Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



"Shane, given your cozy rapport with the Finance Minister, you should be able to pull some strings here tonight. Go clear things up for him, will you?" Finally, she sighed.

Shane gave her a look that was both mocking and amused. “Having second thoughts again?"

What did she mean by "again"?

It wasn't like she'd shown this man mercy many times, after all.

"No, it's just that I can't stand by when I see the underdog being bullied, especially since I really can't stand Jarvis," Whitney declared with a feigned sense of righteousness.

However, Shane gave her a look that said 'I know exactly what you mean'.

"Alright, I'll help out your overflowing heart of justice, ex-wife of mine."

Whitney was speechless. "I think you just enjoy teasing me."

Shane clicked his tongue and leisurely strolled over with his drink in hand, weaving through the crowd until he saw Ludwik, his demeanor icy, kicking a privileged young man to the ground.

"Ah! That hurts, Ludwik actually kicked me, did you all see that?" the young elite howled in pain.

Ludwik twisted the guy's arm behind his back and sneered, "Would I have laid a hand on you if you hadn't provoked me? A grown man crying over a kick, maybe you should reconsider your manhood."

His casual tone instantly downplayed the provocations of the affluent youths around him into nothing.

Despite being the least influential man at the party tonight, Ludwik's menacing glare still made everyone around him wary.

Seeing that none of the noblemen dared to step forward and expel Ludwik,

Jarvis quickly stirred the pot, "Ludwik, let go of Liam's hand right now! You've hit someone and still have the audacity to act all high and mighty!" Shane couldn't stand it anymore and was about to intervene when a stern voice cut through the noise, "What's all this commotion about?" Jarvis turned to see a distinguished middle-aged man approaching.

Wade's face changed instantly, and he hurried forward with compliments, "Mr. Wilson, good evening! A man named Ludwik was making advances on a young lady, and we were all condemning him for it. To our surprise, he even resorted to violence."

So, this is Phineas?

Shane thought to himself as he eyed the stern middle-aged man.

Wade had made the first move!

Sure enough, Phineas's expression darkened upon hearing this, his gaze turning coldly towards Ludwik, "So, you're the Ludwik I've been hearing about?"

Ludwik released Liam's arm and, noticing the evening's host had arrived, dropped his aggressive stance, saying calmly, "Mr. Wilson, it's a pleasure, I am Ludwik."

"Is that so!" Phineas retorted sharply, his tone filled with coldness.

He had been on Saltland Island the night before, threatened by Tiana to reconsider his decision about Ludwik. He had harbored some doubts about Ludwik, intending to observe him further.

Yet, he hadn't expected to witness such a scene at the party, perfectly aligning with the rumors!

Parkie, it must have been Ludwik's doing that led to his misfortune.

"Someone explain what exactly happened here?" Phineas demanded authoritatively.

Jarvis immediately stepped forward, "Mr. Wilson, Ludwik was trying to harass my cousin and we caught him red-handed. Liam, out of indignation, asked him to leave, but Ludwik resorted to violence without a word."

"And he hit me too!"

"He pushed me as well!"

A group of young nobles accused Ludwik indignantly, as if he had committed a grave sin.

The crowd murmured among themselves:

"Who invited Ludwik here?"

"With his current status, he shouldn't even be here. Is he seeking Mr. Wilson's partnership? Tsk, if I were him, I'd be too ashamed to show my face."

“I heard he's trying to latch onto a wealthy heiress. He even made a move on Brielle but got called out in public."

"That makes sense. The Lippert family has fallen on hard times, and he's got the looks. Marrying into wealth seems like his quickest ticket back up. It's sad to see Ludwik's pride has brought him to this."

Listening to the crowd's derogatory remarks, Ludwik's handsome face turned frosty. He was no stranger to the world's coldness.

Yet, tonight was a real eye-opener.

Phineas, observing the situation, felt more disdain for Ludwik, "Young man, do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"Mr. Wilson, there's not much to say. I did not harass anyone, and these people don't care about the truth. They're more interested in seeing someone fall from grace, enjoying others' misfortune as it feeds their dark desires."

Ludwik's indifferent yet dignified demeanor caused Phineas to frown slightly.

This wasn't what he had expected; Ludwik seemed rather forthright.

However, remembering the harm done to Parkie, Phineas's gaze turned icy again, "Your word alone isn't enough to clear your name. With such character, the Wilson family does not welcome you. You should leave."

Jarvis and Wade were secretly thrilled. With Phineas personally driving him away, Ludwik could forget about any partnership.

Just as they were about to add fuel to the fire, a new figure appeared, "Mr. Wilson, I'm Shane, Ronan's nephew. I know you value fairness, may I say a few words?"

Phineas looked at Shane, giving a slight nod, "So, you're Ronan's nephew. What do you have to say?"

Shane glanced at Ludwik, who stood defiantly yet with dignity, and smiled, “Mr. Wilson, shouldn't we check the surveillance footage first?

If you send Ludwik away just like that, wouldn't it give people the wrong impression, suggesting you're acting arbitrarily?

After all, checking the footage is a matter of seconds, very simple.

Then, who's in the right and who's in the wrong will be crystal clear."noveldrama

At these words, the previously smug young nobles shifted uncomfortably.

"Mr. Nelson, what are you implying? Surely, a young lady like myself wouldn't lie," Brielle, startled by the mention of checking the surveillance, quickly stood up to question Shane's suggestion.

"Exactly, he was the one who started it. I think he even broke my hand!" Mr. Liam chimed in, backing her up.

"I'm not saying I don't trust you guys," Shane said with a smirk that wasn't quite a smile. "But when we're all heading to Mr. Wilson's gala, we've got to consider the host's perspective, right?

If Mr. Wilson pulls up the security footage, even Ludwik will have to accept it, and no one can accuse Mr. Wilson of being hasty or unfair in his judgment.

Plus, I'm doing this for Brielle, to not give Ludwik any chance to argue.

If he's stepped out of line, he better be ready to get on his knees and apologize!"

Phineas found the logic sound. After all, he was new to Emperor City, and even though he was a close confidant of the president, with practically limitless power, he still needed to win people over with his integrity to avoid future accusations of personal vendettas against Ludwik for Parkie's sake. "Alright, I guess we'll go with what the Nelson kid suggests."

Brielle's face turned sour, though she forced a smile. "Mr. Nelson, you've got me all wrong. I'm not being pushy here. Anyone who looks into this situation will see it clear as day, just ask around, and you'll know I wouldn't lie."