Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 284

The change was rapid, almost dizzying. Just this morning, the shareholders had cornered Whitney in the storeroom, a place that smelled strongly of dust and forgotten files. "Why would the shareholders dump their stocks like that? No company under Banyan City operates without my say. Who would dare to buy them out?" Whitney was baffled. Felix had dug into the matter, and the truth wasn't hidden from him.

"It's the Royal Jewelry Company that acquired them. The word on the street was that you were blacklisting shareholders. In a panic, they sold at rock-bottom prices, making Royal Jewelry the big winner," Felix explained. Ludwik's gaze shifted. "Royal Jewelry Company?"

"Yes."

Elaine's expression subtly changed. "The Royal Jewelry Company? Why would such a prestigious firm bother with a small fish like Skye Gem Ltd.? The shareholders must've been duped!"

Felix looked at Elaine intently. "You might not be aware, Elaine, but Royal Jewelry stepped in because Whitney once served as their Head of Design. Meaning the person behind this acquisition is none other than Ms. Valentine herself!" Ludwik's face darkened.

And Elaine, upon piecing everything together, her eyes shadowed with gloom.

"That's impossible. How could she ever become the Head of Design at Royal Jewelry?!"

Trying to contain her screaming jealousy, Elaine forced a smile. "Felix, she's still trapped by the shareholders. Are you sure you got your facts right?"

"People might be locked up, but those shareholders are about to regret their decisions," Felix reported truthfully. "As soon as Skye Gem's shares were secured, Ms. Valentine immediately transferred eight billion to Mr. Rufus. With Royal Jewelry's acquisition, Skye Gem Ltd.'s stocks hit the ceiling in thirty minutes, even before officially relaunching. It's expected to soar to eighty billion in market value."

Eighty billion was petty change for Ludwik.

But Skye Gem was only worth thirty billion three years ago-a company practically run to the ground.

Elaine intended to seize it to humiliate Whitney. She instigated the shareholders to corner Whitney, spreading rumors about Ludwik blacklisting them, but it backfired spectacularly.

Or perhaps, Whitney had anticipated this very outcome!

Despite Ludwik's brewing rage, Felix added, "Ms. Valentine spent eight billion to gain a new company worth eighty billion."

Hearing the low price, Elaine felt like choking. Those old shareholders held at least 40% of Skye Gem Ltd.!

They practically gifted it to Whitney.

This woman, Elaine wanted her downfall, but Whitney turned the tables.

was hard to read, a mix of anger and an

might not be

shareholders, securing Skye Gem Ltd. for

refusing to

merely pawns in her

unacknowledged respect washed over Ludwik.

in thought, he didn't notice Elaine's

had to seduce Ludwik before he got distracted again! Clutching her fists, Elaine's face was

---

back in

from a successful outing, only to find

thought someone actually wanted

price was

we're lucky to get anything for them at all," Mr. Percy remarked. "Otherwise, we'd be stuck with

think it was the Royal Jewelry Company that bought

eyes sparkled

air, couldn't help but speak, "Congrats on cashing out your stocks, but could you possibly spare a blanket,

If it weren't for that kind soul buying the stocks, you would've

smirked, amusement twinkling

continued their conversation. "If we could just

"You won't," Whitney interjected.

the pennies you've scraped together can't compare

that moment, the warehouse door

squad of bodyguards. "Ms.

Percy and the others were

the meaning

a crime by illegally detaining Ms. Valentine and threatening her," Nyx

discussing company matters," Mr. Percy bluffed, relying

Nyx and suddenly leaned in. "Hey Nyx, Royal Jewelry Company snapped up our shares. You

joined in. "If you've

at Whitney, who was calmly untying her

secret-I actually do know Royal Jewelry Company's former head