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.

reached out, their handshake firm, his eyes

at the

looked her way, his phone ringing, but he did not leave–almost as

out.

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

as he looked

a simple conversation

played hard to get. What would it take for

prime piece of land for a five–star hotel project was imminent. With a

chair, her heart pounding as Keegan whisked

Chapter 146

his assistant, was

with a suit that hugged his frame, he stood casually at a table, his

contracts.

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

had it in her bag, but as Whitney’s lips tightened, she could not help but ask, “Uncle, why did you discuss a partnership with him

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 you a

from within as tears

ahead, there

hint of scornful laughter. “You need to pull yourself together and help me get

against you today? You spoke of a partnership, and be agreed without

ruthlessness, what could you possibly see through him?” Keegan’s voice was edged with bitterness. “He’s confident

out your seal. He’s

as she slowly produced

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

company.

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

a playful smirk

the man

and that face… Whitney felt an odd sense of

uncle?” The man’s teasing

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

pain, and he