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!
11
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.
1/4
23·57
Chapter 131
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.”
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.
2/4
23:57
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.”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Love Beyond the Mask