Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 670

Ashton furrowed his brows, a thought suddenly striking him as he recalled the day Bryce and Keegan had come in to file a report. He took a closer look at Bryce, realizing that the man's once gentle demeanor had shifted into something more sinister and cold.

"You know, now that you mention it, I remember Ludwik really did Bryce dirty a few years back.

Like, remember when Bryce and Whitney were gonna get hitched? Ludwik just blasted their engagement by leaking some scandalous pics, driving Whitney away and somehow getting Bryce behind bars.

And now, years later at another wedding, Ludwik goes and kidnaps the bride again.

It's like a repeat offense, a slap in the face, a real humiliation for Bryce. Any guy would harbor some serious hate after that."

Felix was internally alarmed.

"I've heard Danny ranting about how Bryce was such a sneak before.

I didn't get the full picture of what he did to tick Danny off so much.

But piecing it together now, Bryce is clearly no amateur. He's got his hands reaching into Emperor City's police force, which is no small feat.

If he keeps targeting Mr. Lippert, given Mr. Lippert's current standing, that spells trouble."

Ashton's gaze darkened, "What's worse, Bryce operates in the shadows, leaving no trace."

Both men felt at a loss.

Just then, the emergency room doors burst open, and a doctor wheeled out Ludwik on a stretcher, his robust frame rigid, his handsome face drained of color.

He was conscious.

"Ludwik!" Ashton rushed over, "How are you feeling?"

After the patient was taken into a room, the doctor coughed uncomfortably, "The patient required immediate surgery for his injuries, which were quite severe. As to whether... certain functions might be affected, we can't guarantee anything."

"What? Doctor, are you saying Ludwik could be..."

"You mean to say I might not be able to... perform?" Ludwik's face was a storm cloud, his question blunt.

"It's not definite. Recovery varies, but given the severity of the injuries, we'll have to see how you heal," the doctor, intimidated by Ludwik's icy stare, softened his wording, "Sir, just rest up and keep a positive attitude. There's a fair chance for recovery."

A "fair chance"... anyone could hear the hollow comfort in those words.

The news hit Ludwik like a thunderclap.

Any man receiving such news would struggle to stay composed.

Here was a man in his prime, suddenly incapacitated... Ludwik's eyes flashed with fury.

He wasn't particularly driven by desire, but he loved Whitney. He had foolishly convinced himself she was his to keep.

He had plans to win her back. He never imagined losing her for good.

Against all odds, he believed in a turnaround, that handling the Lippert family's issues and finding Parker would pave his way to reclaiming Whitney...

But now, it felt like he had lost his drive.

His world had suddenly plunged into darkness. If his body couldn't recover, what hope did he have of winning back the woman he loved?

Why bother taking her back, to live as a widow by his side?

Fate seemed to cruelly jest at him, dealing a blow so severe!

First his company crumbled, then legal troubles, and now, his physical abilities threatened, was fate telling him to give up on Whitney?

Was this punishment for his past wrongs towards her?

Brutal.

Was his life now a dead end? Was he doomed to a lonely existence?

In that moment, Ludwik's defenses shattered, his spirit crumbling into despair.

"Ludwik, don't lose hope! The doctor said there's still a chance," Ashton, seeing his friend's despair, grew anxious, having never seen Ludwik in such a state. This wasn't the indomitable Ludwik they knew.

Even in Banyan City, through all hardships and the early struggles of Imperial Gem Corporation, Ludwik had always shone with resilience.

Ludwik was supposed to be unbreakable, his belief unwavering.

But now, Ashton saw no such conviction in him.

Even when the Lippert family faced ruin, Ludwik hadn't looked so defeated.

"Mr. Lippert, Mr. Lippert... medical science is advanced these days, you must believe in the possibility of healing!" Felix tried to offer some comfort, "Look at your previous condition, Ms. Valentine cured it. Maybe she can help with this injury too?"

"Stop trying to comfort me.

I know the severity of my condition," Ludwik's voice was laced with bitter mockery, "I've done many wrongs to her, forced her, so maybe this is my punishment."

Ashton couldn't help interjecting, "Damn it, all this trouble over a woman. If you had just let Whitney go during the chip development, not kidnapped her to that island, the Lippert family wouldn't have been vulnerable."

"Nolan, not now!" Felix thought, criticizing Ashton's timing.

Mr. Lippert was already dealing with so much, bringing up Whitney now was like twisting the knife.

Ashton sighed deeply.

Ludwik remained silent, knowing Ashton's words held truth,

If he hadn't kidnapped Whitney, the Lippert family wouldn't have been an easy target.

But if he had to do it over again, he'd still crash that wedding and, in front of everyone, take back the woman who belonged to him.

Those days on the island, unexpectedly, turned into the final chapter of tender memories in his life.

He didn't regret his actions towards her! At least, for that one month, in a haze of bliss, he had her and happiness.

"Ludwik, stop beating yourself up," Ashton couldn't help but remind him. "I know this hit hard, but you can't just resign yourself to fate.

Isn't that playing right into the hands of those behind the scenes?" Ashton continued, "This isn't the time to wallow. You're still on the hook for Parker's case!

I did some digging last night on Barclay's movements. Aside from bothering Tiana, Jarvis got to him.

They've met!"

Ludwik's dull eyes suddenly lifted.

Ashton cursed, "Damn, this is clearly Jarvis using that idiot Barclay to frame you and lock you up.

It was the Patricks who screwed over Parker, yet they're pinning it on you. Just thinking about it makes my blood boil.

Now, the Patricks are trying to blow up Parker's case. If we can't find Parker, and with the president keeping an eye, it's going to be tough for you to get out.

This injury, you're only out on bail for medical treatment."

Felix complained, "Mr. Lippert, the police have restricted your movements. You're not allowed to leave Emperor City..."