Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 152

Chapter 152 

In the South City Police Station, the interrogation hall was silent except for the creak of leather shoes and the occasional shuffling of papers. As heir to the Lippert family fortune and a titan of industry in Banyan City, Ludwik sat with his entourage, his presence too formidable to be confined behind bars. 

However, Braxton was also an influential figure in the government, so the police did not dare to take this matter lightly either 

The investigative proceedings had lasted only a couple of hours the previous night, and it had been a long wait since then. 

Ludwik could not leave for the hospital, and updates on the situation did not come swiftly. 

As dawn’s tentative light seeped through the windows, marking the end of a sleepless night, Ludwik’s unreadable eyes lifted coldly, his gaze cutting across to the precinct entrance like a frost–covered blade. 

Felix watched with a mixture of awe and fear. Another visitor had arrived, a shareholder from United Realty Corporation. Felix knew who Ludwik was hoping for and what disappointment he was trying to mask. He had called Whitney numerous times–why had she not picked up? Had she not promised…. 

Whitney, fraught with nerves, pushed through the precinct doors. The chilly coastal wind had lashed at her the whole drive, whipping through her open car windows and drying her damp clothes. She had to appear normal, for Bryce had delayed her and now feared she was too late. 

Pregnant and anxious, she stumbled into the hall and immediately spotted Ludwik’s imposing silhouette. He sat tall and lean, his noble features tight with tension, an aura of icy detachment surrounding him. In his arm, he cradled a delicate hand, the wrist bandaged, while Elaine, ever the attentive companion, whispered to him, her touch gentle upon his arm, her handkerchief dabbing gracefully at his brow 

Elaine stood, conferring swiftly with the shareholders as if orchestrating their next move. Ludwik, stoic as ever, was about to light a cigarette when Felix’s voice sliced through the tension. 

“Madam… Felix’s gaze fixed on the entrance as he called out to Whitney. 

All eyes, including those of the United Realty Corporation executives, turned to see. 

Ludwik’s piercing gaze settled on Whitney, his expression colder than the steel of a knife. She stood disheveled, looking like she had been dredged from the depths of a stormy sea, her face worn and lost. 

Felix rushed to her. “Madam, why have you only just arrived? I told you last night to come quickly. Boss needed you.” 

Realizing his potential blunder, Felix clamped his mouth shut. 

Ludwik’s stare turned glacial, his disappointment palpable. He had been informed of her whereabouts the night. before. 

A whole night had passed, and she arrived only now? 

He glanced at her once more, then turned away, his cold indifference like a blade to Whitney’s already chilled. heart. 

She felt drained, watching Elaine’s tender ministrations, her heart sour with regret yet relieved for Ludwik. She hoped that her desperate actions from the night before had been worth it. 

At this time, a new group entered from another door. It was Braxton’s son approaching Ludwik. 

Ludwik stood, his towering presence commanding the room. Braxton’s son, a man of about fifty and shorter in stature, approached with a changed demeanor, caution in his eyes. “Mr. Lippert, please understand our family’s distress last night. My father is our cherished patriarch, and his illness during your meeting was unforeseen. Our call to the authorities was justified.” 

“Of course,” Ludwik replied, his voice a mixture of understanding and formality. “How is Braxton faring?” 

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“Last night, we nearly lost him, but by some miracle, he clung to life and has successfully undergone surgery” 

With those words, the tension in Ludwik’s brow eased slightly. 

Elaine squeezed his hand excitedly. “Bro, you’re cleared!” 

Whitney watched their clasped hands, her heart bitter yet silently rejoicing for his sake. 

But then, Braxton’s son added, “My father has awakened, and I’m here to convey the outcome of the land bid. He’s still troubled by the error in your proposal. He had high hopes for your luxury hotel project, but I’m afraid the land will go to another company.” 

The executives‘ faces turned ashen. 

Unruffled, Ludwik apologized with a steely calm. “Mr. Tarrington, I accept responsibility for Braxton’s condition and the consequences. I won’t contest the land bid any further. United Realty Corporation will not profit at the expense of Braxton’s health. I wish him a speedy recovery and will ensure the best medical care for his future 

treatment.” 

Braxton’s son, taken aback by Ludwik’s nobility, nodded with a newfound respect. “Mr. Lippert, you’re a man of great character, both inside and out. It’s no wonder you’re Banyan City’s leading businessman, having built your company from the ground up. This setback must be costing you hundreds of billions. I hope you’ll overcome this challenge.” 

With a few courteous words, he had addressed a company’s very survival. 

Ludwik remained unshaken, his gratitude cool. “Thank you.” 

As Braxton’s son and his party left, the United Realty Corporation executives could hardly sit still. They respected Ludwik’s authority, but his youth was belied by his formidable tactics. This project was vital to the corporation’s foundation. 

Shareholders stood up in a huff, pointing fingers at Whitney. “Mr. President, the bid was prepared by Whitney. If she made a mistake, she should be the one held accountable. Drag her over to Braxton and clear the air, We can’t afford to lose this piece of land!” 

“Yeah, it’s all her fault. Her irresponsibility has led to such a huge blunder on your part!” 

“You trust her too much, Mr. President!” 

Whitney felt as though their words were piercing her skin, the pain sharp in her heart. She never meant to harm him 

The bid was flawless; every detail was accounted for. 

But her uncle had used her, and she was left with no defense, unable to confess the truth.