Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 345

For a long moment, Jarvis simply smirked coldly, "Well, we're a few allies short, aren't we? Take a look at that lady over there. Do you know who she really is?"

His associate glanced towards Whitney, having aided Jarvis numerous times by digging up info on Ludwik's acquaintances.

Confusion flickered across his face, "Isn't she just Ludwik's ex-wife, a granddaughter from the Tennyson family, born to someone named Preston?"

"Superficial," Jarvis laughed deeply, spinning his ring, his eyes narrowing, "Her background is not so simple. She's from Emperor City, her status even more significant than Elaine's." The associate's eyes widened in surprise.

Jarvis shifted his gaze, a chilly smirk playing on his lips, "Get Elaine to meet me. It's high time this thirsty woman and I had a serious conversation."

---

That afternoon, Elaine was discharged from the hospital.

A provocative message from Jarvis popped up on her phone, but she was in no mood for his advances.

She ignored it.

The next second, Jarvis sent over a photo of them together in bed.

Elaine's face flushed with anger and embarrassment, begrudgingly sneaking off to meet Jarvis.

As she entered, Elaine couldn't help but confront him, "Jarvis, what are you playing at? You botched the kidnapping so badly, and I haven't even settled scores with you for that. These pictures, Ludwik and I are getting married early next month. He cannot see these. Destroy them in front of me!"

Jarvis sauntered over, wrapping an arm around her waist nonchalantly, "You were the one who sought me out for the kidnapping. I just slipped up a bit. And now you're blaming me? That's heartless."

Elaine eyed his smug face skeptically, "In the cave, you left by throwing a bomb, completely disregarding my safety. You weren't planning to handle this properly."

Jarvis smirked, "That was to take out the kidnappers. If any had been left alive, what would you have done?"

"But one did escape! And now we don't know where he is. You better deal with him quickly. Ludwik's been investigating the kidnapping case. If he replaces out about you and me... the consequences are unimaginable..." Elaine fretted.

Jarvis looked at her, his smile turning icy. "Dealing with that escaped kidnapper will depend on my mood."

"What do you mean? Are you threatening me?" Elaine's anger surged, her lips tightening in a grim line. Jarvis's aura had completely changed, filling her with an unsettling sense of dread.

Jarvis tugged at her chin, raising an eyebrow, "Yes, I'm threatening you. If you want me to take care of the kidnapper and these photos, then you'll have to play by my rules."

The affection and obsession he had shown her were gone, replaced by cold manipulation and disdain.

Elaine felt as if she had been doused with cold water, her heart racing with fear and chill, "Jarvis, you dare to threaten me?"

"Why wouldn't I? You were once the belle of Emperor City, stunning in your youth. Now, look at you, desperate and devoid of any career-driven allure. Why would I waste my time with you if there wasn't something in it for me? Since you enjoyed the service, it's time to get to work."

"You..."

"You don't have much choice, Elaine. As I said, your kidneys are intact, but you know better than anyone how Ludwik's mother ended up in a vegetative state."

A chill ran down Elaine's spine, suddenly perceiving Jarvis as nothing short of a demon.

Her impulsive decision to seek comfort in another man was a grave mistake.

Jarvis's cruel smile widened, "I have more of these photos, and records of our hotel stays. You wouldn't want any surprises ruining your perfect wedding, would you? Besides, Elaine, when the Bartels family was in trouble, Ludwik didn't lift a finger to help you. I heard it was your loyal follower Ashton who came to your aid. Tsk, tsk. If I were you, I'd have given up on Ludwik a long time ago. After three years, he's hardly treated you as his woman. Isn't it time you thought about securing your own future?" Jarvis's words chilled her to the bone, her lips pressed tightly in distress.

The Bartels family's ordeal had already left her disillusioned with Ludwik's coldness, filling her with resentment and casting doubt on their future together.

