Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



"Looks like Bryce really didn't transfer any funds to the victim's account, from what we've dug up in the financial records," Mr. Lane frowned. "Mr. Doonan, I know you're convinced it's Bryce, but our investigation shows he's never even been to the club where the victim worked. No one in his circle had any contact with the victim either. It's all very strange."

"He's gone to great lengths to cover his tracks!" Parker fumed. "When someone's planning a murder, don't you think they'd be thorough? If it were easy to find evidence, we wouldn't need detectives, would we?"

Mr. Lane turned pale, nodding in agreement. "You're right. For now, Bryce remains in custody, under interrogation."

Ludwik had anticipated this; he was certain the suspect had completely distanced himself from Bryce.

As Parker said, if it were easy, Bryce wouldn't have risked it all.

But Ludwik wasn't in a rush. With a cool gaze and a slight smile, he instructed Mr. Lane, "Chief, set aside the other cases for now and focus on Bryce.

It's normal not to find anything suspicious right away, but give it time, and something is bound to slip through the cracks.

We're convinced he's behind the hit, and that means he is. Remember that!"

Feeling the pressure, Mr. Lane couldn't refuse. Nodding, he said, "Yes, Ludwik. I'll personally see to Chairman Phineas's case." "Appreciate it."

Ludwik nodded, then, with a stormy-faced Parker in tow, left the forensic department.

Parker's eyes, sharp and vengeful, were unsatisfied with the lack of evidence and furious at the dead end with the suspect. Suddenly, he grasped Ludwik's arm, "Ludwik! Given the Wilson family's influence with the President, we could easily have Bryce convicted and thrown into a cell. What could he possibly do then?

While he's still vulnerable, I say we finish him off, get justice for my uncle.

It'll save us the trouble when he's released, teams up with Florence, and seeks revenge on you!"

Ludwik understood his point.

"Do you think releasing him after 48 hours is letting the tiger back into the jungle?"

Parker worriedly retorted, "Isn't it? That vile man, you've never fully crushed him, but given any chance, he'll claw his way back. People like him need to stop breathing to give us any peace!"

Ludwik nodded, his gaze darkening as he looked towards the evening sky, ablaze like a blood-red inferno. This bloody hue silently seeped into his vision, stirring a storm within.

His lips curled slightly, "His life, we'll take it eventually. Keeping him around is just playing the long game.

Consider Bryce a jest for now. We need him to stir the pot; without him jumping around, Florence wouldn't bother coming back. Let these two jesters draw out the real shark behind it all!"

Parker, partly persuaded by Ludwik's strategy and recalling his audacious request, began to see his point.

But still, "Ludwik, what are the odds?"

"Worst case scenario, it's all or nothing! But I trust my gut, I need to meet that enigmatic figure to unravel what Bryce is really plotting."

Ludwik gazed into the darkness, closing his eyes, "Parker, we need to get to the root of it to break the case wide open. I've never been one to waste time.

Believe it or not, with your uncle's accident and the Inko Group leaderless, if you don't act as I've suggested, Bryce might just find a way in!" "Him?" Parker scoffed. "What's he compared to Inko Group? Who would even consider him?"

"The enigma, a top executive at the conglomerate. What if Bryce manages to sway them to appoint him directly?"

"That's unlikely," Parker gasped, shocked at Bryce's potential influence.

"It's not impossible, which is why you need to follow through with what I've asked you to do at Inko Group. I have my reasons; you'll understand in time."

Parker looked at Ludwik for a long moment, recognizing the solemnity and seriousness in his eyes, and fell silent.

Just then, his phone rang.

Glancing at the caller ID, he immediately answered, "Mrs. Wilson, you... What? The surgery's done? And uncle is... alright, alright, I'll head to the hospital now!"

After hanging up, Ludwik discarded his cigarette, "Surgery's over?"

"Uncle's still alive!" Parker's eyes brightened with joy, "Ludwik, let's hurry."

"Seems like good news. Tell your aunt to lock down the hospital, don't let any information leak. Let's go," Ludwik exhaled a puff of smoke, "I still have matters to discuss with your aunt."

Parker, momentarily stunned, glanced at him.

When Whitney left Delight Mansion, night had already fallen.

Driving home, she furrowed her brow, wondering why Ludwik hadn't called her all day. Was he spending time with their sons at home?

She thought about calling the little townhouse to check on the kids but then remembered Camilla's misunderstanding of her and Ludwik's relationship.

To avoid further suspicion, she decided against it.

She'd be at the Lippert family's place soon anyway.

At 8 p.m., Whitney parked her car near the Lippert family's small townhouse curved driveway.

The townhouse had its own three parking spots, a far cry from the lavish Brew Hill Estate with its sprawling parking area and private helipad.

The Lippert Group was just beginning to recuperate, with its subsidiaries hungry for the aerospace technology products expected to drive growth. For now, it seemed unlikely that Jason would move back to Brew Hill Estate.

Whitney had heard that Brew Hill Estate was bought by Natalie.

Now, it seemed Jason and Natalie were growing closer?

But those were matters for the elders, and as an outsider, Whitney felt it wasn't her place to pry.

No more gossip for me.

After parking the car with care, Whitney strolled towards the winding driveway and reached the ornately carved gates. As expected, three parking spots were already taken by Jason, Riley, and Erin Lippert's vehicles.

But where was Ludwik's Bentley?

Casting a quick glance around, Whitney noted the absence of the car.noveldrama

Could it be that he went out today? He had just returned, looking utterly worn and with a gloom hovering over his handsome features, drained from the journey. And to think he left his sons behind for whatever errand puzzled her.

She remembered his words from the morning, "I've got a busy period coming up."

Whitney pursed her lips, puzzled about what he could be busy with. Ever since his trip to Eurovoria, she felt out of the loop regarding his affairs. She decided to have a proper talk with him once he returned.

Sighing deeply, Whitney pushed open the ornate gate, and just then, a servant spotted her and greeted her with a bright smile, "Welcome home, ma'am!"

Whitney's expression darkened slightly.

She had corrected them numerous times not to refer to her that way, but it must be Camilla, the dear old soul, instructing them otherwise, making the staff hesitant to change their address.

She forced a smile, "Yes, I'm planning to spend the evening with the kids."

"Oh! But Danny and Sammy haven't come home yet. It's getting quite late," the servant replied.

Whitney's brow furrowed, "Danny and Sammy went out? Did they go with Ludwik?"