Chapter 257


    “I had to p ine because she had iting! You think you can just waltz in and y homewrecker


    with my husband for three years and not expect to catch these hands? I’ve been civil, not leaving you


    crippled!”


    With that, Whitney nonchntly flicked a marriage certificate onto the table. It instantly caught


    everyone’s attention.


    She flipped it open to reveal a clear photo of her and Ludwik. “Till this day, I’m still the one and only


    Mrs. Ludwik, folks. And there’s ine, strutting around like she’s the fiancée, unting her affair with


    my man. I’d really like to know where she gets off!


    Three years ago, when you two had your fancy engagement bash, I was still legally married to Mr.


    Lippert. You think just because you’re Mr. Big Shot, you can dodge bigamy charges?


    Text ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    ine had been bragging in the restroom earlier, saying how she had egged Mr. Lippert on to snatch


    my Skye Gem Ltd. from me. And what do you know, they’re nning to tie the knot in a month.


    As a scorned wife, I was boiling over. That’s why Ished out.”


    Whitney finished her tirade with a smug smile.


    ine’s face drained of color as she stared at the marriage certificate, a chill creeping into her


    gaze.


    She turned to Ludwik in desperation.


    His eyes were dark and stormy as he red at Whitney. “How did you get your hands on that?”


    He had been keeping the marriage certificate safe for three years!


    Whitney raised an eyebrow. “I should thank you for reminding me this morning that we never officially


    filed the paperwork.”


    Back then, she could not let go of the jerk. Thus, right when they had signed the divorce papers. she


    sneaked into their bedroom and nicked it.


    It had been hidden in her new apartment for three years, and just this afternoon, she dug it out. She


    knew it woulde in handy someday.


    ine wanted to make a move on herpany tonight, secure her ce as Mrs. Lippert, and have


    Ludwik announce their wedding ns.


    And she had the nerve to throw shade Whitney’s way.


    How could Whitney not unveil a grand surprise?


    “You’ve been avoiding me for three years, and we’ve been separated long enough. Legally, I could’ve


    filed for divorce a long time ago!” Ludwik gritted his teeth.


    16.09


    “Too bad you never did,” Whitney said, ncing at ine, who was seething with fury. “Why. Mr.


    Lippert, still harboring fantasies about little of disreputable me, is that why you hesitated?”


    “In your dreams. I just forgot, you shameless woman!” Ludwik spat venomously.


    Whitney was unfazed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Well, now, unless I file for divorce, it looks like


    ine’s dream wedding next month is just that–a dream. And ine, don’t worry about my stained


    reputation; it’s not like you’re any less of a mistress.”


    After dropping that bombshell, she struck a flirtatious pose and caught the eye of Bryce, who had


    remained silent till then, responding with a knowing smile.


    “Easy there, Whitney,” he said as he took her hand, escorting her off the podium.


    Orion shot a wicked grin toward Ludwik, whose jaw clenched tight. He fanned the mes as he


    followed. “Ms. Valentine, wait up for me!”


    The room went silent, all eyes on Whitney, who, despite her scandalous behavior, pulled it off with a


    certain n.


    In contrast, ine–well, the looks from the otherdies said it all.


    The tide of public opinion was turning.


    “So ine’s grand engagement three years ago was her stepping up as the mistress, huh?”


    “Mr. Lippert was not even divorced then. How brave!”


    *ying the role of Mrs. Lippert in Banyan City, unting her rtionship under everyone’s noses, all


    because she’s got the Lippert name to hide behind. She seemed so sly earlier, throwing dirt on


    Whitney.”


    These societydies, who had been all smiles to ine because of the connection to the influential


    Bartels family and Mr. Lippert, were quick to change their tune. This was their strong suit.


    ine’s face was a mask of barely contained rage, especially since she could notsh out in front of


    Ludwik. She red at Whitney’s retreating figure, mentally branding her a vile creature for pulling out


    that marriage certificate.


    “Why didn’t you finalize the divorce after our agreement years ago?” she demanded, her voice filled


    with resentment.


    It should have been such a simple task. Just a call to the registrar would have done it. Why had he not


    taken care of it?


    And over the past three years, he had not even filed for divorce. Could it be…


    “Ludwik, we can’t get married if you’re still hitched to her!” inemented, her voice soft with distress.


    “I’m sorry, I didn’t pay it any mind.” Ludwik consoled her with a gentle squeeze of her hand.


    1609


    Then, his gaze followed the woman departing with two men, a dark cloud settling in his eyes.


    Abruptly making an excuse, he said, “I’ll go force her to sign the divorce papers! ine, go to the


    lounge and find Danny. Make sure he doesn’t run into Whitney!”


    “Lu…” she started, but he was already striding away.


    ine’s mood darkened further; she did not trust Whitney. With gritted teeth, she ignored the lounge


    and followed Ludwik.


    In the corridor leading to the garden, Whitney nced at Orion and said coolly, “Orion, your cameo for


    the evening is over. You can go now.”


    “What, you’re done using me, so now you’re off to frolic with your lover?” Orion sniped, eyeing Bryce.


    Whitney knew he was all bark, no bite, and smirked, “That’s right. I should be with him and not you,


    shouldn’t I?”


    Bryce chuckled awkwardly but then spoke up warmly, “Why don’t you go freshen up? We live close by,


    and we’ve got some things to talk overter.”


    Whitney knew he was referring to the auction for Skye Gem Ltd., which was likely to be a battle. She


    nodded and headed into the restroom.


    After touching up her makeup, she was suddenly yanked against the wall by a powerful grip.


    The towering shadow loomed over her, and Whitney looked up to see who it was. Her eyes were cold,


    but her lips curled into a taunting smile.


    “Mr. Lippert, what’s this all about, huh? A secret affair?”


    With another seductivesh of her eyes, she said ‘Mr. Lippert‘, and Ludwik bore into her with a gaze


    sharp enough to peel back her skin to see whaty beneath.


    Whitney paused, a sly smile creeping across her face. Ludwik must have overheard the conversation


    he had had with Orion outside.


    Striding forward, she teasingly adjusted his tie. Despite his faults, the man knew how to wear a suit,


    looking sharp as ever.


    Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a woman lingering outside the restroom.


    16:09


    her breath like a feather against his neck.


    Ludwik’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his body tensing for a moment.


    He quickly grabbed her hand, his voice deep and disdainful. “Spare me the drama. Let’s just get this


    divorce finalized, so I don’t have to dy my wedding with ine!”


    Whitney’s heart, already filled with hatred, skipped a beat at his words.


    “Why would ine interfere with your uncle’s case?” Ludwik frowned, puzzled.


    “You don’t know?” Whitney obviously did not believe him.


    “I couldn’t care less about your family’s dirtyundry!” Ludwik’s voice was as cold as winter. frost.


    Three years ago, she had left him, their son had died, and she had run away. The fact that Keegan was


    still breathing was already a courtesy. In fact, he had spent thest three years. deliberately distancing


    himself from such matters just to catch a breath.


    “Ms. Valentine, you’ve crossed the line. Why are you ndering me the moment youe


    back?”


    ine, who was eavesdropping, could not take it anymore and burst into the restroom.