Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 354

Keegan was just as puzzled as he looked at Torin. But Torin remained silent. It wasn't until they had finished tidying up the cemetery and descended from the hilltop that the situation began to unravel. Outside the cemetery's administration office, Whitney was off to fetch the car while Torin kept Keegan company. Inside the office, the TV was on, and one of the cemetery workers pointed at a middle-aged man on the screen and laughed, "That's the guy who donated to our cemetery! He even specifically requested that the central section of the graves be renovated!" "Turns out he's a mega-rich businessman. Sounds like he's not from Banyan City. Sheldon, was it?"

Torin's gaze was suddenly drawn to the TV. The news was about the goings-on in Emperor City: "Emperor City's Sheldon family head, Hudson Sheldon, visited our region at the invitation of the Banyan City provincial government. The Sheldon Group, a centuries-old powerhouse, took great interest, with Jared Sheldon touring the cemetery hills..."

On screen, the middle-aged Hudson exuded an aura of authority, his handsome features and nostalgic gaze unmistakable. Torin felt a surge of excitement... It was him, wasn't it? Donating for the renovation of the central graves, wasn't that Ms. Parisa's tombstone? Torin sighed. This was his doing, after all. He had used Ms. Parisa's keepsake, which he had kept with him abroad all these years, to secretly send it to Emperor City. At last, he had drawn them here.

Little Miss Whitney had never met her biological father. Now, with young master Keegan out of prison and the family reunited, she had also reclaimed control of Skye Gem Ltd. But as a woman, divorced and with a child, still entangled with her ex-husband Ludwik, she was in a tough spot.

Torin always considered how to provide support for the young mistress. With such a remarkable heritage, why should she languish in Banyan City? Moreover, with unsettled scores between the Bartels family and the Tennyson family, the young mistress needed a strong background to lean on. It was time to trace her roots back...

Watching Whitney return from afar, Torin kept his knowledge to himself. If that man truly sought his daughter, his actions would undoubtedly follow soon...

---

In Emperor City, the Lippert family estate sprawled across the mountainside, covering thousands of acres. Jason emerged from his medical check-up coughing lightly, his complexion not at its best. Surrounded by his doctor, directors of the Lippert Group, and several military subordinates-all trusted confidants-he remarked, "My health isn't what it used to be. The Lippert family, vast as it is, needs a new head. Three years ago, I wasn't in a rush to bring Ludwik back. Now, the time has come for him to return to his roots." Someone chimed in, "Commander, Ludwik's wedding is soon. You've planned for so long..."

"Yes," Jason smiled. "I'll attend the wedding. I'll gift him a few of the Lippert Group's smaller companies during the celebration. He can't refuse in such a setting. After that, recognizing his lineage should naturally follow."

"That's your own son; you've gone to great lengths over the years."

A shadow crossed Jason's eyes. Initially unaware that his brother Kaden's wife Natalie was carrying his own child, a series of tragic misunderstandings had buried deep within the Lippert family's history... Upon returning from the military and learning of a possible link through the Bartels family, Jason couldn't let go.

"However, Ludwik's future status and marrying a girl from the Bartels Pharmaceutical... Elaine isn't his match."

A director raised concerns, "Our family's standards for marriage alliances should at least match the top three conglomerates like the Sheldon Group! I heard there's a suitable Ms. Sheldon..."

Jason seemed unconcerned, waving the notion away, "Getting my son back is what matters. If he wishes to marry her, so be it. He feels indebted to Elaine. Let him marry, and settle that debt. Ludwik is to inherit the Lippert Group. Marrying a few times is nothing out of the ordinary."

Understanding Jason's veiled intentions, the directors knew Ludwik's wishes were irrelevant. Jason's indifference and strategy, as the head of Harmonia Country's leading family, were unmatched.

As the group dispersed, Mrs. Lippert, Thea, and their daughter Heidi Lippert emerged from behind a column. Heidi's eyes narrowed, a cold light flitting through, "Mom, father's gone to great lengths to acknowledge Ludwik, all because you didn't bear him a son. Our family, the foremost in Emperor City, is now to bear the name of a bastard."

Thea's voice was calm, "This is Emperor City. No matter Ludwik's power in Banyan City, I don't consider him a threat. Contact West City. Ensure their plans proceed. This wedding must give your father a 'spectacle' to remember." Heidi's lips curled slightly.

---

In Banyan City, at the Skyfaith Group headquarters. Ludwik had flown out to sign the 'Sharp-F Chip' production agreement with giants Tyche Inc. and Poten Tech. The launch of the latest processor chip had undoubtedly captured the attention of executives from two multinational corporations. In a show of commitment to Skyfaith Technologies, they turned down the ongoing supply offer from Amoria Tech, eagerly awaiting the April 1st launch of the 'Sharp-F Chip'. The union of these three powerhouses was poised to forge a formidable industry alliance.

This was a major shake-up that had countless companies watching closely. Ludwik had taken several of the chip's lead developers, key board members, and top executives on a trip, leaving the company in a somewhat vulnerable state. Felix was also absent. This played right into Elaine's hands.

She arrived early at Skyfaith, scouting the premises before deciding to camp out in her office, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. By noon, the R&D staff in the chip lab had left for lunch, leaving the heavily guarded room. The last to leave was Mr. Turner, who nodded at Elaine from a distance.

Quickly, she donned a lab coat and mask, slipping into the lab as the surveillance cameras momentarily lost power. Following Jarvis's instructions, Elaine tampered with several crucial sequences in the chip's design, effectively rendering the data useless. She left the lab with her heart racing, knowing she had just turned the 'Sharp-F Chip' into a dud.

Ludwik was out signing a new contract, making the timely launch of the 'Sharp-F Chip' more critical than ever. Elaine wiped the sweat from her brow, trying not to think about the consequences. Jarvis had assured her this wouldn't ruin Ludwik, just cause him some trouble. And she, having been coerced by Jarvis, had little choice but to comply.

Once Ludwik faced these troubles, Elaine planned to step in and save the day. This would not only free him from Whitney's influence but also solidify her status within Skyfaith, especially since they had just tied the knot. It was a risky move, but one she deemed worth taking.

Taking a deep breath, Elaine quickly transferred eight million dollars to Mr. Turner, the insider who had helped her. She then sent a message to Jarvis: "It's done."

Meanwhile, Jarvis was in the same city as Ludwik, waiting for the perfect moment to approach the executives of Tyche Inc. and PotenTech. Receiving Elaine's message, he couldn't help but smile, his gaze shifting to a message from Whitney responding to his dinner invitation.

---

At the hospital, Whitney was pushing her uncle in a wheelchair. His leg was still in bad shape, requiring a lengthy hospital stay before he could be fitted for a prosthetic. The hospital TVs were playing adverts, one of which was counting down to Elaine and Ludwik's extravagant wedding set for April 1st.

The whole city seemed captivated by the event, with media coverage everywhere and even sweepstakes popping up related to the wedding. Keegan's face turned various shades of green at the sight.

"A wedding that's costing a billion? Is Ludwik just showing off his wealth? Do they really need to go all out for Elaine like this, buying TV spots and all? It's sickening! Can't we get some peace and quiet?" Yael huffed in agreement. Father and daughter shared a look, their eyes cautiously drifting towards Whitney...