Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 690

"Was it your own doing finding me, or did someone put you up to it?"

He came with a whole entourage, clearly ready for a showdown.

Did you manage to squeeze anything out of him?"

Ludwik recalled the scene, a chill spreading, "I confronted Lane, asking if Bryce had set him up.

His face gave him away.

Most likely... Bryce again."

"That scoundrel, what grudge does he have against you, constantly kicking you when you're down, aiming to take you out with every move."

Ashton couldn't hold back his curse any longer.

Ludwik remained expressionless, "Because of Whitney. And my previous run-ins with him."

"Only a coward resorts to such underhanded tactics!

Bryce must be in cahoots with Jarvis by now, their gang itching to see you destroyed."

Ashton lamented, "Last time in the detention center, Bryce had already made a move on your turf.

He wants to torment you! Watching you pine for Whitney as she moves in with him.

Ludwik, can you really swallow this bitter pill?

I know you feel stripped of your pride, disheartened, thinking you can't win Whitney over, that your whole world has turned dark.

But you've got to shake off this despondency.

Bryce, that bastard, you used to not even spare him a glance. Stand up and fight back!"

Ludwik's expression froze, his mind a mess.

After a moment, a bitter smile crossed his heart.

He had dreamt of Whitney last night, her kindness and gentleness visiting him.

Crying, he spoke words long buried in his heart.

He had been too arrogant, assuming she would understand his unspoken love, afraid to show how much he valued her.

Only later did he realize his grave mistake.

...

Seeing Ludwik fall silent, Ashton rambled on, "Ludwik, you're my brother. Once you're ready to fight, I'll be right there with you, and so will Parker.

Falling isn't scary; it's the lack of courage to start over that is.

Get back on your feet, take down those creeps. You're Ludwik, after all!"

Ludwik felt a lump in his throat, closing his bloodshot eyes.

After a while, his towering figure walked out, changing the subject upon seeing a hotel business card, "Ashton, did you bring me to this hotel?"

"No, I just heard about your beating this morning."

"Then who brought me here?"

"How would I know? Probably a Good Samaritan."

Ludwik, puzzled, noticed the antiseptic on his hands and clothes had been changed.

Wait...

His handsome face suddenly changed, hastily ending the call.

Opening his pants, he found his underwear had been changed too, meaning his injuries might have been exposed.

Who could it be?

Whitney's delicate face flashed through his mind, her presence in his dream last night felt so real.

He seemed to have hugged her, rushing to kiss her.

His tears touched her face, her eyes also seemed red, before she pushed him away.

"..." Could it have been her?

Ludwik's heart pounded fiercely as he strode out to ask the hotel manager to review the surveillance footage.

Seeing Whitney's slender figure struggling to carry him to the elevator, then up the stairs, chilled him to the bone.

It was her.