Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 193

Chapter 193

Ludwik frowned as he watched Whitney walk with an exaggerated sway in her step. 

He moved closer, taking her delicate hand in his. His brow arched with a mocking challenge, “You want me to take this, so why not give it to me yourself?”

Was he deliberately picking a fight? 

“Wasn’t it you who refused to take it?” Whitney shot back with a hint of sarcasm. 

Ludwik’s voice turned icy, “As if you’d dare poison me.” 

Whitney’s heart ached. He would rather believe Elaine’s lies than trust in her remedies. 

Suddenly, she found herself swept up in his arms. 

“What are you doing?” Whitney pushed against him. 

“What do you think I want to do?” His eyes were deep, carrying a mischievous glint. 

Whitney fell silent. 

As Ludwik carried her, his scent enveloped her, a familiar warmth she longed for. It felt like her heart was suspended in the air; even the slightest softening from him sparked the fantasy that he might forgive her. 

What had made her so meek? Was it the fear of losing him? 

She looked down quietly. Then, her stomach growled audibly. 

Whitney discreetly covered her belly. 

Felix chuckled from the side, “Miss Valentine, seems like the little one’s hungry.” 

Ludwik stiffened briefly, his expression unreadable, but he changed course toward the hospital cafeteria. It was a spotless and hygienic place. He seated her at a table and sat across from her without a word. 

Felix went to order food. 

Whitney stole glances at Ludwik’s profile until she was interrupted by an elderly voice, tinged with amusement, “Ludwik, what a coincidence!” 

Ludwik looked up and quickly rose to his feet, respectful, “Braxton, it’s been ages. What brings you to Banyan City?” 

Hearing the name, Whitney turned sharply to see the renowned Braxton from the South City! 

As a healer, she remembered every face she treated. 

Braxton chatted with Ludwik, “I heard this little hospital had an impressive traditional healer. My stroke didn’t kill me thanks to a young nurse who saved me with her acupuncture. I thought I’d come take a look!”

What? Whitney was startled. How did Braxton know it was a young nurse? 

She averted her gaze.

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But Braxton had already noticed her scrutiny and turned to her sweet face. 

“You are?” Braxton squinted at Whitney, examining her closely from her face to her slender hands. 

His gaze shifted, even Ludwik noticed something was off. He interjected, “Braxton, is there something about my wife?”

“Your wife?” Braxton was taken aback. 

To outsiders, Ludwik had no time to explain and referred to her as such. He nodded. 

Braxton peered at Whitney, then chuckled with recognition, “No wonder, young lady, that night…” 

Whitney glanced at Ludwik’s puzzled look and quickly signaled to Braxton not to reveal anything. 

In front of her benefactor, Braxton caught on that the young lady had her concerns and paused. 

“Do you know each other?” Ludwik asked sharply. 

“Oh, it’s nothing.” Braxton laughed, shifting the topic, “Ludwik, I heard about your dramatic moves in Banyan City’s business world. The company that won the South City land bid turns out to be backed by your brother. A little family rivalry in the Lippert family, eh? But I wasn’t wrong about you. You’ve become the CEO of the Skyfaith Electronic Tech, outshining your previous ventures. You’re probably going to make the Lippert family surrender the Imperial Gem Corporation, aren’t you?”

“That was always mine,” Ludwik said calmly. 

Whitney watched him, knowing there was a storm of ruthlessness hidden beneath his calm, already strategizing as always. But it was just making Orion jump through hoops. 

Braxton didn’t say more, and after a meaningful look at Whitney, he left. 

Whitney understood the old man’s intention. He probably wanted to thank her. Felix was still waiting on the meal, so she excused herself to the restroom and left the table. 

Following Braxton’s direction, she turned a corner and found him supported by his son, waiting for 

her. 

“Young lady, did you save my life?” Braxton asked, his emotions stirring. 

Whitney didn’t confirm, only smiling, “Sir, you have the aura of longevity.” 

“I’m in my eighties, longevity enough. I know it was you. That night, I briefly opened my eyes and saw a young nurse with needles working over my head. You were remarkable; after your treatment, my mind cleared. I caught a glimpse of your eyes, just like these.” 

Whitney laughed; she had been well–covered that night. 

“You discreetly saved me to keep Ludwik Lippert out of jail?”

Knowing they were married, Braxton pieced the rest together. 

But he wondered, “Why not let him know?” 

Whitney paused before answering, “Sir, there was an error with the bidding due to my uncle, which also falls on me. It led to your negotiation with him going awry, causing your condition. I didn’t want you to die, nor did I want him to face consequences, so I discreetly came to your aid. However, it was still against medical regulations, and besides, telling him now is pointless. He has deep misconceptions about me, and he might not believe me.” 

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Her tone held a note of loss. 

Braxton looked at her, smiled faintly, “A little couple’s quarrel?”

Whitney shook her head. If only it were that simple. 

“Don’t worry, such a kind–hearted young lady like you. He’ll realize how much you love him eventually. You saved me at the risk of being arrested. Could you leave me your contact information? If I ever fall ill again, I’d like to call on your expertise, and I’d pay whatever it costs.” 

“I never take money for my acupuncture; saving lives is second nature to me.” Whitney reached out and checked Braxton’s pulse, “If you’ll excuse me.”