Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 146

Chapter 146 

Keegan clasped his hands together, nodding with a sense of finality. “Glad to hear that. I invited you both out today to bury the hatchet–whether or not you argued, it’s time to make amends.” 

Ludwik had indeed not seen Whitney for several days. Though his words were frosty, his heart harbored a hidden warmth, and he shot her chilly glances more than once. 

Since Keegan had stepped in to smooth things, Ludwik was willing to give in. 

With an awkward scratch of his head and a sheepish look, Keegan broached the subject. “Mr. L, I asked to meet with you today because, well, I have this favor to ask–and it’s not easy for me, believe me. I heard from Whitney that you’re a big shot in the real estate game, and, as it happens, my little company’s on the brink of being swallowed whole. I don’t suppose you could extend me a lifeline, a partnership of sorts, for Whitney’s sake?” 

Whitney’s fingers tensed, concealing the shock in her eyes as she watched her uncle put on quite the performance. 

His humble expression and polite tone set Whitney’s nerves on edge. 

She soon turned to Ludwik, her heart secretly hoping for his rejection. 

But the man paused, his deep gaze briefly touching her face before he lifted his chin decisively. “A partnership is, of course, no issue.” 

Then, with a touch of arrogance, he addressed Whitney, “As the Vice President of United Realty, you can represent me. Handle the paperwork, will you?” 

He was coaxing her in his own way, giving her uncle considerable respect. 

Whitney got the message. 

But she did not want to say, ‘Thank you.‘ Her heart was just too heavy. 

Keegan chuckled wryly, “Mr. L, you’re a generous businessman and clearly quite fond of our Whitney.” 

Whitney felt alienated, as if she saw a side of her uncle she did not recognize–one that was insincere. 

“Well, I won’t take up more of your precious time. Here’s to a fruitful partnership,” Keegan said, emphasizing the last four words with a meaningful look as he extended his hand. 

Ludwik reached out, their handshake firm, his eyes deep and honest. 

Whitney watched him, her heart quivering at the intensity of his gaze. 

Suddenly, he looked her way, his phone ringing, but he did not leave–almost as if waiting for her to give him an out. 

In a panic, Whitney averted her gaze from the bottomless pools of his eyes. That was when her 

Chapter 146 

uncle, with a chuckle, said, “My legs are not what they used to be. I’m afraid I’ll need Whitney to take me home, and we can discuss the partnership details on the way. I’ll make sure she gets back early.” 

Ludwik’s thin lips pressed together as he looked at her. 

Could she not even initiate a simple conversation with him? 

After all the respect he had given her uncle, this woman still played hard to get. What would it take for her to let go of the past? 

His phone rang again, signaling an important meeting–a bidding war over a prime piece of land for a five–star hotel project was imminent. With a furrow of his brow, Ludwik had no choice but to leave as Felix, his assistant, respectfully waited by the door. 

Whitney slumped back into her chair, her heart pounding as Keegan whisked her away to his penthouse. 

But there, along with his assistant, was another man! 

Tall, with a suit that hugged his frame, he stood casually at a table, his back to Whitney, holding a stack of contracts. 

Keegan took the contracts and turned to Whitney, his composure unchanged. “You brought your company seal, right?” 

She had it in her bag, but as Whitney’s lips tightened, she could not help but ask, “Uncle, why did you discuss a partnership with him today?” 

“Because I really want to, of course.” Keegan smiled warmly as he patted her cold head. “I know it’s hard for you to decide, so I’m giving you a push. There’s no turning back now–I’ve drawn the bow for you!” 

Whitney shuddered, a chill spreading from within as tears threatened to spill from her eyes. 

Her uncle was leading her towards a cliff, and ahead, there was no clear path with Ludwik 

anymore. 

Sensing her sadness, Keegan’s eyes held a hint of scornful laughter. “You need to pull yourself together and help me get my revenge!” 

“But Uncle, why didn’t he guard against you today? You spoke of a partnership, and he agreed without hesitation.” Whitney was puzzled. 

“With Ludwik’s cunning and ruthlessness, what could you possibly see through him?” Keegan’s voice was edged with bitterness. “He’s confident I don’t know the truth. A small partnership with me is nothing but a ripple to him.” 

“Bring out your seal. He’s already agreed,” Keegan insisted. 

Whitney’s face paled as she slowly produced the seal. 

Keegan took the contract without letting her see it properly. She caught a glimpse, but it was 

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Chapter 146 

for an overseas company. 

She frowned, sensing something amiss. “Uncle, didn’t you say your company had moved back home? But this is for an overseas company. Is this gentleman’s? Who is he?” 

The young man finally turned around, his features devilishly handsome, a playful smirk on his lips as he faced Whitney. 

Whitney frowned. It was the man from the airport! 

His aura was mischievous, and that face… Whitney felt an odd sense of familiarity but could not place it. 

“So, Ms. Valentine, you’re still leaning towards Ludwik, huh? Are you doubting your uncle?” The man’s teasing laughter filled the air. He was clearly enjoying the tension. 

Keegan’s face turned cold as he snatched the seal from Whitney and pressed her hand down. “He’s here to help me. It’s none of your concern who he is. The overseas company is a joint venture with him. This is just a minor collaboration with Ludwik–it won’t be the end of him. But Whitney, you can’t let me down! And don’t waste my ten years of suffering!” 

His voice trembled with pain, and he did not allow Whitney to refute. 

The seal was pressed, and the young man immediately took the contracts away. 

Whitney was unsure if there was anything wrong with the contract, but she hoped that since it was only the Vice President’s seal, Ludwik’s trust in her and his gesture to appease her were enough. 

Her heart ached, torn between loyalty and betrayal. She found herself caught in the middle, playing both sides, and she knew she was bound to disappoint her uncle…