Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 408

Grandma Anderson was particularly fond of Ludwik, her eldest grandson. Raising her hand first, she declared, "I agree with Jason's decision."

The various branches of the family waited with bated breath, none wanting to cross the influential Jarvis and Riley factions.

Riley scoffed, "Big brother, the Lippert Corporation is the top conglomerate in Harmonia Country. What makes Ludwik think he can take over? Does he even have the backing of a powerful family?" "Yeah, Riley's in-laws are the Nelsons, the second most influential family in Harmonia Country," someone chimed in.

"To take over the corporation, you need substantial support," Jarvis added, seemingly speaking fairly.

Ludwik lifted his eyelids slightly and challenged, "Didn't Jarvis just say he would support me with all his might? How about starting with those profitable companies under you?"

Jason looked at Ludwik, noting the sharpness in his first statement since entering the room, cutting to the heart of the matter.

Thea's expression stiffened.

Jarvis's smile cooled, but he quickly recovered, "Sure, but it's not just up to me. Ludwik will need to get the approval of the other executives. If they agree, he'll have my full support." Ludwik remained silent, clearly seeing through the power play at hand.

Jason frowned but remained noncommittal.

Seeing the situation, Riley stood up first, smiling thinly at Jason, "Ludwik needs a strong backer if he wants to take control. He's new here and unfamiliar with the executives. How can he win their hearts? Right, big brother? It seems we can't make this decision today." As he rose, the others followed suit.

Jason's gaze turned icy, "The Lippert Corporation is mine to command. I've appointed Ludwik, and he will become the president!"

"We'll see if he can hold his position," Riley said meaningfully, glancing at Jarvis before leaving with a smile.

The Lippert family dispersed.

Jason, looking significantly wearier, escorted Grandma Anderson back to her quarters, "Ludwik, wait for me in the study."

Passing by Ludwik, Grandma Anderson encouraged him, "You showed no fear, my boy. You're remarkable, Ludwik. Keep it up!" Ludwik managed a slightly warmer smile, "Take care, Grandma."

Jarvis watched with a cold gaze.

After Jason left, Ludwik found a sofa to sit on.

Jarvis approached slowly, cigarette in hand, "Little brother, about that misunderstanding when your son was kidnapped... It was my people acting without orders, not me. And as for Elaine seducing me and making you look foolish at your wedding, let's forget about it, eh?" Ludwik flicked away some ash, his gaze icy, "Just like you're not holding a grudge for the counterfeit chip scandal that nearly bankrupted Jar Rail Corporation, right?"

Jarvis's grip tightened around his cigarette, his eyes darkening with malice.

He forced a smile, "Let's be cordial, Ludwik. You've got a long way to go in the Lippert family."

"Better worry about yourself," Ludwik replied, tone even, as he extinguished his cigarette.

Jarvis left, seeing Ludwik as a thorn in his side, and returned to Thea's room.

Thea was scolding Heidi, "You're married with kids, yet still so thoughtless. We were trying to undermine Ludwik to stir Riley's discontent. Now, you've made things harder for your father!"

"I didn't know that was your plan," Heidi retorted, frustrated.

Jarvis intervened, "Let's not fight. Heidi was just worried about me."

His eyes grew cold, "Even with Ludwik back, taking control of the Lippert family won't be easy."

Thea reassured him, "With you in the corporation, the best deals will go to the Patrick family."

She looked at Jarvis, seeing a reflection of someone else, her eyes softening. "This family will be yours, Jarvis."

Jarvis took a deep drag from his cigarette, his expression grim.

---

In the study, Jason coughed before speaking to Ludwik, "You've seen it. The Lippert family is Harmonia's leading family, but internally, it's not as perfect as it seems. Since your grandfather passed, I've been in charge, but divisions have formed. Son, I brought you back to clean house. I can't do it myself, but you can.

You only hold 30% of the company's shares now. If you marry into the Sheldon family, Jared's 5% share would give you an edge.

My health is declining. Before anything happens to me, you must secure your position.

Did you understand the dynamics with Riley and the rest?"

Ludwik nodded, his expression indifferent, "I won't marry for an alliance. I can secure the Lippert family within a month if you trust me. If not, I'm out."

He valued marriage and had someone in mind, but she wouldn't marry him again.

With a hint of cold determination, Ludwik awaited his father's response.

"Ludwik! The Lipperts are not as straightforward as you think." Jason continued to persuade, "You desperately need to form a strong alliance. I've already spoken with Jared; you should meet his sister, Miss Sheldon."

Ludwik stood up, buttoning his suit jacket, his brow cold and detached, "I returned to take over the Lippert legacy purely because it was my mother's wish.

I couldn't care less about the company, but I can manage it for you. As for everything else, I won't force my father's hand.

Give me Miss Sheldon's contact; I intend to decline her proposal.

That's that. I have other matters today, so I'll be leaving. The Lippert Enterprises, I'll officially start tomorrow."

"Thea has arranged a villa for you; as the eldest son of the Lipperts, it's only fitting you stay with the family..."

At that, Jason felt a pang of helplessness and quickly stood up to ask, "I heard your mother is recuperating, how is she?"

Ludwik paused, his lips turning cold, "She... will be alright."

Leaving the Lippert Resort, Ludwik headed down Brew Hill, planning to meet Parker.

Brew Hill was expansive, with winding roads that were wide and empty, only starting to see other family mansions midway up the hill. Ludwik glanced casually and saw a sign marked 'Sheldon'?

Was that the merger Jason mentioned, with the Sheldon Enterprises? He hadn't paid it much attention, quickly moving his gaze away.

"The eldest son, that's the Sheldon Estate," the driver noted his brief interest and quickly provided some context.

Ludwik glanced at the address Parker had given him, then closed his eyes in thought.

Inside the Sheldon Mansion-

By a second-floor window, Florence slightly parted the curtains, watching the discreet red-flagged Lippert car pass by.

In her hand was a smartphone, its screen frozen on the news of Ludwik's return to Emperor City, causing a stir among the city's business elite and socialites.

He was back, Ludwik, with his distinguished status!

Everything about the Lipperts made her heart race, and who wouldn't be enchanted by such a handsome and powerful man?

Such a man would soon be hers.

Florence smiled, her doe eyes sparkling as she sent him a text.

Myra approached, knocking gently, her brow furrowed, "Miss Sheldon, there's some unfortunate news..."