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.

their handshake firm, his eyes deep and honest.

heart quivering at the

not leave–almost as if waiting for her to give

out.

gaze from the bottomless pools of his eyes. That was 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 partnership details on the way. I’ll make sure she

lips pressed together as he looked at her.

she not even initiate a simple conversation

given her uncle, this woman still played hard to get. What would it take for her

over a prime piece of land for a five–star hotel project was imminent. With a furrow of his brow, Ludwik had no choice but to leave as Felix, his assistant,

slumped back into her chair, her heart pounding

Chapter 146

his

frame, he stood casually at

contracts.

and turned to Whitney, his composure unchanged. “You brought your company seal,

it in her bag, but as Whitney’s lips tightened, she could not help but

it’s hard for

within as tears threatened to spill

was leading her towards a cliff, and ahead, there was no clear path with

Keegan’s eyes held a hint of scornful laughter. “You need to pull yourself together and help me get my revenge!”

guard against you today? You spoke of

edged with bitterness. “He’s confident I don’t know the truth. A small partnership with me is nothing

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

paled as she

She caught a glimpse,

company.

didn’t you say your company had moved back home? But this is for an overseas

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

frowned. It was the man from the

mischievous, and that face… Whitney felt an

still leaning towards Ludwik, huh? Are you doubting your uncle?” The man’s teasing laughter filled the air. He was clearly enjoying the tension.

as he snatched the seal from 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 venture with him. This is just a minor collaboration with Ludwik–it won’t be the end of him. But Whitney, you can’t let me down! And don’t waste my ten years of

trembled with pain, and he did not allow Whitney to refute.