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,

her heart quivering at

did not leave–almost as if waiting for her

out.

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 gets

together as he looked

initiate a simple

still played hard to get. What

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 but to leave as Felix, his assistant,

into her chair, her heart pounding as Keegan whisked her away to his penthouse.

Chapter 146

there, along with his assistant, was another

he stood casually at a table, his

contracts.

and turned to Whitney, his composure

as Whitney’s lips tightened, she could not help but ask, “Uncle, why did you discuss a

as he patted her cold head. “I know it’s hard for your to decide, so I’m giving you a push. There’s no turning back now–I’ve drawn the bow

chill spreading from within as tears threatened to

a cliff, and ahead, there

scornful laughter. “You need to pull yourself together and help

against you today? You spoke of

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

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

face paled as she slowly produced the seal.

contract without letting her see it properly. She caught a glimpse, but it was for an

company.

your company had moved back home? But this is for an

handsome, a playful smirk on his

was the

and that face… Whitney felt an odd sense of familiarity but could not

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

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

pain, and he did not