Jarvis leaned in close, his voice low and persuasive, "I hear Skyfaith's new chip is about to hit the market soon. You were Ludwik's right-hand woman, after all. Accessing his lab should be a breeze for you, right?"

Elaine tensed, "What are you suggesting?"

"Just quietly take some data, maybe sabotage a bit. It shouldn't be hard for you."

"Don't even think about it. I won't harm Ludwik. Don't think I don't know you're after the Lippert family's headship in Emperor City because of Jason and your ambition to bring Ludwik down!"

She was supposed to marry Ludwik, aspiring to become the first lady of Harmonia Country's foremost family. If Ludwik's position was jeopardized, what would be left for her?

Jarvis sneered, his gaze turning frosty, his grip tightening around her neck, "I'm just asking for a little mischief. I'm only trying to secure my position with my adoptive father; Ludwik won't be brought down so easily! Besides, he's still entangled with Whitney and those kids. Don't you feel your position is precarious? First, let him face a crisis, then you can swoop in as the savior. Doesn't that sound appealing?" Elaine bit her lip, struggling for breath, her mind racing with desperate thoughts.

Jarvis pressed harder, "Let me share another interesting tidbit: You grew up in Emperor City, familiar with the Sheldon family, right?" Elaine frowned. The Bartels family was a notable name in Emperor City, but when it came to overall clout, they paled in comparison. The true power in Harmonia Country, and Emperor City by extension, was the Lippert family, unshakable due to Jason's military influence. The Sheldon clan was among the top three powerhouses in the city, dwarfing even the Bartels dynasty in influence and wealth.

"Why bring up the Sheldons?" Elaine asked, puzzled by the sudden mention.

Jarvis wore a sly smile. "Ever met Ms. Sheldon?"

"Do you think she bears a resemblance to Whitney from here in Banyan City?"

Before Elaine could even process his words, Jarvis ominously concluded.

As Elaine sifted through her memories of Ms. Sheldon, her expression darkened. Jarvis's words were laced with insinuation, and she caught on.

Shock accelerated her heartbeat, disbelief shaking her head. "That's impossible... Whitney, of all people..."

"The Sheldon empire is formidable, just a wild guess..." Jarvis smirked mischievously, lightly tapping her face. "Maybe Whitney is actually a better match for Ludwik's noble status, Elaine. Don't you feel a sense of crisis? Maybe it's time to sell a bit of your soul to save your marriage."

"That's not possible..." Despite Elaine's denial, panic set in, her fists clenched tightly, her lips turning pale with the force of her bite.

A wave of jealousy stormed through her mind.

---

Returning home restless, Elaine nearly loathed the sight of Daniel's smug face - Whitney's son. She bit back her anger; her priority was securing her marriage with Ludwik, not giving Whitney any advantage.

If Jarvis's speculations were true, and Whitney resembled Ms. Sheldon...

Elaine dared not continue that thought. She had to have Ludwik. She loved him for so long, even if it meant getting involved in Jarvis's machinations, being coerced and tempted.

She had to sacrifice a bit of Ludwik... but if it meant holding on to him, Elaine would endure.

Calming her thoughts, Elaine took a deep breath and glanced sideways at Daniel.

This little brat, she had to mend their relationship before the wedding, or Ludwik might not even want to speak to her, let alone grow their affection.

Elaine stocked the kitchen with chicken, duck, and fish, preparing a feast and sending Ludwik a photo. "Ludwik, I'm out of the hospital. The maid mentioned Danny wanted fish and chips, so I made some. What do you think? Come home early and join us for dinner!" Mentioning dinner with his son, Ludwik frowned but set aside his busy work, grabbed his coat, and drove back to Everwood Villa Estate.

As he entered the house at dusk, he was surprised to replace Daniel and Elaine sitting together at the dinner table, a rare moment of harmony.

However, he quickly noticed something off about Danny, his little hands clutching his own neck.

"Danny?" Ludwik approached quickly.

Elaine, oblivious, looked up happily-