Chapter 137
Ludwik gave Whitney a cursory glance, his lithe, commanding fingers setting down the silverware as a wry smile played on his lips. “You want me to have a proper meal, huh?”
Whitney’s doe–eyed expression was one of confusion. “Um, yeah.”
“Then eat up and come over here,” he said, his eyes brooding.
Whitney did not quite catch his drift but obediently sped up her dinner. Wiping her hands, she rose and approached him.
Ludwik casually picked up a dossier. “You read, and I’ll eat.”
“Seriously?” Whitney was incredulous. He was making her dictate the contents, clearly exploiting her labor.
She protested, “Mr. President, I’m your VP, not your secretary. It’s her job to assist with the documents!”
“How about a promotion then? VP and secretary. I’ll use you however I see fit, alright?” His words carried an underlying intent.
Whitney blushed at the double entendre, choosing not to argue further. Resigned, she took the dossier, gritting her teeth. “Then you better eat properly.”
After a quick scan, she stood beside him, the hem of her pencil skirt grazing his crisp suit trousers, a hint of intimacy in the air.
Ludwik’s gaze swept over her beautiful legs. Even in flat shoes, Whitney’s professional attire was alluring.
Noticing the deepening interest in his eyes, she began reading the document.
“Reject it. Next,” he interjected as he focused on his meal.
As Whitney presented the following document for his signature, she walked over to his large desk, picked up an expensive pen, and handed it to him. Ludwik signed without looking up.
Curious, Whitney tried to glimpse his signature for a clue to his name, only to find it was indecipherable.
“L, did you sign it like that on purpose? Are you afraid I’ll find out your name?” She challenged. “Since I joined your company yesterday, there’s been no trace of your information, not even a nameplate on your office door. Did you arrange that?”
Ludwik reclined on the couch, eyeing her with a mischievous glint, remaining silent.
His controlling demeanor frustrated Whitney. She pressed, “Aren’t you going to reveal your identity to me?”
He wore a mask even in the company, which was unexpected. The staff did not dare gossip;
Chapter
after all, he was the president.
But Whitney wondered if he had worn masks before. His close associates seemed unfazed by
As Whitney pondered, Ludwik pulled her onto his lap, their eyes locked. “Curious again?”
“Yes, although you said at Alpine Springs Resort that I should get to know you as a person, not by your title. But surely, I can’t remain in the dark forever?”
“If you want to know, then by our agreement, have you fallen for me?” His voice was a seductive whisper in her ear.
Caught off guard by his question, Whitney’s heartbeat raced uncontrollably.
“So fast… Does that mean…” His hand slid to her waist, then to her heart.
His voice was dangerously low, “Have you fallen for me?”
“I haven’t, not quite yet!” Whitney denied, her face aflame. She needed time to consider such a commitment.
His lips curled into a knowing smirk, and he pulled her closer, sealing her lips with a forceful kiss. “If you haven’t fallen for me, I can’t tell you who I am. But, you’re free to get to know me
better.”
“Mmm…” Whitney was swept away again, her mind racing with questions. Why did she have to fall for him to learn his identity?
But soon, she was lost in his kiss, her body going limp. Just as she tried to get up, he tossed another dossier onto her lap, leaning back lazily. “Keep reading; you’re working for me this afternoon.”
“You’re abusing your power,” Whitney accused, her voice tight.
He brushed her swollen lips, his eyes betraying a hint of fatigue. “Go on, I need a break.”
Whitney softened, gently squeezing his hand in support. “L, whoever you are, now that I’m part of your life and company, I’ll do my best to help. You won’t have to struggle alone anymore.”
His family seemed to weigh heavily on him.
Ludwik looked at her, his gaze a mix of cold intensity and warmth. He held her hand tightly, his voice low and serious as he said, “Remember your promise today. Under no circumstances can you abandon me, or you can’t imagine the consequences.”
She was frightened by his possessiveness but was soon distracted by his whisper. He said, “I didn’t bring you into the company to exploit you but to protect you. From now on, the people I need to take care of include not just my mother but also you.”
Her heart skipped a beat. He wanted to protect her.
Quickly, he regained composure, teasingly tapping her nose. “Are we going to keep flirting, or
2/3
23:59
Chapter 137
are we going to work?”
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Love Beyond the Mask