Love beyond the mask101-200

Novel Catalog

Chapter_129

Elaine stormed into the room, her fury palpable in every step. The sharp clicking of her heels echoed through the marble halls of the grand Bartels Mansion as she moved with a controlled rage. Her mother, Delphine, sat in a luxurious chair, observing the scene with a quiet, almost detached air. But as soon as she saw Elaine’s disheveled appearance, a flicker of concern crossed her face, though it quickly gave way to cool composure.

“Elaine, what on earth happened? You’re in no condition to face anyone like this,” Delphine remarked, her eyes sweeping over her daughter’s trembling form with a raised brow.

Elaine’s chest heaved with frustration, her hands trembling as she threw her purse onto the sofa, her movements erratic with suppressed fury. She began to pace, the tension in her posture evident.

“It’s over, Mother. I’ve been ousted,” Elaine’s voice cracked with raw anger, the words sharp as knives. “Ludwik has thrown me out. I’m no longer vice president at the company. He’s completely cut me off, and it’s all because of that wretched Whitney!”

At the mention of Whitney’s name, Delphine’s face hardened, her expression darkening as she listened to the venom in Elaine’s voice. She had never thought much of Whitney, always seeing her as a nuisance, but hearing the depth of her daughter’s bitterness made Delphine keenly aware of the betrayal Elaine was feeling.

“That woman,” Delphine muttered, her voice a low hiss. “What does she think she’s doing? This isn’t over, Elaine. We’ll make sure Ludwik regrets his decision.”

Elaine turned sharply to face her mother, her face flushed with a potent mix of desperation and fury. “I’m not going to let this go,” she said, her tone fierce, her resolve unwavering. “I’ve worked too hard, sacrificed too much to be treated like this. I need Ludwik’s name to remain attached to the Bartels family. I won’t let Whitney take him from me. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure he understands that.”

Delphine’s demeanor shifted, becoming calm but resolute. She stood, her presence commanding. “You’ve always been resourceful, Elaine. And now you’ve made your move. Ludwik may have made this decision, but he hasn’t seen the full consequences of it yet. The Lipperts will regret this.”

Elaine’s determination only deepened. “I’ll make sure of it. This isn’t over. Whitney’s victory is temporary, but I’ll make her pay for this humiliation.”

The two women exchanged a look of quiet understanding, a silent agreement between them that the war was far from over. Their minds were already turning, plotting their next steps, and it was clear that the battle for Ludwik—and the Bartels legacy—was just beginning.

Elsewhere in the city, Ludwik sat in his car, his face etched with concern as he stared out of the window, his thoughts a whirlwind of uncertainty. His phone had been ringing non-stop ever since the announcement of Elaine’s dismissal. The pressure from his family, particularly from his father, was mounting. He knew he had made enemies, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that, despite the fallout, he had done the right thing—for Whitney, for himself, for their future.

Beside him, Whitney sat in silence, her presence a steady comfort. She could see the tension in his jaw, the storm brewing in his eyes, but she didn’t know how to ease the weight he carried.

“Is everything okay, L?” she asked softly, her hand resting gently on his.

Ludwik’s gaze flicked toward her, his expression hardening with determination. “I don’t know,” he admitted, his voice low. “But I have to handle this. I can’t let Elaine’s departure stir up any more trouble. I’m going to face my family. And I’ll need you by my side, Whitney. We can’t back down now.”

Whitney nodded, her heart swelling with both resolve and love. She had fought for her place in his life, and now, she would fight alongside him. The battle with Elaine was just the beginning, but she was ready for it. Because, for the first time, Ludwik was truly hers.

Together, they would face the challenges ahead, knowing that the road would be long and fraught with obstacles. But as long as they had each other, Whitney felt a flicker of hope. This time, there would be no turning back.

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