Love Beyond the Mask

Chapter 96

Ludwik flicked off the main lights, enveloping her in silence and his undeniable warmth. Sensing

something was not right, Whitney’s cheeks flushed as she caught a glimpse of his toned midriff under

the covers. Yet, he made no further moves, merely gazing at her with a bemused expression as she lay

there, stuffed and nearly delirious from the hearty barbecue dinner. He gently tapped her forehead and

murmured, “Time to sleep.”

She smelled wonderful. Nestled beside her, he finally had a good night’s rest.

The comforting scent that lulled him to sleep was a mystery, reminiscent of the girl who had saved him

that night years ago, magical almost.

His phone screen lit up silently as he was about to drift off. He switched it to mute–it was a call from

Elaine.

Ludwik propped himself up slightly, causing Whitney to murmur in discomfort before turning over to

continue her slumber.

He smiled softly, tucking her in before stepping onto the balcony and closing the door behind him to

take the call.

“What?” Elaine only called for work–related matters, he knew.

On the other end, Elaine detected his icy tone and felt a mixture of relief and a tinge of jealousy. She

had intentionally called at this hour, hoping to interrupt intimate moments. But his voice betrayed no

hint of such activities. Had he really not touched Whitney again?

Elaine’s frown eased as she got to business, “I’m sorry to bother you this late, Bro, but there’s

something about Whitney. She turned down the two vendors you recommended for her. Maybe she

doesn’t want your help, or she’s looking for someone else?”

Ludwik paused mid–drag of his cigarette, his brows furrowing as he exhaled into the night.

He said nothing more than a curt, “I see.”

Elaine could sense his displeasure. “Do you want me to find out which vendor Whitney’s in touch with?”

“Yeah,” Ludwik responded before ending the call.

He put out his cigarette and returned inside. His towering form approached the bed where Whitney lay;

her delicate features softened in sleep.

The furrow between his brows deepened. He had good intentions in helping her; why had she refused?

He did not understand. She had not mentioned it in the car earlier. The Imperial Gem Corporation was

already a rival to Skye Gem Ltd. He had lowered his pride to assist her.

Did she not trust him? Was she afraid her small business would be harmed?

He gently pinched her cheek, his expression still tender. Perhaps it was time to let her get to know him

better and dispel her suspicions.

The next morning, Whitney awoke to prepare for work.

Ludwik finished tying his tie, his imposing figure emerging from the dressing room, his masked

handsome face portrayed seriousness in the early light.

He was off to work, but before leaving, he tossed her a smile and said, “Come by my office after work.”

“Wow, you’re letting me know what you do now?” Whitney was surprised.

“There’s a lot to my business. I don’t mind you knowing some of it, seeing what I’m up to.” He flicked a

business card her way.

Whitney looked down at it: United Realty Corporation, complete with an address.

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United Realty Corporation was the largest real estate firm in the country! Almost every upscale

mansion in Banyan City was built by them.

Holy cow, was her husband really this loaded?

Whitney did a mental calculation. Skye Gem Ltd. was worth 20 billion dollars, but the market value of

United Realty Corporation was beyond her comprehension.

With her heart in turmoil, Whitney arrived at the office and shared the news with Tiana.

Tiana was stunned. “United Realty Corporation is one of Banyan City’s most mysterious companies,

aside from Imperial Gem Corporation and Skyfaith Electronic Tech, the technology giant! I can’t believe

United Realty Corporation is your husband’s. Madam, you’ve got my respect!”

“What do I do? Suddenly, him being so wealthy seems kinda hot. I think I’m falling for him,” Whitney

confessed, touching her cheek.

Tiana’s lips twitched. “Whitney, your love for money is so blatant!”

“But I love the person too, okay? He even joined me for a barbecue dinner last night… When I first met

him, I had no idea how wealthy he was. Didn’t you call him a thug leader?”

“How much do I have to pay you not to snitch to ‘L‘?”

Whitney burst into laughter. “Enough, I’m hanging up. I’ve got an important partnership to discuss

today.” She immediately dialed her college buddy, Cooper, who had handed her his business card at

the bar.

Cooper had returned from overseas to start a precious gemstone business, and Skye Gem urgently

needed new supplies after recalling a batch of fake jewelry. Whitney naturally thought of him.

Cooper picked up promptly when she called, and the conversation took an unexpected turn. “Whitney,

the thing is, I’m just the director, a small fry. Our chairman heard I was closing a big deal with Skye

Gem and wants to oversee it personally. He’ll be joining us for lunch.”

Whitney’s mind raced, instantly switching to professional mode. “If the chairman is coming, I should

pick a different restaurant. How about the Lotus Clubhouse? I’ll prepare thoroughly.”

“No need. Our chairman prefers to keep it low–key. Just come as planned,” Cooper chuckled.

After a polite goodbye, Whitney hung up.

Cooper turned to his boss, the tall man standing by the desk, with a slight smile.

Whitney arrived early at the Lotus Clubhouse, only waiting a few minutes before guests arrived.

Cooper entered first, and as Whitney stood to greet him, she froze at the sight of the refined man

trailing behind him.

Bryce wore a sharp, dark gray suit that accentuated his distinguished air. His handsome features

complemented his tall stature and outstanding demeanor. His eyes lifted in surprise, a smile creeping

in. “Ms. Valentine?”

“Mr. Lutz?” Whitney was genuinely surprised.

Cooper glanced at the boss, instinctively asking, “Whitney, you know our CEO?”

Whitney was modest and did not want to boast, so she did not know what to say momentarily.

Thankfully, Bryce’s deep gaze locked on her, and he said first, “I’ve met Ms. Valentine once before

because of my mother’s situation.”

His voice was warm and pleasant, quite approachable.

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Whitney quickly extended her hand with a smile. “Mr. Lutz, I had no idea you were Cooper’s boss.”

“Small world, isn’t it?” Bryce returned the handshake, maintaining a cool and courteous demeanor, yet

the softness of her hand caught his attention as he looked down.

She withdrew her hand gracefully, calling out, “Mr. Lutz, Cooper, please, everyone, take a seat!”

Once seated, Whitney presented the contract, highlighting the details of the gemstone supply

partnership.

Bryce was seated across from her, resting his chin on one hand, his eyes glancing at her several times.

Whitney was nervous, worried she might have undercut the price.

Unexpectedly, he waved, locking eyes with her, “Skye Gem is impressive. I’m sold on your designs,

and the price is fine by me. Cooper, whatever amount of gemstones Whitney needs, we’ll supply.”

Whitney’s eyes went wide, astonished at how smoothly the deal progressed.

Cooper, ever observant, stood up to gather the documents. “Since we’re set on the partnership, I’ll

head back

and finalize the contract. Whitney, will you stay and finish the meal with Mr. Lutz?”

Whitney nodded, relieved, her thoughts drifting to the jewelry design she had in mind for Claire. Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Mr. Lutz, I actually have been meaning to discuss something with you as well…”

“Ms. Valentine, have you found inspiration for the jewelry piece for my mother?”

They spoke simultaneously, Whitney startled, and Bryce followed with a chuckle.