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."

slightly but softened as he looked at Florence's pale face. He knew, deep down, Ludwik

things had taken a turn

it had come to this, he couldn't

my daughter becoming official, I'd hand over

about the 5% share. He'd have to

slightly. "Thank

with my father's blessing, we're officially a couple now. You see how happy my mother and grandmother

forgotten her excuse for bringing him home

with pride. "Florence, Ludwik is a catch, and you, with your simplicity and purity, match him well despite your frail health. You two are a match made in

the talk of the town,

to rise, perhaps

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

heart skipped a beat at the awkwardness of the situation, something he

cold as he avoided

she's probably just jealous that Florence snagged the top

underlying issues and snapped, "Sienna, nobody would think you're mute if you

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

words "Share Certificate" glinted, catching Holly's

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

the Sheldon Group's shares are worth billions. You didn't discuss this with your father

is too young to handle such

such a grand gesture from you ever. This is too much

grandmother was the first

her

Mom's right. Such a big decision should at least go

just a girl fresh off the plane. How do you think this makes

this, but her main concern was to guard against Whitney. After all, how could the Sheldon family's shares