Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 413

Whitney couldn't help but roll her eyes and wave goodbye to Bryce, quickly wrapping up their conversation.

She strode toward her apartment, a storm brewing within.

Danny suddenly narrowed his eyes and looked up at Bryce, letting out a sarcastic snort, "Cut the good guy act, Bryce. You probably knew from the get-go that my mom is from the prestigious Sheldon family, didn't you? Saying you support her is just a line to lure girls. What you really want is a shortcut to riches by marrying her. Dream on, man. My mom is taken, by none other than the country's top bachelor!"

With that, he stuck out his tongue and left.

Bryce stood still, his usually warm eyes darkening for a moment. He hadn't expected this kid to hit the nail on the head. When Keegan was released from prison and mentioned Whitney's background, Bryce had started paying attention.

His fists clenched slightly. He had thought after Whitney and Ludwik split, he'd smoothly step in. But Ludwik turning out to be the country's most eligible bachelor was a game-changer.

Bryce's eyes grew cold. We'll see about that.

-

The night before she left, Whitney met up with her two best friends, Tiana and Valerie.

"Man, everything's changed so fast. You're moving to Emperor City, Whitney. I'm gonna miss you like crazy," Tiana said, her eyes welling up. "And the Sheldon family, that's a major league. It's tough enough without adding in the high society drama. Who knows what you're walking into?"

Valerie, however, smirked, "Come on, Whitney's not someone to mess with. Aside from that dog Ludwik, who else could possibly cross her?"

That was spot on, and Tiana nodded in agreement. "Seems like women can't escape heartbreak, huh?"

"But a wicked stepmother and sister? That's a classic nightmare combo!"

"We'll see when I get there," Whitney said, sipping her drink with a sigh. She turned to her friends, "Don't worry about me. Emperor City is just a two-hour flight away. If you miss me, I'll come back. It's you two I'm worried about. Tiana, I'm scared Barclay will whisk you off to the Doonan family in some grand scheme. And Valerie, I'm just hoping Ashton doesn't get caught in Elaine's web, or you'll end up walking in my shoes... Are you pregnant?"

The color drained from both Tiana and Valerie's faces.

Valerie looked down at her stomach, avoiding eye contact, "Maybe it's just the heat messing with my appetite. Ashton and I have been trying for years without luck. It can't be that coincidental. You worry too much about us. If Elaine tries anything with Ashton, I've got my ways to handle her. I'm done being the pushover."

"But you," Tiana changed the subject, "Ludwik's in Emperor City too. With your Sheldon family status, you two are a match made in heaven! Could there be a chance for a reunion...?"

Whitney glared at her.

Tiana bit her lip, "Oh, I see someone's not as mad anymore. Women, tough as nails but soft as pudding on the inside..."

Whitney's cheeks flushed, but she said nothing, still reeling from Natalie's pep talk.

-

The next morning, Whitney, with Danny in tow, arrived at Banyan City Airport, only to replace Hudson waiting for them in his private jet.

Despite the calm in her eyes, a softness flickered through them.

It was her first brush with fatherly love - unfamiliar yet comforting. She took a deep breath and smiled at Hudson, "Dad."

Hudson's eyes moistened, "Whitney, I'm glad you've come around. Let's go home. And this must be my grandson. Let's get you on the plane-"

-

Meanwhile, at Emperor City's Lippert Group headquarters.

The morning sun bathed the grand plaza in light, with a row of luxury cars parked in front of the company. Three Audis led and followed a Bentley. A man with an imposing aura stepped out from the Bentley.

Ludwik, in a sleek black suit, exuded a cold, commanding presence. His gaze alone brought a hush over the neatly lined-up employees.

Rumors of Harmonia Country's top family scion taking control had everyone on edge, wondering how this Ludwik would manage the intricate web of corporate politics within the Lippert Group, a conglomerate where even the lowest employee was a cut above. But witnessing Ludwik's regal bearing and unmistakable air of authority, whispers of 'truly Jason's son' fluttered among the staff.

The women especially couldn't help but gush, "He's even more handsome than Jarvis and Justin!"

"Mr. Lippert, right this way," the company's chief secretary said, silencing the crowd.

Felix, walking beside Ludwik, smirked coldly and pressed the 'CEO's private elevator' button, ignoring the chief secretary's attempt to guide them elsewhere.

"From today on, we're changing some rules," Ludwik declared without a hint of doubt in his voice, leaving those around him in silent agreement.

As the list of no-shows grew longer, it became painfully clear to everyone gathered outside to welcome Ludwik that the only ones who had bothered to show up were essentially the company's rejects.

The key players hadn't bothered to make an appearance, sending a clear message without uttering a single word.

Ludwik couldn't help but smirk at the situation.

Felix glanced at Mr. Lippert and couldn't resist chuckling. "Seems like the big shots at the company want Mr. Lippert to know who really runs the show around here, huh? Well, maybe Mr. Lippert should let them know that if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. All these sick' executives, well, Mr. Lippert certainly can't neglect them. Maybe it's time they were sent home to enjoy an early retirement. That includes old Derek under Jarvis, the three sick executives under Riley, and the three old timers. Let's show them the door!"

The chief secretary was taken aback. "Mr. Lippert, it's your first day. Firing so many people might stir up trouble within the company..."

The elevator doors closed before Ludwik could respond, not even sparing Felix a glance.

But right at 8 AM, the firing orders were sent out from the Lippert family's CEO office system. This was no joke!

The shareholders' offices were filled with a tense atmosphere.

Upon receiving the news, Riley slammed his fist on the desk. "Who does Ludwik think he is, firing my executives? He's out of line!"

"This new guy thinks he's all that, huh? Just because he's back from Skyfaith?" Justin chimed in with disdain typical of a pampered heir from Emperor City.

Riley glared at his son, his disappointment palpable. "All you know is how to party. If you had shown a bit of ambition, we wouldn't have lost out to that snake Jarvis, and now you're even losing your rightful place. Skyfaith might be among the global elite in wealth, but I refuse to believe Jason didn't secretly back his bastard son!"

"Well, then, no big deal. Dad, him firing your executives is like signing his own death warrant. Without your word, which manager at the Lippert family would even think of cooperating with him? He won't last a day in this lion's den!" Riley's eyes narrowed, realizing his son might just have a point. Oh, the irony!