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."

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

things had taken a

this,

his 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 5% share. He'd have to stick to the

"Thank you,

couple now. You see how

excuse for bringing him

"Florence, Ludwik is a catch, and you, with your simplicity and purity, match him well

Sheldon family's alliance with the top bachelor of Harmonia Country would be the talk of the town, a powerful union in the Emperor

Sheldon family's status was bound to

to Whitney with concern. "Sis,

at the awkwardness of the situation,

gaze cold as he avoided looking

probably just jealous that Florence snagged the top bachelor

knew the underlying issues and snapped, "Sienna, nobody

producing a document. He'd gone to the

Certificate"

to bring Whitney back home, I've taken 10% of the Sheldon Group's shares as a welcome gift for her. I'm making good on

Group's shares are worth billions. You didn't discuss

to handle such a large

gesture from you

grandmother was the first

expression remained gentle, though her hands clenched slightly at

decision should

do you think this makes Florence feel? Do you favor her just because she's

concern was to guard against Whitney. After all, how could the Sheldon family's shares end up with an