Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 421

"Geez, my memory is like a sieve today. We just had lunch, and I ordered zucchini," Florence said, her gaze softening as she looked at the man across from her.

Ludwik paused, his deep eyes suddenly lifting to meet hers. He saw her stiffen, her eyes turning icy, a silent sneer crossing her lips. That smile was like a knife, cutting through the air towards him, filled with disdain and disgust. The man's gaze hardened. Why bother? She wouldn't appreciate it, would only misunderstand.

Florence took a big bite of her zucchini, trying to prove she really liked it. "Ludwik, thanks for looking out for me."

"Eat up," he responded.

Ludwik made it a point to monitor her meals, making sure her diet was rich in iron. He'd piled her plate with pork liver, spinach, and dates - all good for enriching blood - neatly served in a small bowl in front of her. "My God, Ludwik is so attentive to Florence," Sienna observed, exaggerating.

"The most eligible bachelor of Harmonia Country, and he dotes on his girlfriend like this. How did you manage to snag such a man, Florence?"

"Stop teasing me," Florence blushed, her eyes pure as she gazed at Ludwik. "Actually... Ludwik just wants me to get better. He's really just worried about me, making sure I eat properly."

To Ludwik, her words were merely stating the obvious.

But to others, it hinted at something deeper, leaving Whitney feeling as if she was chewing on wax.

She warned herself not to look, not to demean herself further, but when had Ludwik ever treated a woman like this?

She hadn't received such attention, and neither had Elaine, probably.

Was this what they called true love? The man who was once unattainable, now completely smitten by a girl? Hah, as if... A piece of pork chop landed in her bowl.

Looking up, Whitney met Hudson's complex gaze. "Whitney, it's your first time here, eat up. Dad has a present for you later."

A bittersweet warmth spread through Whitney's heart.

Holly tightened her grip, smiling. "Honey, today's also the day Florence and Ludwik make their relationship official. You've given your blessing, so don't skimp on their gift either."

at Florence's pale face. He knew, deep down, Ludwik was

things had taken a turn

to this,

I'd hand over 5% of the Lippert Group's shares for you to manage. Since you're with Florence... I won't go back on my word. Consider it a welcome gift for

about the 5% share. He'd have to stick to the 'relationship' for two years,

"Thank

we're officially a couple now. You see how

bringing him

catch, and you, with your simplicity and purity, match him well despite your

bachelor of Harmonia Country would be the talk of the town, a powerful union

status was bound to rise, perhaps

you," Florence said shyly, her eyes then darting to Whitney with concern. "Sis, you look a

skipped a beat at the awkwardness of the

cold as he avoided looking at

just jealous that Florence snagged the top bachelor of Harmonia Country

knew the underlying issues and snapped, "Sienna, nobody would think you're

calm down. I have something to announce," Hudson said, producing a document. He'd gone

Certificate" glinted, catching Holly's

Hudson stood, announcing, "Since deciding to bring Whitney back home, I've taken 10% of the Sheldon Group's shares as a welcome gift for her. I'm making

billions. You didn't discuss this

young to handle

grand gesture

grandmother was the first to voice her

her hands

big decision should at least go through

girl fresh off the plane. How do you think this makes Florence feel?

to guard against Whitney. After all, how could the Sheldon