Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 185

His words steered the conversation with a potent force.

Ludwik strolled in leisurely, tali and commanding like an elegant hawk, his towering presence slightly overshadowing Orion

His smiled lightly, as if speaking was beneath him.

By his side, Elaine was the first to show her discontent, “Mr. Orion, always the pot calling the kettle black, aren’t you? It was your family that wrestled away the Imperial Gem Corporation. Skyfaith Electronics was built from the ground up by Ludwik. He just had the foresight to keep his cards close to his chest. Sure, a merger with Imperial Gem could’ve been on the table, but you lot couldn’t wait to snatch up the smallest of seeds. Ludwik simply let you have your little victory. What do you call that? Short–sighted, that’s what.”

Elaine’s words were sharp as knives, and instantly Kaden and Orion’s expressions darkened.

The atmosphere at the summit was tense and charged.

Subtly, many business folk shifted towards Ludwik’s side, as if drawn by an invisible force.

The balance of power was palpable.

“Elaine, there’s no need to waste your breath on him,” Ludwik said, his voice as rich and languid as a cello, yet laced with authority.

The room fell into a hush. Women gazed at Elaine with a mix of envy and admiration.

Whitney watched from a distance as Elaine stood shoulder to shoulder with him in battle, a perfect match for his stature and poise.

Bitterness tinged her heart. So Elaine shared all his secrets, while she, Whitney, was left in the dark. He was powerful, not the fallen man she had imagined. He hadn’t stumbled; he had simply shed his old skin.

Clearly, the Imperial Gem Corporation was but a trifle to him; after all, he had the might of Skyfaith Electronics at his command.

Whitney found him intimidating, an enigma that was impossible to unravel.

He didn’t need her pity or her misguided offer of help.

She chuckled ruefully to herself but couldn’t help feeling happy for him. Clutching the pills in her hand, she wanted to give them to him, to walk over to him.

But the crowd around him was dense, circling him like he was a legend in the world of business, and she felt too insignificant to break through.

Now, it seemed he wouldn’t see her, wouldn’t pull her into his world anymore.

In the crowd, Elaine confidently linked her arm with Ludwik’s, shooting Whitney a look that was undisguised in its triumph, boasting, and mockery.

something Valerie had said: why

Whitney knew the

why she clung to him so fiercely, resorting to extreme measures

her

of wine with an air of icy command that silenced the room without him

by his side, was equally

tus family, Felix let out a cold chuckle and announced loudly, “Skyfaith Electronics‘ latest wwwww–ation, the Aute Chip will soon go to market, and we welcome all major enterprises to discuss partnerships Of course, we have

of excitement mixed with apprehension through the

Lippert, what are your conditions

focus of global attention, promising to solve issues

sipped his drink, his slender fingern flicking the glass rim with a devilish charm that seemed

“Skyfaith Electronics will not supply smart chips to any company

with the Lutz Group.”

seemed to come with difficulty. “Nor will Mr. Lippert collaborate with Skye Gem

public slap from Ludwik

face paled as she retreated several steps,

Lippert would not partner with

Banyan City’s companies–to deal with Skye Gem Ltd. was

plan

pressed painfully against

that she had come to offer him medication, concerned he might lose control today. She wanted to support him.

He was intent on crushing

felt suddenly foolish, full of

she felt the urge to

her arm. She turned to see the manager of

“Whitney, you’re really here!”

are you doing

no idea how badly Skye Gem Ltd. has been suppressed. It’s that man, Ludwik. He’s been economically sanctioning Skye Gem

replied, her voice laced with bitterness. She had been too absorbed to spare a thought for Skye Gem Ltd., assuming that Ludwik, in his supposed downfall, wouldn’t be

Gem

the jewelry collaboration was down the drain, and the production lines ground to a halt. If not for a last–minute order that had come through a few days ago, we’d be declaring bankruptcy!

squeeze play left us no wiggle room!” Nyx bellowed with rage. “I tried to contact you, called

immediately pulled out her phone to check, and to her astonishment, she had blocked Nyx’s number. How was

the time she was hospitalized for