Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



Felix strolled in, cradling a project folder under his arm, and said with a hint of worry, "Mr. Lippert, did you forget? There's an important dinner tonight. It's about the partnership with the State Art Hall for the jewelry exhibition."

Over the past three years, Skyfaith Electronic Tech had evolved dramatically.

No longer merely focusing on smart chips, it had branched out into various fields, ascending to the top three of the global wealth rankings as the Skyfaith Group! Its portfolio had expanded beyond chips to include real estate, jewelry, e-commerce, hospitality, and technology, among others. Skyfaith's jewelry division alone had given the Imperial Gem Corporation a run for its money over the last three years.

Ludwik glanced up, "Didn't we already secure the partnership for the state-level jewelry exhibition? Just send one of the company managers to the dinner."

"But you've already notified Mr. Tobias that this big project is ours, yet the final decision hasn't been made. I heard tonight's dinner is hosted by the Orion Group! I have no idea how they managed to invite Mr. Tobias, or what they're plotting. Do you want to check it out?"

This project was crucial. Securing a good relationship with Mr. Tobias could mean handling thousands of jewelry pieces for Harmonia Country's art exhibitions in the future. Though the profit might not interest Ludwik much, if it fell into the hands of the Imperial Gem Corporation, it would be a game-changer for Orion.

Ludwik narrowed his eyes, a chill aura surrounding him as he stepped into the elevator, "Let's go, fire up the car. I want to see what game they're playing."

As the evening lights began to glow, Felix arrived at the 'Grace Lounge,' bowing slightly to open the door for Ludwik. The man, with his long, straight legs and a hand casually in his pocket, walked in with an air of superiority.

As soon as he entered, Ludwik locked eyes with several people who looked up at him simultaneously. Orion and Whitney were seated together. Orion was holding a similar project folder, whispering something into Whitney's ear with a mischievous glint in his eyes, making her raise her eyebrows slightly, her eyes clear and sparkling with amusement. She was dolled up, her red lips striking, and her earrings alluring, the sweetheart neckline of her red dress accentuating her fair, jade-like collarbones. Whatever Orion said made her nod slightly, exuding confidence and composure. Feeling a strong gaze, Whitney saw Ludwik, his tall and imposing figure dressed elegantly, but with a growing darkness in his eyes. She had been prepared, lifting her glass in a subtle toast to him with a slight tilt of her red lips, "Well, look who's here, Mr. Lippert has arrived."

"Ah, big brother's here," Orion's hand was still on Whitney's chair, his smile full of mischief and provocation.

Damn it.

Ludwik's eyes darkened fiercely, his lips thinning as he stepped back.

"What, Mr. Lippert?"

Mr. Tobias's secretary had already arrived, presumably Mr. Tobias was in the restroom... Felix, unsure of Ludwik's intentions, watched as the man took out a cigarette and lit it, his expression darkening, "Felix, get her out here!"

Realizing Mr. Lippert was furious, Felix hesitated before reluctantly instructing a lounge manager to find a way to call Ms. Valentine out. The manager whispered something to Whitney and pointed outside.

Orion could feel the chill permeating the room, enjoying it more, "Seems like Ludwik isn't taking it lightly."

"Isn't this what you wanted?" Whitney shot him a glance, standing up.

"Going out? Aren't you afraid he'll strangle you?" As Whitney rose, Orion watched her.

Whitney smirked, "Why would I be? It's broad daylight."

She walked out, her heels clicking on the floor, her silhouette against the dim hallway light, her red dress swaying with her movements, strikingly beautiful. Was this the same slightly naive girl from three years ago? She was now irresistibly charming, holding her own among a group of men, calm and confident.

Ludwik's frustration grew, but so did the fire within him. His gaze was intense enough to consume her. He grabbed her wrist, pulling her into a secluded corner, his gaze icy, "You've infiltrated the Imperial Gem Corporation? Have you got a death wish?"

He had planned to confront this woman, to settle the score for Elaine, to warn her against causing trouble at Skye Gem Ltd. But now, she had surprised him, sitting by Orion's side, looking every part a partner in his ventures!

This damned woman, now fully allied with Orion, openly challenging him!

Whitney winced, "Mr. Lippert, you're hurting me. Such brute strength."

Caught off guard, Ludwik's frustration momentarily softened. Damn it. His eyes blazed, "Don't play coy, you're truly despicable."

Whitney laughed, a hint of scorn in her eyes, "Am I despicable for finding a job? Well, I had no choice. My medical license was revoked, my company taken over by a scumbag to please his fiancée! With nowhere to turn, if I don't secure a few jobs, I won't survive."

Ludwik's face darkened. Well, she had become adept at navigating her way through, quickly adapting and escalating her defiance against him. He blocked one path, and she swiftly changed her identity, increasing her provocations.

"Your cunning and shamelessness have certainly reached new heights," Ludwik sneered with disdain, "Whitney, don't try to provoke me. It would be too easy to crush you. This is your last warning. If you dare cause trouble at Skye Gem Ltd. again, or lay a hand on Elaine, I'll make sure you regret it."

Whitney paused, then laughed, "Elaine told you I slapped her?"

"Did I need her to tell me? Your vile actions are well known to me!"

Whitney's smile faded, "Not only are you blind, but your heart is too, perfectly matched with someone as malicious as Elaine."

"And what right do you have to speak of me and her?"

Ludwik's tone was icy, sharply cutting through the air, "If you know what's good for you, get the hell out of Imperial Gem Corporation. No matter how you want to fight me, you're gonna lose. Save yourself the embarrassment and leave the dinner party now."

He wielded power like a king in his domain, looking down on her with disdain. Had he finally realized she was not to be underestimated? But she hadn't been idle these past three years; fueled by spite, she had grown significantly stronger.

Whitney let out a slight smile, her voice casual, "Lose? I don't think so. I'm seated at the same table as Mr. Lippert today. Let's see if Mr. Lippert can shake me. Otherwise, let's see who has the better skills to win the deal."

With a seductive glint in her eyes, she leaned forward towards his muscular chest and blew a breath of air. The warm breath fluttered across the man's tie, causing a visible shiver!NôvelDrama.Org owns all content.

Yet, all she did was tuck a bill into his tie clip and step back with a mocking tone, "By the way, your kind-hearted fiancée deliberately scratched my BMW. It's all recorded on the dashcam. You can get the footage from the dealership. Don't forget to compensate me!"

Whitney walked away, leaving him behind.

Ludwik's face turned steely as he removed the bill, his brow furrowing deeply. Suddenly, a man's voice filled with jest appeared beside him, "Mr. Lippert, were you flirting with another female designer before the dinner?"

Ludwik composed himself and turned, looking down upon the newcomer, "Mr. Tobias."

"Mr. Lippert, always busy. It's a pleasure," Mr. Tobias greeted warmly, eager to win favor with this titan of the business world.

From the corner of his eye, Ludwik saw Whitney looking their way. He squinted slightly, a smirk appearing on his lips, amused by the audacity of

some women.

"Please, come in, Mr. Tobias," he said, striding forward.

"Ah, Mr. Tobias, you've finally graced us with your presence!" Orion's tall figure approached to welcome him.

Mr. Tobias was a shrewd man, not wanting to offend either of the Lippert family heirs. But with Ludwik's attendance, Orion had no chance. It was well known that the most formidable jewel designers in Harmonia Country had all been snatched up by Ludwik. Imperial Gem Corporation was no longer the jewel empire it had been under Ludwik's leadership. Rumor had it that Orion didn't even have a decent designer on his team anymore!

This dinner party seemed to be just a formality then-?