Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 146

Keegan clasped his hands together, nodding with a sense of finality. “Glad to hear that. I invited you both out today to bury the hatchet–whether or not you argued, it’s time to make amends.”

Ludwik had indeed not seen Whitney for several days. Though his words were frosty, his heart harbored a hidden warmth, and he shot her chilly glances more than once.

Since Keegan had stepped in to smooth things, Ludwik was willing to give in.

With an awkward scratch of his head and a sheepish look, Keegan broached the subject. “Mr. L, I asked to meet with you today because, well, I have this favor to ask—and it’s not easy for me, believe me. I heard from

Whitney that you’re a big shot in the real estate game, and, as it happens, my little company’s on the brink of being swallowed whole. I don’t suppose you could extend me a lifeline, a partnership of sorts, for Whitney’s

sake?”

Whitney’s fingers tensed, concealing the shock in her eyes as she watched her uncle put on quite the performance.

His humble expression and polite tone set Whitney’s nerves on edge.

She soon turned to Ludwik, her heart secretly hoping for his rejection.

But the man paused, his deep gaze briefly touching her face before he lifted his chin decisively. “A partnership is, of course, no issue.”

Then, with a touch of arrogance, he addressed Whitney, “As the Vice President of United Realty, you can represent me. Handle the paperwork, will you?”

He was coaxing her in his own way, giving her uncle considerable respect.

Whitney got the message.

But she did not want to say, ‘Thank you.‘ Her heart was just too heavy.

Keegan chuckled wryly, “Mr. L, you’re a generous businessman and clearly quite fond of our Whitney.”

Whitney felt alienated, as if she saw a side of her uncle she did not recognize–one that was insincere.

“Well, I won’t take up more of your precious time. Here’s to a fruitful partnership,” Keegan said, emphasizing the last four words with a meaningful look as he extended his hand.

out, their handshake firm, his eyes deep

quivering at the intensity of

way, his phone ringing, but he did not leave–almost as if waiting for her to give him an

out.

not what they used to be. I’m afraid I’ll need Whitney to take me home, and we can discuss the partnership details on the way. I’ll make

thin lips pressed together as he

she not even initiate a

still played hard to get. What would it take for her to let

rang again, signaling an important meeting–a bidding war over a prime piece of land for a five–star hotel project was imminent. With a furrow of his brow, Ludwik had no choice

back into her chair, her heart pounding as Keegan whisked her away to

Chapter 146

there, along with his assistant, was another man!

with a suit that hugged his frame, he stood casually at a table, his back to Whitney, holding a stack of

contracts.

took the contracts and turned to Whitney, his composure

in her bag, but as Whitney’s lips tightened, she could not help but ask, “Uncle,

know it’s hard for your to decide, so I’m

from within as tears threatened

a cliff, and ahead, there was no clear path

held a hint of scornful laughter. “You need to

of a partnership, and be agreed without hesitation.” Whitney

what could you possibly see through him?” Keegan’s voice was edged with bitterness. “He’s confident I don’t know the truth. A small partnership

your seal. He’s already agreed,”

paled as she slowly

She caught

company.

you say your company had moved back home? But this is for an overseas company. Is this gentleman’s? Who is he?”

finally turned around, his features devilishly handsome, a playful smirk on his

the man from the airport!

and that face… Whitney felt an odd sense of familiarity but

doubting your uncle?” The man’s

Whitney and pressed her hand down. “He’s here to help me. It’s none of your concern who he is. The overseas company is a joint

he did not allow Whitney to refute.