piercing blue eyes. "Bryce, dig up anything you can replace on Jaxon - any misdemeanor will do. We need to get the cops to bring him in for questioning. That'll keep him tied up and out of the Bartels' reach!" Bryce caught on immediately. This would make it much harder for the Bartels family to covertly deal with Jaxon.

"But, this is hardly a permanent solution," he frowned. "Sooner or later, the Bartels are going to grease some palms at the station and make their move there."

Whitney's lips curved into a cold smirk. "Of course, this isn't about protecting Jaxon for the long haul. He's Elaine's lapdog, and I intend to make him see the dire straits he's in, forcing him to make a 'wise' decision. Keeping him at the station ensures the Bartels can't just snap him up," Whitney made a snapping gesture with her fingers, "This buys us time for my uncle's blood tests and to probe into the prison guards and those inmates who gave statements. There's bound to be a trail of hefty, unexplained payments flowing into their family's pockets."

Bryce nodded in understanding, "This really is the best move. We'll lie low and watch the Bartels family's next step, ready to catch them off guard!"