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.

Suddenly, she remembered something Valerie had said: why hadn’t Elaine left Ludwik when

knew the answer.

was why she clung

clenched her

the center, lifting a glass of wine with an air of icy command that silenced the room without him uttering a word.

side,

will soon go to market, and we welcome all major enterprises to discuss

ripple of excitement mixed with apprehension

tech companies pipes up. “Mr. Lippert, what are your conditions for partnership?

Chip had been a year in the making, the focus of global attention, promising to solve issues of matability, and Skyfaith had a firm grip on the

flicking the glass rim with a devilish charm that seemed to

Electronics will not supply smart chips to any company under the Imperial Gern Corporation”

will not cooperate with the Lutz Group.”

come with difficulty. “Nor

Kaden’s face twisted with discomfort, a public slap from Ludwik

face paled as she retreated several steps, her ears rang with Felix’s

not partner with Skye

a warning to all of Banyan City’s companies–to deal with Skye Gem Ltd.

plan to punish

in Whitney’s hand pressed painfully against

come to offer him medication,

He never lost. He was intent on

suddenly foolish, full of misplaced concern

to a corner, she felt the urge to

someone grabbed her arm. She turned to see the

“Whitney, you’re really here!”

are you doing at

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

She had been too absorbed to spare a thought for Skye Gem Ltd., assuming that

Gem

for a last–minute order that had come through a few days ago,

with rage. “I tried to contact you, called you over

out her phone to check, and to her astonishment, she had blocked Nyx’s

her, during the time she was hospitalized for her pregnancy,