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

was different. Her tactics might not be noble, but they were

outplayed those old shareholders, securing Skye Gem Ltd. for

refusing to seek Ludwik's help. It was all a master

and Elaine were merely pawns

washed over Ludwik. Damn,

thought, he didn't notice Elaine's

hard to deal with, Elaine realized she needed to act fast. She had to seduce Ludwik before

---

evening, back

Liam returned, their spirits high from a successful outing, only to find themselves

would've thought someone actually wanted

price was a

we're lucky to get anything for them at all," Mr. Percy remarked.

it was the Royal Jewelry Company

Liam's eyes

son close in the chilly air, couldn't help but speak, "Congrats on cashing out your stocks, but could you possibly spare a blanket, or maybe

that kind soul buying the stocks, you would've

just smirked, amusement twinkling

we could

"You won't," Whitney interjected.

it!" Mr. Percy snapped, scoffing. "As if you're Royal Jewelry. Your little schemes and the pennies you've scraped together can't compare with Elaine. Whitney, you're not as sharp as

that moment, the warehouse door flew open with

squad of bodyguards. "Ms. Valentine, are

and the others were taken aback,

what's the meaning

by illegally detaining Ms.

just discussing company matters," Mr. Percy bluffed, relying on his local connections

Nyx and suddenly leaned in. "Hey Nyx, Royal Jewelry Company snapped up our shares. You wouldn't happen to know someone over at their Eurovoria

on the action, quickly joined in. "If you've got contacts there, you've gotta hook

a snort and quickly glanced at Whitney, who was calmly untying her

keep it a secret-I actually do