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.

firm, his eyes

heart quivering at the intensity of his

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

out.

when her uncle, with a chuckle, said, “My legs are not what they used to be. I’m afraid I’ll need Whitney to take me home, and we can discuss the

as he looked at

a simple conversation with him?

to get. What would it

for a five–star hotel project was imminent. With a furrow of his brow, Ludwik

her heart pounding as

Chapter 146

his assistant, was another man!

that hugged his frame, he stood casually at a table, his back to

contracts.

took the contracts and turned to Whitney, his composure unchanged. “You brought your company

tightened, she could not help but ask, “Uncle, why did you

cold head. “I know it’s hard for your to decide,

from within as tears threatened to spill

and ahead, there was no clear path

sadness, Keegan’s eyes held a hint of scornful laughter. “You need to pull

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

edged with bitterness. “He’s confident I don’t know the

your seal. He’s already agreed,” Keegan insisted.

she slowly produced

her see it properly. She caught a glimpse, but it was for an

company.

something amiss. “Uncle, didn’t you say your company had moved back home? But this is for an overseas company. Is

a playful smirk on

It was the man from

Whitney felt an odd sense of familiarity but could

Ludwik, huh? Are you doubting your uncle?” The man’s teasing laughter

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 venture with him. This is just a minor collaboration with Ludwik–it won’t be the end of him.

with pain, and he did not allow Whitney