Love Beyond the Mask novel Chapter 60

The man stood with statuesque grace, taking a drag from his cigarette, a wisp of smoke lazily curling into the air, partially obscuring his mature and refined features.

Before the panoramic window, he stood tall, akin to a king surveying his realm, his gaze fixed on the petite woman below.

Felix, ever the observant assistant, offered a pair of binoculars with a knowing grin. "Mr. Lippert, the view's much better from up here. You'll see Ms. Valentine clearly with these!"

Parker quirked a smile, "Felix, you've just earned yourself a raise."

Nolan chimed in, "Definitely a raise for Felix."

Felix blushed at the praise, but the man glanced at the binoculars and scowled, "What do you take me for? A peeping Tom?"

Felix froze, his body going rigid.

However, in the next second, Ludwik snatched the binoculars and peered through them with keen interest.

Silence fell.

Nolan whispered, "I think we just witnessed the fastest self-contradiction in history."

Ludwik watched as Whitney struggled to sneak into the hedge, her cheeks glistening with perspiration as she searched for a perfect vantage point.

With casual authority, he commanded, "It's blazing out there. Take an umbrella to her, but make sure she doesn't spot you."

Nolan couldn't help but snicker, "Ludwik, you're hopeless."

The man turned, his expression icy, "I don't want my child getting sunburned, alright?"

Nolan muttered under his breath, "Sure, flaunt your delicate wife while you can."

"But you've got to admit, Whitney's got brains, figuring out something's up with her husband so fast. Still, I'd bet a dime she can't outsmart the big bad wolf."

Nolan agreed, "Stack another dime on that. She's got no chance against Ludwik!"

Just then, a soft female voice laced with laughter, broke the tension as she entered from the doorway, "What's going on with Whitney? How did she manage to bring such cheer to you two young masters along with Ludwik?"

Ludwik turned to see a woman dressed in a chic business suit nodding at him, "Elaine, you're here for the meeting?"

The Imperial Gem Corporation had an important decision to make, and Ludwik had moved the meeting from the corporation's headquarters to the Royal One Club.

"The board notified me. I drove over from the branch office," she said, walking in with a graceful smile. "Hello Nolan, Parker."

Parker greeted her with composure, "Miss Elaine."

Nolan, however, paused at the mention of 'Whitney', accompanied by her coy laughter. Quickly, he greeted her with a polite smile, "Elaine, always a pleasure!"

"You just love to tease me," Elaine responded, slightly annoyed yet composed.

Her figure was elegant in her business attire, exuding a noble charm that certainly didn't stem from her job alone. With her striking beauty, she drew attention as she casually approached the window, smiling, "I saw Whitney sneaking around downstairs, hiding from Ludwik. Quite amusing."

The atmosphere turned awkward as neither Nolan nor Parker responded.

Ludwik opened a file, his expression serious, "Let's start the meeting."

The meeting ended swiftly, and Nolan caught Parker's eye, signaling for a private chat.

Nolan licked his lips nervously, "Elaine's 'Whitney' had me breaking out in a cold sweat. Her expression was so natural. If we didn't know her history with Ludwik, I'd let it slide. But that soft laugh of hers, is she over him, or just playing nice in front of Ludwik?"

Parker couldn't tell, "With her position at the Imperial Gem Corporation and her distinguished background from Emperor City, not to mention being strategically placed in Ludwik's company by both families, she could hide any displeasure with ease."

"That's what worries me. The true belle of Emperor City, Elaine from the Bartels family, has more means, stature, and cunning than Whitney. If she's truly moved on, fine. But if she hasn't, then..."

Parker squinted slightly, "Elaine is undoubtedly talented. As the chief jewelry designer at the Imperial Gem Corporation, and given her family connections, her role holds significant importance within the Lippert family. Ludwik, with his mother in tow, is actually walking on thin ice. Do you think he wouldn't let her go if he could? But based on this situation, if Elaine doesn’t express her intention to leave, Ludwik will remain silent."