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."

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

somehow, things had taken a

it had come to this, he

a union between our families, we decided that, upon your relationship with my daughter becoming official, I'd hand over 5% of the Lippert

He'd have to stick to the 'relationship' for

nodded slightly. "Thank you, Ms.

now. You see how

forgotten her excuse for bringing him home - to make her

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

Sheldon family's alliance with the top bachelor of Harmonia Country would be the talk of the town,

was bound to rise, perhaps even surpassing

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

at the awkwardness of the

cold as

jealous that Florence snagged the top bachelor of

"Sienna, nobody would think you're mute if you

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

Certificate" glinted, catching Holly's

Whitney back home, I've taken 10% of the Sheldon Group's shares as a welcome gift for her.

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

too young to handle such

Florence hasn't received such a grand gesture from you ever.

the first to voice her

though her hands

big decision should at least go

just a girl fresh off the plane. How do you think this makes Florence feel? Do you favor

guard against Whitney. After all,