Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Bryce's gaze drifted towards her, his voice laced with concern. "I only found out from the news that a company in Germinia unveiled a new, more advanced microchip. The Lippert family was caught completely off guard. Their stocks plummeted for two days straight, wiping out over six hundred billion in value."

Whitney gasped, her mind reeling. Six hundred billion was an astronomical figure, no wonder Ludwik had rushed off that night.

"How could their stocks plummet like that?"

"Ludwik was too boastful," Bryce continued. "Once the microchip was developed, the Lipperts made a huge deal about it being the most advanced in the world. They even signed contracts with over two hundred companies worldwide. Those companies paid hefty deposits to get their hands on it first. But when Weiman Technologies released their chip, everyone felt cheated.

The most ironic part? Rumor has it that the Lippert's lab microchip was actually stolen by Parker, who then destroyed all the evidence. After Justin chased him out, Parker vanished without a trace."

"What?" Whitney was stunned.

Parker, Ludwik's right-hand man, involved in data theft? It didn't make sense to her. Ludwik had always been an unshakeable titan in her eyes, always steps ahead in his dealings, never one to act rashly. How could he have missed Weiman Technologies' development?

This was too strange, too sudden a downfall for Ludwik, and Parker the 'accomplice'? It seemed like a calculated move against the Lipperts... Unable to contain her curiosity, Whitney whispered, "What's the situation with the Lippert family now?"

"They've lost their standing as the top family in Harmonia Country, overtaken by the Patrick Group. The Lipperts' market value is even lower than my company's now."

Whitney was speechless.

Bryce's lips curved slightly, "We'll see what tomorrow brings. If Ludwik doesn't compensate those two hundred companies, the Lippert's reputation will hit rock bottom, and no one will want to do business with them. But paying those exorbitant fines could bankrupt them, destroying their other ventures. Without financial backing for new microchip research, the Lipperts will quickly become irrelevant in the market."

Whitney understood; Ludwik was cornered.

Her heart ached for the rapid downfall of what was once Harmonia's leading empire. "Whitney. Ludwik can no longer threaten us."

Bryce took a deep breath, his grip on her shoulder tightening. His eyes, filled with determination and a hint of vengeance, met hers. "And I haven't forgotten how he tried to take you from me. I won't let it go."

Whitney looked up, sensing his resolve and the deep-seated hatred in his gaze. She was taken aback. "Bryce."

"Will you support me in seeking revenge?" he cut in, his voice heavy with sorrow and fury. "As a man, having my bride taken from me on our wedding day... how can I just let that go? Especially after you've been imprisoned on that island, suffering for so long, we need to settle both new and old scores with him."

Whitney's heart fluttered with a mix of emotions. She understood his need for retribution; any man would. She too harbored resentment towards Ludwik, especially remembering their last confrontation. Yet, surprisingly, she didn't feel the satisfaction of revenge she thought she would.

Did she really want to retaliate against Ludwik? The thought of revenge had crossed her mind during their worst moments, but now, calm and collected, she wasn't so sure.

Was she actually forgiving Ludwik, or had his treatment of her led to some twisted form of Stockholm syndrome?

Shivering at the thought, Whitney avoided further contemplation. "Bryce... what do you plan to do?"

"We'll press charges for kidnapping," Bryce said, his tone icy. "You were abducted, Whitney. Just tell the police about your captivity, how your freedom was restricted, and... how you were harmed. He'll be punished."

"Harm?" Whitney understood the implication, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

After a moment, she managed to ask, "Bryce... what kind of harm are you suggesting I tell the police?"

A flicker of agony passed through Bryce's eyes, quickly replaced by hatred. "Whitney, it's hard for both of us, but we have to face it. During the month you were taken, I can't believe Ludwik... didn't touch you. But as my wife, unless it was consensual, his actions are criminal, it's assault."

Whitney clenched her fists, her heart racing with discomfort.

Her head hung low, lost in turmoil, she gently pulled away from Bryce and walked towards the window for air.

Bryce's persistent voice followed, "I'm stating facts. You were forced, right? Whitney, you can trust me. I'm here for you, and I won't judge you for it."

His voice grew intensely tender,

"This past month, I've been worried about you every single moment, feeling your pain. I know you never wanted things to turn out this way All along, I've blamed myself for not being strong enough to rescue you sooner. But you can't run away. Ludwik has gone too far he's inhuman. The hurt and humiliation he's caused us, he deserves to be punished!"

His words pierced her foggy mind like nails.

Causing her to wake up from the pain.

Yes.

What Ludwik had done to her was criminal. This past month wasn't her choice.

It's normal for criminals to be sentenced, isn't it?

Why should she hesitate or feel conflicted?

Even if Ludwik goes to jail and the Lippert family falls apart, it wouldn't be her fault. Why the misplaced compassion?

"Whitney, I know how hard it is for you to go to the police and make this public, but do you think it's any easier for me?" Bryce's eyes were filled with a bitter pain, "I've been mocked online for the whole month. But thankfully, I found you. We have a future to face together, and I swear, I'll never leave your side."noveldrama

Whitney crumbled under his sincere gaze, feeling utterly ashamed.

The nicer Bryce was to her, the heavier the pressure felt in her heart, like a massive stone.

Nine hours later.

In the city of Emperor City, night had fallen.

A helicopter landed near Delight Mansion, where Keegan and Yael Tennyson, along with Danny, had been waiting for a long time.

Their long wait in the cool evening

air of Emperor City was unlike anything back home. The night here had a different quality, something, more serene yet pulsating with life. The mansion, with its sprawling grounds and the helicopter's looming presence, felt like a scene straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster, worlds away from the small-town vibes they were used to.

The night air, slightly chill, hinted at the coming of autumn, a stark contrast to the warm, comforting smells of pumpkin spice and apple cider that would soon fill the homes back in their quaint little town. Here, the scent was more metallic, mixed with the damp earth, a reminder of the city's relentless pace and its unyielding nature.

The Tennysons, despite the

grandeur surrounding them, felt a pang of homesickness, missing the simple pleasures of a backyard barbecue or a high school football game under the Friday night lights. Yet, they knew they were embroiled in something much larger than themselves, a battle against power and privilege that seemed as American as apple pie, yet with stakes that felt as heavy as the

history books recounting tales of knights and their quests for justice.

In Emperor City, under the vast, starry sky, their story continued to unfold, a mix of old and new worlds, of battles for dignity and the search for a

peace that seemed as elusive as the changing seasons.