Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 1050

"Alright, off you go!" Jared said, managing to sit back down with the help of his butler.

The mansion was quiet, its classic architecture reminiscent of a bygone era, with lanterns hanging under the eaves. Each wing of the house was like its own separate cottage, much like the estates you'd find in old European tales.

Whitney walked towards the west wing, her peripheral vision catching a glimpse of the courtyard in the center, beyond which lay the parking lot.

Memories flooded her mind uninvited.

A year ago, when Hudson had first brought her to Sheldon Mansion, that was the day Bryce had seized the opportunity to follow her, pretending they were engaged. Ludwik was there too.

The rivalry was intense. As the most eligible bachelor of Harmonia Country, Ludwik had mocked Bryce relentlessly, pushing him into the dirt.

Jealousy had flared, and Ludwik had cornered her in the bathroom, bullying her mercilessly.

Her cheeks flushed with the memory, her brows knitting together at the thought of Ludwik's irrational behavior. The man's arrogance, born of his privileged background, had granted him the power to trample over others.

Perhaps it was his powerful stature and haughty personality that had driven Bryce to seek revenge, his greed growing over time.

Relying on the Patrick Group, Bryce had risen from the shadows, using her in his scheme of vengeance. Even now, Bryce remained a significant problem.

The tangled web of cause and effect between them was complex.

She hoped that Ludwik, having faced his downfall, would temper his reckless arrogance. Otherwise, dealing with someone as cunning as Bryce could lead to his downfall.

Shaking her head, Whitney snapped back to reality. Why was she even worrying about Ludwik?

A frown crept over her face as she dismissed her wandering thoughts and approached Hudson's study, knocking on the door.

"Come in," came Hudson's refined voice.

With a smile, Whitney pushed the door open. "Dad!"

"Whitney?"

Hudson looked up in surprise, pen in hand over documents. Seeing his daughter, he stood up immediately, his secretary moving to assist him.

He waved the secretary off, his tall, lean figure walking over. "My dear, what brings you home today?"

"Are you saying I haven't visited you in a while?"

Hudson's expression was stern. "Aren't you? After getting me discharged from the hospital, you've left me here without a word."

"That's not true."

Whitney knew he wasn't really angry, so she smiled coyly. "I was just worried about your health, so I came to check on you."

"Ludwik is back from Eurovoria?" Hudson asked.

"How did you know?"

"I ran into Shane the day before yesterday; he mentioned it."

He walked over to the sink and washed his hands.

The man, nearing fifty, had hands that were long and distinct, with veins slightly pronounced, both graceful and handsome.

Looking at Hudson's profile, Whitney thought he must have been as handsome as Ludwik in his youth.

She suddenly thought of her mother...

The frequently mentioned mother cast a shadow over her mood, stirring emotions. After a few seconds of contemplation and staring at her father, Whitney couldn't resist touching upon his painful past.