Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )

"The cops went through his phone top to bottom, but no dice. No calls to the suspect, no shady money transfers, nothing. We cross-referenced their timelines, but it seems like he and the perp are strangers. No connection whatsoever." "If there were any obvious connections, would we even be talking about hiring a hitman?" Ludwik's voice was icy as he squinted at Bryce, "The Wilsons and Mr. Doonan think he's a suspect, so grill him! Everyone's capable of lying, especially cornered rats like Mr. Lutz.

Can't get anything out of him in an hour? Try forty-eight. We can hold him for two days, can't we?"

Mr. Lane was sweating bullets, nodding along while clearly troubled, "Ludwik, detaining someone without cause... it's not exactly by the book.

Sure, we can hold him for 48 hours, but if we don't find anything, the station's going to have to let him go.

Bryce has already filed a complaint about us working without evidence. We can't overdo it..."

Ludwik's glare turned frosty as he looked at Bryce.

Bryce, looking defeated and scared, managed a covert sneer in return, catching Ludwik's eye.

That sneer didn't escape Ludwik's notice, who interpreted it as mockery.

Bryce tried to wear an innocent smile, "Ludwik, even with all the power you and Mr. Doonan wield, you can't just detain me and use brute force, right?

I might be down on my luck, but I know my rights. I won't let you bully me."

"You've got some nerve, playing the victim here! You're behind the shooting that left my uncle in a vegetative state, and you think I'll let that slide?!" Parker was ready to throw punches again.

Ludwik held Parker back, knowing full well that Bryce must have left a trail that would eventually lead back to him.

But for now, Parker's actions seemed like an abuse of power to the outside world, putting them at a disadvantage.

Yet, Ludwik also sensed Parker's underlying intent in his rage.

Together, they watched Bryce, gauging his reaction to the mention of 'Phineas becoming a vegetable.'

Sure enough, despite Bryce's attempts to mask his emotions, his momentary lapse at the mention of his target's fate gave him away.

Ludwik's lips thinned in a tight line, while Parker's anger continued to simmer.

This was the man, the very one who had targeted his uncle!

Bryce cowered, pleading innocence, "Mr. Doonan, stop! The police found no connection between me and the suspect. I'm sorry about your uncle, but I had nothing to do with it. Officers, I implore you to seek justice for me!

Right now, I'm just trying to scrape by, hoping for a sliver of cooperation with Inko Group to save my own company.

Why would I go after Mr. Wilson? I have no motive.

Mr. Doonan, instead of pointing fingers at me, why not chase after the real culprit? That would be true vengeance for your uncle."

Parker was livid, but Ludwik's calming grip on his shoulder held him back.

Turning to Bryce, Ludwik towered over him, his gaze piercing, "Why would you have no motive? Isn't your motive related to Florence? You had her made over to look like Whitney, but why? What secret does that hold, something crucial to your backers, perhaps?" Bryce stiffened, his shock barely concealed before he regained his composure, hatred glinting in his eyes as he sneered, "Ludwik, the tables will turn. Your day will come."

Attempting to leave, Ludwik blocked his path, effortlessly throwing him to the ground with a swift move.

The officers exchanged looks of disbelief.

Mr. Lane, taken aback by the brawl in the station but recognizing Ludwik's influence and Bryce's current powerless state, chose not to intervene.

"Police, are you blind? Ludwik's assaulting me right here in the station!" Bryce clamored as he got up.

Ludwik stepped on his arm, looking down at him, "Hit you? Why wait for a special occasion? You play the poor, powerless victim so well. Officer, detain him for 48 hours, interrogation non-stop. I want to see who dares release him early!"

"My uncle's a living ghost, and a thousand cuts wouldn't be enough for you. Lock him up!" Parker added, seizing the moment.

With no other choice, especially with the Wilson and Lippert families present, Mr. Lane agreed to continue holding Bryce.

"Alright, we'll keep investigating and questioning him," the officers said, dragging Bryce back to his cell.

As he was led away, Bryce shot Ludwik a chilling look, "Ludwik, I'll be out soon."

Ludwik's gaze followed him until the cell door shut.

Detective Lane had just hung up the phone, the call from the forensic department confirming the autopsy results of the shooting suspect were in.

He nodded at Parker, "Mr. Doonan, would you like to come with me to see the results?"

"Absolutely, lead the way, Mr. Lane," Parker motioned towards the door of the precinct.

Lane stepped outside, waiting for them.

It was then Parker turned to Ludwik, whose eyes were shadowed with a dark intensity. He raised an eyebrow coolly, "You caught that, right? I deliberately leaked to Bryce the news about the uncle slipping into a coma." "Well played," Ludwik nodded, a smirk playing on his lips. "Clearly, he took the bait."

"Ludwik, you said letting him think he's off our radar would make him reveal his next move. You compared it to setting up a grand chess game."

"Exactly."

As Ludwik moved towards the door, his eyes narrowed, "I've been thinking back to our time in Germinia. Just before I left, Florence made a sudden break from the hospital. Her motives are likely more complex than just escaping my grip. I've thought about it-if I had stayed in Germinia, I would have eventually crossed paths with the mysterious figure pulling her strings."