Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 273

Felix strolled in, cradling a project folder under his arm, and said with a hint of worry, "Mr. Lippert, did you forget? There's an important dinner tonight. It's about the partnership with the State Art Hall for the jewelry exhibition." Over the past three years, Skyfaith Electronic Tech had evolved dramatically.

No longer merely focusing on smart chips, it had branched out into various fields, ascending to the top three of the global wealth rankings as the Skyfaith Group! Its portfolio had expanded beyond chips to include real estate, jewelry, e-commerce, hospitality, and technology, among others. Skyfaith's jewelry division alone had given the Imperial Gem Corporation a run for its money over the last three years.

Ludwik glanced up, "Didn't we already secure the partnership for the state-level jewelry exhibition? Just send one of the company managers to the dinner."

"But you've already notified Mr. Tobias that this big project is ours, yet the final decision hasn't been made. I heard tonight's dinner is hosted by the Orion Group! I have no idea how they managed to invite Mr. Tobias, or what they're plotting. Do you want to check it out?" This project was crucial. Securing a good relationship with Mr. Tobias could mean handling thousands of jewelry pieces for Harmonia Country's art exhibitions in the future. Though the profit might not interest Ludwik much, if it fell into the hands of the Imperial Gem Corporation, it would be a game-changer for Orion.

Ludwik narrowed his eyes, a chill aura surrounding him as he stepped into the elevator, "Let's go, fire up the car. I want to see what game they're playing."

As the evening lights began to glow, Felix arrived at the 'Grace Lounge,' bowing slightly to open the door for Ludwik. The man, with his long, straight legs and a hand casually in his pocket, walked in with an air of superiority.

As soon as he entered, Ludwik locked eyes with several people who looked up at him simultaneously. Orion and Whitney were seated together. Orion was holding a similar project folder, whispering something into Whitney's ear with a mischievous glint in his eyes, making her raise her eyebrows slightly, her eyes clear and sparkling with amusement. She was dolled up, her red lips striking, and her earrings alluring, the sweetheart neckline of her red dress accentuating her fair, jade-like collarbones. Whatever Orion said made her nod slightly, exuding confidence and composure.

Feeling a strong gaze, Whitney saw Ludwik, his tall and imposing figure dressed elegantly, but with a growing darkness in his eyes. She had been prepared, lifting her glass in a subtle toast to him with a slight tilt of her red lips, "Well, look who's here, Mr. Lippert has arrived."

"Ah, big brother's here," Orion's hand was still on Whitney's chair, his smile full of mischief and provocation.

Damn it.

Ludwik's eyes darkened fiercely, his lips thinning as he stepped back.

"What, Mr. Lippert?"

already arrived, presumably Mr. Tobias was in the restroom... Felix, unsure of Ludwik's intentions, watched as the man

hesitated before reluctantly instructing a lounge manager to find a way to call Ms. Valentine out. The manager whispered something to

enjoying it more,

this what you wanted?" Whitney shot him a glance,

you afraid he'll strangle you?" As Whitney

would I be? It's broad

her heels clicking on the floor, her silhouette against the dim hallway light, her red dress swaying with her movements, strikingly beautiful. Was this the same slightly naive girl from three years ago? She was now irresistibly charming, holding her own among a group

her. He grabbed her wrist, pulling her into a secluded corner, his gaze icy, "You've infiltrated the Imperial Gem Corporation? Have you got a death wish?" He had planned to confront this woman, to settle the score for Elaine, to warn her against causing trouble at Skye Gem Ltd. But now, she had surprised him, sitting by Orion's side, looking every

now fully allied with Orion, openly challenging

winced, "Mr. Lippert, you're hurting me. Such

Damn it. His eyes blazed, "Don't play coy, you're

eyes, "Am I despicable for finding a job? Well, I had no choice. My medical license was revoked, my company taken over by a scumbag to please his fiancée! With nowhere to turn, if I don't secure a

"Whitney, don't try to provoke me. It would be too easy to crush you. This is your last warning. If you dare cause trouble at Skye Gem Ltd. again,

paused, then laughed, "Elaine

I need her to tell me? Your vile actions are well known

smile faded, "Not only are you blind, but your heart is too, perfectly matched

what right do you have to speak of me

know what's good for you, get the hell out of Imperial Gem Corporation. No matter how

his domain, looking down on her with disdain. Had he finally realized she was not to be underestimated?