Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 148

An extended leave? Was she really about to cut ties with him and walk away from United Realty Corporation? Ludwik could not figure out what was going on in this woman’s head. Whitney had been angry because of Elaine for a long enough time, and now she was still giving him the cold shoulder.

If she would not bend, then fine; he was tired of this, too. He would put down his pride and make the first move. “This bid is crucial. South City is a tourist hotspot; I must secure half of its land. You’ll be my secretary for this bid. In three days, you’re coming with me to South City.”

Ludwik’s decision echoed with finality, leaving no room for debate.

His piercing gaze froze Whitney in place. Her face turned pale. This was precisely what Keegan wanted.

She was ready to refuse when she caught Felix’s cautionary glance, hinting at her that the boss was fuming; publicly rejecting him would spell trouble.

Realizing the eyes on her, Whitney pressed her lips and remained silent.

“Meeting adjourned! Everyone, get back to your tasks.”

Ludwik lowered his head, his aura chilling as he started signing documents, closing off any chance for further discussion.

With a heavy heart, Whitney swallowed her words and followed the others out.

Felix caught up with her, handing over all the details of the hotel project. His voice was soft but persuasive as he said, “Madam, the boss is afraid you might not return from your leave. He’s tying you down with a major project. Please understand his intent and make this bid a success.”

What Felix left unsaid was that Ludwik had tried every trick in the book to end this standoff with Whitney, but this time, because of Elaine, she seemed determined not to turn back.

Felix thought that perhaps Mr. Lippert thought they might mend their relationship by working closely on this bid.

Without a word, Whitney looked at the hundred–billion–dollar project weighing down on her, sighing silently.

leaving him and United Realty Corporation, this

was out of the question. If he did not understand her reasons, so be

ready, she would find an

president’s office with Harper for the next two days, going

billions in financing. Its success was

a massive piece of land in South City,

needed the nod from Braxton Tarrington.

discovered that six companies were bidding.

Braxton would meet each bidder. If Ludwik was last, they would have to avoid evening talks.

on the bid document’s front page. Ludwik would see it upon

bid, Whitney left Tiana’s apartment for United Realty Corporation with the confidential document, planning to bow out due to a health issue.

voice on the other side was not Keegan’s but his assistant’s, sounding anxious. “Ms. Valentine, Mr. Tennyson is in bad shape; his leg pain

get you.”

indeed felt relief from her acupuncture before.

time; it was still morning, with Ludwik set to leave at three in the afternoon.

Uncle down. I’m on my way,” she instructed her driver

her uncle’s home, Whitney found it in disarray, clearly a result of

sighed. “He always reacts like this to phantom limb pain when he’s abroad.”

eyes moistened at the sight

acupuncture kit and reassured him, “Lie down, relax, and after I ice the area,

she declined, knowing the bidding document was inside.

bag and then her face, inquiring about

sorry, Uncle. Ludwik didn’t involve me in the

cold, disappointment heavy in his

uncle not press the issue, Whitney heaved a sigh of relief inside. Then, she began the acupuncture treatment, inserting the needles and massaging some spots. However, her uncle’s

quieted as Keegan fell asleep, and Whitney,