Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 707

Whitney hesitated for a moment in front of the elevator.

Sandy couldn't help but frown, "The cheek of The Garcia Group's receptionist! They owe money and still act all high and mighty. Seeing the Lipperts' downfall, they don't even regard Ludwik with any respect." "It's not just disregard; they're mocking him," Whitney murmured under her breath.

The elevator doors slid open, urging her to step in, but for some reason, her pace slowed.

That's when she overheard Ludwik's secretary losing her temper.

But a man's deep voice halted her, Ludwik's calm tone floated over, "Then book the appointment now. However long it takes, I'll wait."

"Sure, we'll book you in. Enjoy your wait," the receptionist said with a raised eyebrow.

"Mr. Lippert, please take a seat over there," the secretary suggested, dusting off a couch.

Ludwik didn't move, his gaze catching a glimpse of Whitney's delicate figure disappearing into the elevator.

Upstairs-

Stepping into Mr. Garcia's office, Whitney was greeted by the sight of the portly man on the phone, "Ludwik? Just send him away, what's there to fear? He's nothing now... An appointment, really? He's so used to being on top, probably doesn't realize that if I don't want him to get an appointment, he'll never get one. Let him wait... Oh, Ms. Sheldon, you're here!"

Mr. Garcia's rotund form promptly stood up.

Whitney squinted, watching their rapid change of face, feeling a chill in her heart.

Yes, the once-great Ludwik, a titan of business with devilish tactics, yet a gentleman of the corporate world, probably never imagined that the company's appointment system was nothing but a sham.

"Ms. Sheldon, please wait a moment; I'll bring the contract right over," Mr. Garcia said eagerly, "How's Mr. Sheldon doing? The Garcia Group is more than willing to supply raw materials to the Sheldon Corporation, and about the three percent discount I mentioned last time..."

"Mr. Garcia, there's no discussion to be had," Whitney suddenly turned the tables, "The Sheldon Corporation will not be offering any discounts. If Mr. Garcia is unsatisfied, feel free to find another partner."

"What... How could this be?" Mr. Garcia said, visibly agitated, "Didn't you say you'd consider it last time?"

"I did consider it, but that also depends on the character of our partners," Whitney replied coldly.

Mr. Garcia, puzzled and angered but not wanting to lose the Sheldon Corporation, a lucrative deal, quickly gave in, "Ms. Sheldon, Ms. Sheldon, I'll sign, okay?" Sandy briskly unfolded the contract.

After Mr. Garcia had read it carefully and consulted his lawyer, he immediately signed his name.

He attempted to curry favor with a smile, "Ms. Sheldon, are you free this afternoon? I've invited a few CEOs to play golf; would you honor us with your presence?"

to," Whitney declined and left. Mr. Garcia's secretary escorted

could still spot Ludwik's stern silhouette at the reception,

receptionists ogled him with a mix

"He sure is handsome."

from grace. Heard he's not even worth as

having to book an appointment to see Mr. Garcia. This poor soul, probably good

this, Whitney's face

clearly had

flushed at the thought, glancing at him, wondering if

it wasn't her

against the floor, exiting The Garcia

hour of talk must have gone smoothly for her. She didn't even look his way, her cold and sharp demeanor mixed with subtle

a warmth in his gaze, a familiar desire

his body remained

wondering if he really

-

the parking

the van,

The Garcia Group, teased, "Whitney, did you forget

her documents, missing

waiting, evidently unaware of

slipped out the back

her eyes, reminding herself, she wasn't

just couldn't stand people like Mr.

barely holding back a smile, she frowned, "If you want to retrieve that draft contract, then go. And maybe remind some inexperienced folks

up for what's

shook her head,

returned with the contract and paused beside Ludwik, hesitating due to his imposing

saw Mr. Garcia sneaking out the back door," she

her, his demeanor unyielding. After

made

livid, recalling the days when the Lippert Group didn't have to deal with such petty reservation rules. But Ludwik didn't respond to her indignation, his dark

had just

emotion crossed his

get going," Ludwik finally

going to