Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 291

At first, Ludwik seemed somewhat fair about Jaxon's situation, which nearly convinced Whitney that he wasn't a complete jerk.

She almost believed that he was clueless about her uncle's case and was just misused by Elaine's influence. But in a flash, any shred of goodwill evaporated.

Just as Whitney was about to step up and confront them, Bryce gently pulled her back, shielding her behind him. He winked at her, as if to say, "Do you really need to get involved?"

Bryce then put himself between Whitney and Ludwik, his disdain evident. "Mr. Lippert, among those present, who's really in need of a billion? This establishment's owner certainly doesn't need your billion. Sorry to burst your bubble, but I happen to own a bit of it, not much, just 90%. So, Mr. Lippert and your fiancée, you can see yourselves out!"

With that, he elegantly gestured towards the door. Whitney couldn't help but smirk, recognizing the dismissal as one would shoo away an unwelcome pet.

Ludwik, with his icy gaze unflinching, shot back at Bryce, "Mr. Lutz seems to have forgotten the terror of the prison incident at Emperor City three years ago. Or perhaps, you're itching for a repeat? Flaunting your strength in front of a lady requires weighing your own capabilities."

Elaine, proudly clinging to her man, chimed in, "Ludwik, Mr. Lutz is just trying to impress Ms. Valentine, provoking you because he can't handle a scolding. It seems Ms. Valentine has quite the handle on her man."

Her backhanded compliments added fuel to the fire, stirring up drama.

Whitney glanced coldly at her, retorting with a smirk, "Unlike Elaine, who after three years, is still meekly nodding along to Mr. Lippert, I guess I do know how to handle men better."

Bryce raised an eyebrow, squeezing her hand a little tighter, playing along, "Exactly. I've been wanting to make you my wife, which is probably the worst-kept secret in Banyan City. But your heart's in your career. Unlike Elaine, who's lost her career focus, solely fixated on marriage, yet here you are, three years later, still not married?"

Elaine's face turned a shade of green. This pair, mocking her with their banter.

Feeling her blood boil, she was about to spur Ludwik into action. Bryce, with a cold glance towards Ludwik, said, "How could I forget the prison disaster three years ago? I'd gladly invite Mr. Lippert for a cup of 'tea' inside. As for my capabilities, Mr. Lippert is welcome to test them."

His tone left no room for doubt about his disregard for Ludwik. Since Bryce took the helm, the Lutz Group had seen remarkable growth over these three years.

Whitney couldn't care less about their squabble, "The executives are waiting, Bryce, let's go. Let's not let irrelevant people ruin our celebration."

"Who's irrelevant?"

"Whitney, stop right there."

Her arm was suddenly gripped with force, pulling her off balance, nearly into Ludwik's arms. Thankfully, she steadied herself against a wall, her patience wearing thin, "Mr. Lippert, enough with the public manhandling. Have you no end?"