Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 448

The scene was like a needle jab to his eyes, unbearable and sharp.

In Banyan City, he was nothing but a defeated underling to Bryce.

Ludwik clenched his fists, his features twisted with cold fury. Despite being surrounded by people, his gaze lingered on Bryce, a sarcastic smile breaking through, "And who might this gentleman be?"

Whitney stiffened, knowing too well the pretense in his question. Was he really going to...

Bryce patted her shoulder, stepping forward to introduce himself to the crowd, "Ludwik, is it? Pleasure, I'm Bryce, Whitney's fiancé."

"Who? Never heard of you." The man's cold smirk was chilling.

Catching Whitney's worried look towards Bryce, Ludwik's tone dropped to freezing, "A bastard child with a no-name fiancé, quite the match!"

Whitney's face turned pale, her chest feeling pierced.

He had scolded Sienna before, told her never to call Whitney a bastard, and now he was doing the same?

That bastard, her fists clenched tight.

The atmosphere turned rigid as everyone paused, taken aback.

Bryce looked straight at Ludwik, a slight smile on his face, "Banyan City's Lutz Group might not compare with the likes of Emperor City's Lippert or Sheldon families, but I pride myself on being practical. The Lutz Group has expanded into Emperor City for a few years now, even before Ludwik returned home.

We've set up a factory in the Economic Zone. Ladies, perhaps you've used the Lutz Group's high-end skincare and electronics?"

The women's eyes lit up, "That latest powerful hairdryer is a Lutz Group product, it's quite the hit."

"So you're the brains behind it."

"Securing land and setting up a factory early in the Economic Zone shows Mr. Lutz has quite the foresight."

Hudson stepped in, glancing at Whitney's pale face, wanting to defend Bryce, "Pedigree is one thing, but being young and successful matters more. If my daughter is happy, honestly, I don't care much about status..."

"The Economic Zone, you say? That's all under the Lippert family's control. Mr. Lutz, you'd do well not to cross me in the future. Or I might just tear it down!" Ludwik's casual threat was a cold reminder, turning to Hudson, "Mr. Sheldon, pedigree does matter, doesn't it?" The underlying threat in his eyes startled the Sheldons.

Bryce's face darkened; the power Ludwik wielded as Harmonia Country's top young master made his own efforts seem insignificant.

Hudson, troubled by Ludwik's status, could only instruct Florence, "Florence, please seat Ludwik."

"Ludwik, please, take the seat of honor," Emma offered with flattery.

Ludwik nodded politely to the elders, Florence clinging to his arm like a delicate bird, "Ludwik, it's dinner time."

He barely glanced at the hand on his arm, his gaze turning icy upon seeing Whitney's indifference, allowing Florence to lead him away, "How are you feeling today?"

"The usual... cough, but having Ludwik here for dinner, I'll make sure to eat well."

Ludwik's gaze swept over, his voice cold, "Be good. Eat well, your health is important."

"Sure," Florence replied, a shy cough in her voice.

Whitney chose to ignore them, but Florence called out politely, "Sister, Mr. Lutz, won't you join us?"

Whitney eyed Florence coldly, about to refuse,

Ludwik twirled his wine glass, his tone mocking, "The Sheldon family's main table isn't for just anyone, Florence. People are of different standings, see his status clearly before you invite." With those words, Bryce's face turned a shade of green, a deep chill flashing through his usually gentle eyes.

He clenched his fists tight.

Sienna laughed loudly, "Exactly, not everyone is worthy to sit with Ludwik, Mr. Lutz is a bit lacking."

Whitney glanced at Bryce, publicly humiliated by him, her patience snapping, "Ludwik, haven't you had enough?

Heard you came from Banyan City too, right? Got a bit of status and now stepping on others?

Bryce, let's sit at the lower table. After all, I'm just a stray dog, not worthy to share a table with the noble Ludwik."

Ludwik's face turned stone cold, a storm brewing in his eyes. He was just mocking Bryce a bit, and she dared to openly challenge him?

Watching her pull Bryce away to the last table, Ludwik was enveloped in a chilling aura.

Florence's lips curved slightly, her words had stirred deep waters between him and Whitney, using Bryce as a catalyst worked perfectly.

She flirtatiously offered Ludwik a shrimp, "Ludwik, it's my first time peeling shrimp, try it?"

Ludwik frowned, but his gaze lingered on Whitney and Bryce at the far table, laughing and close.

A coldness gripped his heart, reluctantly opening his mouth to eat the shrimp.

"Look at Ludwik and Florence, completely in their own world!" Sienna teased, the women joining in, "Ludwik, Florence is the one who needs care, why don't you peel one for her?" The noise from that table was too loud for Whitney to ignore, though she tried, focusing on her meal.

Bryce frowned, provokingly, "Even if he doesn't love you anymore, he shouldn't blatantly disregard you, especially being so caring towards your sister."

Whitney's fingers turned white, but she couldn't help stealing glances their way.

Ludwik's eyes met the woman's, a smirk playing on his lips. "Alright then, peel one for Florence."

With a light tap of her fork against the table, Whitney felt a wave of nausea and stood up, pressing her lips tightly together. "I'm going to use the restroom," she announced.

Bryce was on his feet in an instant. "Are you okay? I'll come with you."

Ludwik watched them leave, his gaze turning icy.

Florence looked hopeful. "Ludwik, I want the biggest one..."

The man wiped his hands on his napkin and stood with a cool demeanor. "Peel it yourself. I need to make a call."

The table fell silent, eyes darting towards Florence, filling the air with awkwardness.

Florence watched his retreating figure, a shadow of doubt crossing her eyes. Was he really going to make a call?

Then, a peeled shrimp landed in her bowl, courtesy of Hugh Sheldon, the second son of the Sheldon family, who was seated in a wheelchair. He offered her a smile. "Florence, you should eat more; you're not well." "Thank you, Uncle Hugh," Florence replied with a smile.

Holly, too, added more food to her daughter's plate, casting a cold glance at Hudson. "Even Hugh cares more about our daughter than you do."

"Hugh cares about all his nieces just the same. If you have nothing nice to say, then don't say anything at all," Hudson retorted quietly.

"Uncle, you're mistaken. Uncle Hugh only cares about Florence; he's never paid me any mind," Sienna pouted.

Hugh laughed softly, his looks surpassing Hudson's despite his lifelong paralysis and the resulting somber demeanor that made him appear delicately handsome yet melancholy.

"Enough, Sienna. You're too outspoken. Florence has always been like a daughter to Hugh," Emma interjected with a laugh.

The conversation paused as Holly glanced up, choosing to remain silent.

Hudson expressed his sympathy. "Hugh has no children of his own. You younger ones should all show him respect, understood?"

Sienna nodded, sitting beside a slightly older girl with collarbone-length hair and a cool expression that starkly contrasted with the warmth of the table. She seemed almost out of place, her presence barely acknowledged until she seemed to hear something coming from the direction of the restroom-the direction Whitney had gone. Sienna teased, "Sandy Turner, you seem quite fond of Whitney, always looking at her. You two have something in common - both of you are bastards!"

Sandy ignored her, her attention caught by the faint sound of Whitney's sobs...