Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 306

In the executive office of Lutz Enterprises.

Bryce picked up the phone, and on the other end, the voice said, "Mr. Lutz, just spotted that after Elaine found out Ludwik headed to South City, she took off to South City with the kid." "Uh-huh." Bryce responded, sinking deeper into his chair, his voice cool and composed, "Wait for my next instruction."

The reason he had suggested to Whitney to take Sammy to South City last night was his hunch that if Ludwik went, Elaine wouldn't be far behind.

Bryce wanted those two kids together... his goal was for Elaine to replace out.

Ludwik and Whitney alone in South City did worry him! But then, there was Elaine.

He was certain nothing would happen between Whitney and Ludwik.

The man pursed his lips, deep in thought.

---

Nighttime.

Outside the grand ballroom of the summit, luxury cars lined up.

A sleek Bentley pulled up, and a pair of long legs emerged.

Ludwik, in a sharp black suit, made a striking appearance. His handsome profile and authoritative demeanor instantly captivated everyone around. Among the dazzled gazes of the women, Elaine stepped out of a Maserati, heels clicking.

"Ludwik..." she called out softly.

Ludwik turned, his brows knitting at her unexpected presence, "What brings you to South City?"

"Danny was sick, and I was worried I couldn't handle it alone. He kept asking for daddy, so I had no choice but to bring him here to replace you."

She approached him, her expression anxious. Ludwik noted her simple attire and bare face, obviously not dressed for the summit.

It didn't seem like an act.

His expression softened, concern in his voice, "Where's Danny now?"

"I've settled Danny in the hotel. Felix mentioned you had the summit to attend, and I didn't want to disturb you..."

Elaine stepped aside, thoughtful as always.

Just then, an intrigued CEO asked, "Mr. Lippert, who might this lady be?"

Elaine, poised and graceful, remained silent, looking to Ludwik.

Ludwik, with a slight frown, eventually wrapped an arm around her waist and introduced her to the others, "This is my fiancée."

"The future Mrs. Lippert! I've heard much about Elaine," the CEO complimented.

Elaine smiled lightly, "Pleased to meet you."

"Since you're here, come on in with me."

With everyone watching, Ludwik couldn't send her away now.

"What about my outfit? Won't I embarrass you?" Elaine asked with a gentle smile.

"You're the Bartels heiress, who would dare say you're a disgrace."

Ludwik, dead serious, took her by the wrist and led her inside.

Upon entering, they immediately became the center of attention, with Ludwik's undeniable charm and esteemed status in the business world evident to all.

Elaine's lips curved in a proud smile, basking in the adulation, her eyes searching for Whitney with a hint of challenge.

Then, at the entrance, the room fell momentarily silent.

A stunning figure in a black sequined mermaid gown made an entrance, her off-shoulder design accentuating her delicate collarbones and her dark hair cascading over one shoulder, swaying with each step in her high heels.

Her appearance silenced the room for a moment, followed by murmurs of admiration.

"Since when did South City have such a beauty?" the men marveled.

The other women, immediately feeling overshadowed, whispered, "Who is she, looking all high and mighty?"

"You don't know her? That's Whitney, the CEO of Skye Gem Ltd., back in the spotlight after a high-profile IPO. Rumored to be Ludwik's ex, vanished for three years only to return as the head designer of Royal Jewelry Company. Despite the mixed reputation, her talent and stunning presence are undeniable."

"Ah, didn't Elaine also make her entrance earlier? But next to Whitney, she seems... less dazzling."

"Hush, keep it down. After all, age and grace are in Whitney's favor here."

Elaine, standing by Ludwik, caught every word, her face turning a shade of green with envy.

She looked down at her own simple attire, chosen to make a point in front of Ludwik.

How could she lose to someone like Whitney?

The comments about her age and appearance were like salt on her wounds. Elaine was indeed older than Whitney, and the years away from the spotlight, focusing on being a lady of leisure, had left their mark.

Clutching her hands tightly, she was desperate to regain her standing in Ludwik's eyes.

But when she looked up, she saw Ludwik's gaze fixed on Whitney.

From the moment Whitney entered, Ludwik's eyes had been locked on her, taking in her stunning transformation.

Cursing inwardly, Ludwik's jaw clenched as he realized every man in the room was staring at her... and he was furious at the thought.

Yet, it was Elaine who felt the brunt of his dark mood.

Trying to regain his attention, Elaine lamented with a hint of jealousy, "Ludwik, Ms. Valentine looks breathtaking tonight, doesn't she? She must have put in a lot of effort. Unlike me, too busy with Danny to care about appearances." Ludwik's attention was reluctantly pulled back to her.

He glanced at her feigned distress, murmuring half-heartedly, "A mother who thinks of her son first is a good mother."

He thought back to Whitney's anxious care for Danny in the restroom.

Heh, all an act.

Just two days had passed, and it seemed she had already forgotten her son. Decked out in her finest, she either came here hunting for business opportunities or to ensnare men!

The man gripped his whiskey glass tighter, a storm brewing in his eyes as he stood in silence.

"Mr. Uriah, allow me to introduce you to Ms. Melford, whom you met earlier today, remember?" Whitney greeted everyone with a smile, swiftly networking for Tiana.

"Ms. Melford is quite the sight tonight! A stark contrast from this afternoon," Mr. Uriah said, oozing charm in his reply to Whitney.

"Mr. Uriah, I've prepared a proposal for a construction project. Would you be interested in taking a look?" Tiana seized the moment to present her plan.

Mr. Uriah nodded in agreement, "Can we talk in private?"

With Tiana now engaged, Whitney moved further into the venue, intending to discuss business with the gemstone suppliers of the jewelry show.

Suddenly, a chill in the air made her halt. Following the gaze that cut through the crowd, she locked eyes with Ludwik, who had Elaine on his arm. The man stood there like a panther, his eyes dark and inscrutable, casting a look of disdain her way.

Whitney's lips twitched involuntarily.

Fear sent a shiver down her spine.

She quickly turned to Orion beside her, her gaze sharp enough to kill: What the hell happened to your intel?

"Why is Ludwik here?" Whitney hissed between clenched teeth.

The thought of her son being just in the hotel, even though she had left Sammy and Cherry safely in the third room before heading out, was tormenting. Could Ludwik have found out and come to take the child away?