Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



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"He wants to marry me, but that's just his fantasy. Whatever was between us... it's not worth mentioning and there's definitely no future. I wish him and Ms. Sheldon the best.

What I want to say is, I've got my own love story happening right here.

He's not just some pretty boy; he's my boyfriend, Bryce as you can see, we're together and we're getting ready to walk down the aisle soon. And for those busybodies snapping photos and stirring up drama, seriously? Get a life!

There's nothing going on between Ludwik and me. I'm not playing any games. My company, Skye Gem Ltd., is clean as a whistle, so shop with confidence!"

The reporters were left speechless, especially when Whitney used the moment to plug her company right into the microphone.

One reporter, not quite ready to let it go, quipped, "Whitney's got guts, probably the first to ever put Ludwik down like that.

You're really bold, claiming Ludwik's marriage proposal is just a fantasy...

Aren't you afraid that Ludwik, scorned and spurned, might retaliate against you and your boyfriend?

Your boyfriend, with all due respect, doesn't quite match up to Ludwik's charm or wealth."

The reporter was clearly trying to get under her skin.

But Whitney clenched her fists, her mind racing with the ways Ludwik might try to strike at Bryce.

Publicly declaring her relationship with Bryce could provoke him.

But she hoped Ludwik would get the message: His dirty tricks would get him nowhere.

She wouldn't be bullied.

Grabbing the reporter's microphone, her gaze icy, she retorted, "Thanks for your concern.

Honestly, I worry about my boyfriend too.

Who wouldn't be intimidated by the thought of crossing Harmonia Country's most eligible bachelor?

So, I'm counting on you, the media, to keep an eye out. If anything happens to my boyfriend, it's probably Ludwik using his power to take him down. Remember to call the cops for me!

Let's hope Ludwik knows how to let go and live and let live."

Her sarcasm left the reporters tongue-tied. Confronting Ludwik on camera, Whitney must be out of her mind.

The reporters backed off, some whispering among themselves, "There must've been something between Whitney and Ludwik. Did you catch her last words? 'Live and let live.' That's deep."

"But she's clearly devoted to her boyfriend now. That confirms the relationship."

"It looks like Ludwik was the one carrying a torch. Poor Florence, stuck in the middle of her sister's love triangle without saying a word." Whitney, overhearing these comments, smirked.

Florence's 'gift' would be returned in kind. "Nyx, pull up this afternoon's store surveillance. I want to find out who's been taking pictures."

In the corporate office, Parker watched Whitney's press moment in disbelief.

The video from the mall showed Whitney and Bryce standing together, with Whitney eventually stepping up to challenge Ludwik and even warning him!

"Ludwik, stop watching!"

Parker looked up to see Ludwik fixated on Whitney's 'love declaration' for the umpteenth time.

Her interview played on repeat in the quiet room:

"Ludwik wanting to marry me was his own fantasy... I've got a boyfriend now-we're in a relationship and planning to marry soon.

If anything bad happens to my boyfriend, it's probably Ludwik using his power to suppress him. Please, call the cops on my behalf."

Ludwik's handsome face turned ghostly pale, his fingers nearly crushing the phone screen.novelbin

Whitney had made their relationship public to protect Bryce, even announcing an upcoming marriage.

She dared to say, their deeply intertwined past meant nothing?

For Bryce, she was pulling out all the stops, facing the media to challenge him directly?

Going as far as asking the media to watch him, to pressure him?

She was protecting Bryce with such determination, talking openly about love and marriage. Those words, her heart.

expressions, pierced

It seemed women moved on faster than men after all.

Was he really surprised? She was capable of much worse.

Ludwik was devastated.

The thought of taking down Bryce lost its appeal.

His anger shifted entirely towards Whitney.

"Ludwik?" Parker wasn't sure what to think, seeing Ludwik so affected.

Whitney had declared to the media she was about to marry-not Ludwik.

"Are you alright?" Parker tried to console him, "Since Whitney has made her stance clear, maybe it's time to let go.

It's best for both of you."

"Let's grab a drink." Ludwik stood up, his tall frame imposing, like a storm brewing in his eyes. "Let her go?

No, I won't.

No matter how high the kite flies, one day, I'll clip its wings.

Even if she's left with nothing but her frame, it's up to me to lay it to rest."

Parker shivered under Ludwik's cold resolve. Whitney was saying

goodbye to the past, but Ludwit nee

stubbornly rooted there, was far from giving up.

Their night out lasted till ten.

Ludwik wasn't drunk; his mood seemed stable as Parker dropped him off at Natalie's hospital.

He strode in, commanding attention, his presence drawing the nurses' eyes.

"I need my mother's medical records for today."

His demand was met with quick compliance, though the nurses hesitated, sensing Ludwik's foul mood.

Ludwik glanced towards his mother's room, his voice rough, "Any updates?"

"...Ludwik, there's someone visiting Natalie in her room right now.

But, Natalie's caregiver didn't invite us in, so we've just been keeping an eye out."

"Who's visiting?"

Ludwik straightened up, no longer leaning against the reception desk.

The nurses were all employees of the Lippert Group, and with the CEO's mother hospitalized, everyone was paying extra attention.

They kept track of the visitors coming to see Natalie each day.

"It's a new face, a middle-aged lady of elegance!"

Ludwik's brow furrowed, a chill

passing over him. He tossed asidet

vel

the medical chart and strode towards Natalie's room with his hands in his pockets.

Knock, knock-