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

quivering at the intensity of his

but he did not

out.

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,

lips pressed together as

a simple conversation with him?

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

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, respectfully waited by

heart pounding as Keegan whisked her away to his penthouse.

Chapter 146

his assistant,

casually at a table, his back to Whitney, holding a stack

contracts.

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

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

really want to, of course” Keegan smiled warmly as he patted her cold head. “I know it’s hard for your to decide, so I’m giving

a chill spreading from within as tears

uncle was leading her towards a cliff, and ahead, there was no clear path with Ludwik anymore.

“You need to pull yourself together

today? You spoke of a partnership, and

bitterness. “He’s confident I don’t know the truth. A small partnership with me is

out your seal. He’s already

as she slowly produced the seal.

properly. She caught a glimpse, but it was for

company.

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

devilishly handsome, a playful smirk on his lips as he

frowned. It was the man from the

face… Whitney felt an odd sense of familiarity but could not place it.

uncle?” The man’s teasing laughter filled the air. He was

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

he did not