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."

softened as he looked at Florence's pale face. He knew, deep

somehow, things had taken a turn with

it had come to this, he couldn't

throat and announced, "Ludwik, when your father and I discussed a union between our families, we decided that, upon your relationship with my daughter becoming official, 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

He'd have to stick

nodded slightly. "Thank you,

couple now. You see how

her excuse for bringing him home - to make

and you, with your simplicity and purity, match him well despite your frail health. You two are a match made

top bachelor of Harmonia Country would be the talk of the town, a

to rise, perhaps

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

at the awkwardness of the situation, something

cold

the top bachelor of Harmonia Country as her boyfriend," Sienna

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

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

"Share Certificate"

home, I've taken 10% of the Sheldon Group's shares as a welcome

worth billions. You didn't discuss this with your

is too young to handle

received such a grand gesture from you ever.

was the first to voice

expression remained gentle, though her hands clenched slightly at

Such a big decision should at least go through

do you think this makes Florence feel? Do

After all, how could the