Love beyond the mask (Whitney)

Chapter 131

Whitney bobbed her head, her voice a soft murmur. “Without Elaine, I’ll be your right–hand

woman.”

“Right–hand woman…” Ludwik looked down with a quirked eyebrow, and for some reason, his

thoughts took an unexpected turn.

Maybe it was the way she snuggled into his embrace, so docile and sweet. After a day of struggle and

strife, he led her to the bathroom. With a twist of the tap, a veil of steamy water cascaded down. He

rested his hands on her delicate shoulders and coaxed her in a calm, husky voice, “Alright then,

Madam, why don’t you contribute now…‘

When Whitney emerged, she was utterly bewildered.

He had tricked her again!

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Biting her lip in a mix of shame and exhaustion, she let herself be cradled in his arms, too shy to meet

his gaze.

As sleep claimed her before she could finish their conversation, she succumbed to the fatigue.

Waking up the next day, Whitney’s hand searched the bed for L’s presence, only to find he was not

there. Glancing at the time, she realized she had overslept.

Rushing through her morning routine, she hurried downstairs.

There he was, L, impeccably dressed in a suit, seated at the dining table with an untouched coffee

cup.

Taryn had neatly organized his briefcase.

Was he waiting for her?

As Ludwik’s gaze lifted, capturing the sight of the drowsy, flushed young woman, she approached in a

soft sweater dress, her belly slightly rounded.

His lips curled into a thin smirk, summoning Felix with a serious call.

Felix entered with a smile, extending two items to Whitney. “Madam, these are from the boss.”

One was a vice president nameplate from United Realty Corporation!

And the other, a black card.

“Madam, Boss upgraded the embossed black card he gave you before. This one gives you access to

all his assets, meaning you can spend until he’s bankrupt,” Felix said, his lips curling mischievously.

Whitney’s jaw nearly hit the floor.

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She pointed at the ‘Vice President‘ nameplate, her heart skipping a beat. “This is?”

“You said you wanted to be my right–hand last night? Here’s your chance,” Ludwik said, stepping

toward her, his handsome features accentuated by the silver mask, his voice rich and arrogantly

smooth.

Surprised, Whitney looked into his deep eyes, wondering if he had misunderstood.

Awkwardly waving her hands, she clarified, “L, when I said those things last night, I didn’t mean to join

your company. I just wanted to say that you shouldn’t mourn Elaine’s loss; I can be capable, too, a

woman who can genuinely help you.”

Her stubbornness was evident in her eyes, and Ludwik noticed it.

He cleared his throat, leaning close to whisper, “Mmm, I saw your capabilities last night.”

Last night? In the bathroom? Whitney’s face flushed as she caught on, glaring at him for his occasional

lack of seriousness.

His arm reached out, playfully tugging at her earlobe, then resting on her shoulder, pulling her close.

He returned to a serious tone, saying, “Inviting you into the company is a sign of my sincerity. Didn’t

you complain that I was not caring enough?”

When he decided to spoil a woman, he was unreservedly generous.

Whitney’s heart swelled with sweetness, yet she shook her head, “I really have no designs on your

company, and putting me in the spotlight like this, what about your family…”

His eyes darkened with intent. This was precisely his point.

He was all in for her, so why not elevate her to the public eye? The more perilous, the safer.

Granting her a status would make those people think twice before crossing her.

A man’s deep thoughts are not always comprehended by a woman. He pinched her chin, saying,

“Think it over. If you really want to help me, then join. And let me see for myself how you handle

business.” Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

His voice, lofty and teasing, clearly did not take her business acumen seriously.

Whitney pouted, her hand already in his as they entered the car.

Skye Gem was located in the eastern part of downtown. Felix parked the car and let her out.

Whitney turned to bid him farewell, but he left her with the same words, “Think about it. I’ll be at United

Realty Corporation this morning and can introduce you.”

His lips curled in a suggestive smile.

A husband bringing his wife into his company, offering her a position…

Whitney blushed, gathering her brows. “I’ll be going now.”

But no sooner had she stepped into Skye Gem than her phone rang.

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hapter

It was an unfamiliar number. She answered to hear Elaine’s voice, “Thanks to you, Whitney. I’m

headed to the branch office today. Let’s meet. There are a few things I want to say to you.”

Whitney declined. “No need.”

“Don’t you want to know about Bro?” Elaine’s voice was laced with cold laughter.

Whitney frowned, hesitated, and then agreed.

In the café, Elaine sat under the warm glow of the corner lamp. The eyes that watched Whitney

approach were as cold and sharp as hidden blades, filled with loathing.

For the first time, Whitney saw Elaine drop her pretense.

Unafraid and indifferent, Whitney sat gracefully.

Elaine, seething with hatred for Whitney’s victorious demeanor, hissed. “I can’t believe how shameless

you are, clinging to Bro despite being branded a homewrecker. It’s me you’re after, isn’t it?”

“Yes,” Whitney did not shy away, her gaze icy, “You were the one who egged Ashton on to confront me

about the fiancée issue. Ashton did not realize he was being used, and perhaps L didn’t either, but I

did. You were convinced I’d crumble and leave, and even if I did, you wouldn’t let me off easy. So why

not claim this man for myself?”

To protect herself, her child, and Valerie.

Elaine clenched her fists, suddenly sneering. “Don’t get too comfortable; your victory won’t last long.

And don’t be smug. Whitney, I’ll tell you, Bro’s heart belongs to another.”

Whitney paused, disbelief chilling her spine.

Elaine leaned in, her smile carrying ominous undertones, “His savior, someone he’s kept hidden deep

within his heart. In his eyes, you’re just a physical need, nothing more.”

“Besides, you and he… you won’t last…” Elaine mused, recalling her mother’s words, her smile cryptic

and chilling.

That smile, that statement, it made Whitney’s brow furrow.

What did she mean?

Did Elaine know something?

Whitney could not believe her ears but quickly gathered her thoughts, determined not to let herself be

swayed by petty provocations. “You’re leaving, and you’re trying to smoke me out with your last–ditch

shenanigans? Sorry to burst your bubble, but L dotes on me. He’s handed me the Vice President

position at United Realty Corporation.”

She pulled out the ‘Vice President‘ nameplate and laid it on the table for Elaine to see.

Elaine’s gaze faltered, visibly thrown off. She had not expected Ludwik to bring Whitney into the fold!

This wretch!

Her fists clenched in a cool fury, masking the blow to her pride. She abruptly stood up and

sneered at Whitney. “You think just because you’ve wiggled your way into his company, you’ve got him

all to yourself? Think again, Whitney. You won’t last a day at United Realty Corporation. We’ll just see

about that.”

Grabbing her purse and plane ticket, Elaine stormed out.

Whitney’s frown deepened as she watched her retreat.

Elaine’s words seemed laden with meaning, perhaps let slip in a moment of anger.

Looking at the nameplate, Whitney suddenly grasped it tightly in her hand. She knew United Realty

Corporation was likely still riddled with Elaine’s influence.

She never wanted to meddle with L’s business, not wanting him to think she had ulterior motives.

But now, it seemed clear that if she did not step in and cut Elaine’s influence off at the roots, leveraging

her network, Elaine would soon find her way back into United Realty Corporation.

Elaine was resourceful; there was no doubt about that!

To safeguard her relationship, Whitney felt she had no choice but to make a proactive strike at United

Realty Corporation.

With a heavy sigh, she pinned the nameplate to her chest and