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.

and United Realty Corporation, this might be her

out of the question. If he

documents were ready, she would find an excuse not to go.

for the next two days,

involving hundreds of billions in financing. Its success was critical to the United Realty Corporation’s foundation. Failure was simply not allowed.

in South City, having already smoothed all necessary connections.

the nod from Braxton

six companies were bidding.

was last, they would have to avoid evening talks. Any health incident would cast shadows over

it on the bid document’s front page. Ludwik would see it upon arrival, learning to time his approach and navigate the talks to secure the land.

apartment for United Realty Corporation with the confidential

anxious. “Ms. Valentine, Mr. Tennyson is in bad shape; his leg pain is severe, and he’s convulsing. I want to take him to the hospital, but he’s resistant and agitated. He mentioned you have

get you.”

uncle had indeed felt relief from her acupuncture before.

the time; it was still morning, with Ludwik

instructed

Whitney found it in disarray, clearly a result of his

always reacts like this to phantom limb pain when

eyes moistened at the sight of her suffering

him, “Lie down, relax, and after I ice

her bag, but she declined, knowing

landed on the bag and then her face, inquiring about the

hesitated before lying, “I’m sorry, Uncle. Ludwik didn’t involve me in the project,

disappointment heavy

began the acupuncture treatment, inserting the needles and massaging some spots. However, her uncle’s pain was stubborn this time, and

asleep, and Whitney, exhausted, closed her eyes in the chair.