Love beyond the mask (Whitney)

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Everyone in the room seemed to tense, their gazes upon Whitney shifting dramatically. In the realm of jewelry design, it was common knowledge that Eurovoria led the pack. The prestigious Royal Jewelry Company served none other than the British monarchy, marking Whitney, a designer for them, as a standout talent.

Mr. Tobias's tone noticeably changed, "You've designed for the royal family? Then, are you aware of the globally famed jewelry master LC? He's also the only one from Harmonia Country to have designed for royalty."

Whitney glanced at Ludwik, her look laden with unspoken words. Back when they were close, naive and youthful, she had idolized master LC, not knowing then that LC was Ludwik himself. However, Ludwik rarely put his own designs out there, except for a few pieces like their wedding rings.

A brief moment of distraction crossed Whitney, but she quickly refocused. So what? In three years, she had caught up to him. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she confidently said, "I'm not familiar. I believe in hard work overcoming natural talent. I heard he's been out of the scene for years; I reckon I'm more capable now."

Ludwik's expression darkened, but he kept his composure, a well-kept secret that he was LC. To him, jewelry design was merely a hobby. Mr. Tobias was taken aback by her boldness. But, a design director once employed by Eurovoria, this small jewelry exhibit in Banyan City was hardly a challenge for her.

He was visibly shaken, hesitantly turning to Ludwik, "Mr. Lippert, with Skyfaith Group dominating the market, this exhibit might seem trivial to you. Could you perhaps let this opportunity go to Imperial Gem Corporation? If Banyan City could connect with Eurovoria's jewelry scene through Whitney, it would skyrocket our local industry's GDP. It would really help me report back positively!"

His chuckle masked a calculated glance. However, Ludwik's influence was profound, his agreement not easily revoked without his consent.

Orion added fuel to the fire, "Mr. Tobias, though Ludwik Lippert boasts a top-notch team, none of his designers have ever been a design director for Eurovoria. Clearly, Imperial Gem Corporation holds the advantage here. You should prioritize your career, shouldn't you?"

Once more, Mr. Tobias appealed to Ludwik, "Mr. Lippert... this concerns my personal advancement. You must do me this favor. Whitney is clearly more suited for this project."

Finally, Ludwik's attention turned to Whitney. His gaze was icy, unfathomable, not betraying any discomfort at potentially losing the project. To him, this was but a drop in the ocean. He tapped the table, eyes fixed on Whitney, then smirked, "Let her have it. If Ms. Valentine is so capable, so keen on taking this from me, let her drink the champagne from that cart over there, all of it, then I'll consider stepping down."

Whitney turned away. Orion too looked at the cart, filled with at least thirty glasses of champagne! Clearly, Ludwik was putting Whitney through a tough test, a cruel man, aiming to drive her to her limits.

Arms crossed, he watched Whitney, her face paling slightly, a challenge in his eyes. It was a punishment for her ruthlessness, pushing her to back down. This was meant to be a humiliation. Tightening her grip, Whitney hadn't initially been so determined to win the project. But now, facing his public challenge and humiliation, she was adamant.

Ludwik, you'll never understand what I've been through these three years. Enduring hardships, I've dreamt of standing up to you and Elaine. You'll see, I'm not the same.

She stepped forward. Orion's expression changed, hastily stopping her. "Are you crazy? Thirty glasses of champagne, he's clearly setting you up." Frowning, he stepped forward, "Brother, isn't this a bit much for a woman? If someone has to drink, let it be me, add another 20 glasses if need be." Ludwik's gaze turned even colder, "What are you to decide? The moment she was pushed forward, she should've known the consequences. Choose, the project or her."

He smirked coldly. Orion clenched his teeth, his shoulders slumping. Ludwik had never respected him.

"No need! I'll drink, just make sure you keep your word, Mr. Lippert," Whitney interjected. Approaching the champagne cart, she started downing glass after glass without hesitation. After about ten glasses, her slender frame swayed, her red dress shimmering under the lights, her cheeks flushed.

The men watched, a mix of admiration and pity in their gazes. By the twentieth glass, Whitney turned pale, coughing violently. Ludwik stood tall, his aura growing colder as she stumbled back, nearly falling. His hand clenched in his pocket, almost moving forward involuntarily to catch her. But Orion was quicker, wrapping an arm around her, "Whitney, stop drinking!"

"Just... just ten more..." Whitney's eyes, though slightly glazed, were determined, the glasses blurring before her. Ludwik felt a strange déjà vu. Gulping down the remaining champagne, Whitney finally set down the last glass, her stomach aching slightly. Clutching her stomach, she looked painfully at Ludwik, her eyes defiant, "Well, Mr. Lippert, I did it! You have to keep your word, the Gemstone Exhibit Project goes to Imperial Gem Corporation."

Watching her stand beside Orion, he felt an inexplicable blockage in his throat. Ha, 'our Imperial Gem Corporation'? What was going on between her and Orion? Had they, or hadn't they?

Ludwik's gaze was icy, a storm of jealousy and frustration brewing inside him. He brushed past her shoulder with a sneer, "What did I say? I only mentioned I might consider dropping the project. Didn't specify any other conditions."

"You... despicable conman!" Whitney realized too late she had reacted too strongly. With a look that could freeze hell over, Ludwik coldly left, "Serves you right for being naive and greedy!"

"Stop right there!" She was fuming, trying to catch up, "What's your condition? Spit it out all at once!"

"Stop chasing him, are you crazy? Mr. Tobias already gave us the green light for the project. At most, Ludwik's trying to throw a wrench in the works. This time, his plan backfired. He didn't win."

Orion couldn't hide his smug expression, quickly steadying her. Whitney paused, reassessing the situation, and finally, her heart settled down a bit. "Ugh..."

"What the heck! Don't puke here, these are limited-edition sneakers." Orion looked disgusted. Whitney's face was pale, "Are you even human?" "Ahem, I mean, there are still some staff around, it looks bad. Let me get someone to escort you to the restroom, you rest in the lobby for a bit, I'll be right back."

After making sure she was seated on a couch, he dashed off to find help. Whitney, struggling to stay awake and coherent, waited, but the room emptied out and Orion was nowhere to be seen.

A kind-hearted receptionist noticed her sitting there alone, close to dozing off, and quickly brought her a glass of warm water, "Nudging Whitney, who looked miserable, "Are you okay? Your friend has been gone for quite a while, doesn't look like he's coming back for you."

"What, gone?" Whitney thought she had misheard. Was Orion that heartless? Just then, her phone beeped with a message. Whitney glanced down, reading it through with difficulty, and her already pale face turned a shade darker.