Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 274

Everyone took their seats around the grand dining table, its surface gleaming under the soft light of the chandelier overhead.

Mr. Tobias, with a gesture that spoke volumes, deferred the seat of honor to Ludwik, a move that did not go unnoticed by the keen observers in the room. Orion, couldn't help but smirk at the subtle power play unfolding.

After a few pleasantries and a toast, Mr. Tobias, with the sharp focus of a seasoned businessman, steered the conversation toward the topic of the evening, "The international jewelry exhibition hosted by the art gallery is a matter of great importance to the officials of Banyan City. I've been tasked with selecting the company to handle this prestigious event, and after thorough consideration, I must say, I'm most impressed with Skyfaith Group! Mr. Lippert's team is top-notch, and their proposal, along with their jewelry designs, are simply the best in Harmonia Country. Take a look for yourselves—"

As copies of the Skyfaith Group's proposal were passed around, Ludwik remained impassive, merely holding his cigarette. The other companies present could only dream of matching such excellence, and the officials seemed quite pleased.

Mr. Tobias, holding the floor, added, "If anyone thinks they have a better design or proposal, feel free to present it..."

"That we do!" Orion interjected with a confident smile, "Mr. Tobias, let me introduce Whitney, my latest recruit. Her designs and proposal deserve your personal attention."

This unexpected move caught everyone off guard, especially Mr. Tobias, who turned his attention to Whitney-"Oh?"

The room, predominantly filled with middle-aged male officials and project managers from various companies, suddenly found a new focus. Whitney, standing out in her striking red dress, captivated everyone with her beauty and grace. Mr. Tobias, in particular, was visibly charmed, "Ms. Valentine, are all jewelry designers as enchanting as you? It's a pleasure for the eyes. Let's see what you've got."

she moved, all eyes followed her every step. Ludwik, who had been calmly sipping his tea, tensed slightly at the attention she was receiving. The unwanted feelings

pleasure, chuckled, "Whitney, we're at a dinner party. You know the rules, right? Let's warm up the atmosphere with a toast before we dive into

in the dynamics of such gatherings, was prepared. Orion, playing his part, poured her a drink, whispering, "To earn

However, Ludwik seemed indifferent, his

Whitney said with

Whitney knows how to play along!" Mr. Tobias

made her rounds, toasting with the officials, her poise and charm didn't go unnoticed. Ludwik, however, could hardly contain his frustration. The sight of her mingling so freely, the way she had

Tobias, taken aback, asked, "Mr. Lippert,

to partake

room fell silent, the tension palpable. Whitney, unfazed, retorted with a hint of sarcasm, "It's funny, considering we're still

an unexpected twist to the evening. Mr. Tobias, now visibly nervous, tried to recalibrate, "My apologies, Whitney. It seems I've underestimated the situation. You're Mr.

auction now hung in the air, an unspoken truth finally acknowledged. Word on the street was that Mr. Lippert's fiancée was a home-wrecker. Mr. Tobias, not one to

look at Whitney, Ludwik knew exactly what game she was playing. His voice was cold, "Don't get it twisted. There's nothing left between us. That woman has a shady track record. Keep your eyes open, folks. Business is

not just a distancing but also a slight against Whitney in Ludwik's words. A marital spat at the dinner table? Mr. Tobias felt like he was caught in the crossfire. He turned, his expression awkward as he looked at Whitney, trying to steer the conversation back on track, "Ahem,