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Chapter_33
Xandra knocked on the door and entered, carrying a tray of comforting food. “Ser asked me to prepare something light for you. The old lady has already eaten, so there’s no need to wait for her,” she said.
Whitney frowned, wondering when Ser had made such a request. The two had been arguing all the way here, so the sudden instruction seemed unusual. Still, she took the tray reluctantly.
Ser had spent quite a while in the bathroom. What he was doing in there, she had no idea. When he finally came out, Whitney seized the opportunity to wash her hands.
It was then that she noticed a jade ring on the vanity. It was a strange sight—only half of the ring, as though it had been snapped in two.
Being trained in jewelry design, Whitney’s curiosity was piqued. She instinctively picked it up. The moment she touched the ring, a memory came rushing back. It was from a long time ago, the man she had once saved. He had given her a similar half-ring as a token of gratitude, but she hadn’t thought much of it at the time. After her business failure, she had returned to the Valentine family, and in just a few days, the ring had disappeared.
That encounter with the man had been fleeting, and Whitney had long forgotten about his promise of repayment. But now, she found herself wondering—whose half-ring was this?
She left the bathroom, the ring still in her hand, and bumped into Ludwik, who was returning to the room.
He immediately noticed the ring in her hand and took it from her, muttering, “Thank you.”
Whitney watched him carefully slip it into his pocket, treating it as something of great importance. “Is it something very significant?” she asked, genuinely curious.
Ludwik’s eyes met hers. “Yeah,” he replied shortly.
His response only deepened Whitney’s intrigue. “Is this from a girlfriend?”
The man gave her a teasing glance. “What are you trying to find out?”
Whitney felt caught off guard. She had been trying to remain indifferent, but her curiosity got the better of her. “Before our marriage agreement, did you have a girlfriend?”
Ludwik chuckled, resting his hand on his chiseled jaw. “Who was it just now who wanted to set clear boundaries? Now you’re prying into my personal life? Isn’t that a bit of a contradiction?”
Whitney’s face flushed, and she quickly dismissed it. “No one cares. If you won’t tell, then don’t.”
Ludwik grinned and made his way toward the door. “I have a wife, but she’s not very obedient,” he said with a slight smirk.
Before he could leave, his assistant approached and asked, “Sir, are you still giving the departure gift to Madam?”
Ludwik’s expression darkened. “A little ingrate like her? What’s the point? Toss it in the trash.”
The assistant hesitated but did as instructed, walking into the room and tossing something into the trash can by Whitney’s feet.
She glanced down, surprised to see it was a copy of the Gemstone Gazette, a rare and valuable journal on jewelry design. Whitney immediately picked it up. This was a prized issue, one that contained insights from L.C., a renowned and elusive jewelry master who was considered her idol.
Whitney held the book to her chest, overwhelmed with admiration. Then it hit her—this must be the gift Ludwik brought her from his trip. But how did he know she was preparing for the design competition?
She recalled mentioning it casually during their meal of spaghetti. Could he have remembered?
Her heart skipped a beat as she looked at the appetizers on the table. This man… was he good, or was he just so sophisticated that his aloofness masked a deep understanding of human nature?
He had an air of mystery, and that playful teasing answer he had given about a girlfriend—was he denying it, or was he simply toying with her?
Whitney couldn’t figure him out, but she knew one thing for sure—mysterious men like him were dangerous, pulling people deeper into their orbit. She needed to build walls around herself.
In the corridor outside the hospital room, Nolan saw Ludwik approaching, a cigarette dangling from his lips. His face was as expressionless as ever.
Nolan, confused, asked, “Ludwik, what’s going on with you and this Whitney? Were you planning to make advances in her room just now?”
Ludwik barely acknowledged him, not interested in responding.
An assistant approached with a file, handing it over. “Sir, there’s been no progress regarding the night you were set up. We’re still unclear if Ms. Valentine is a suspect.”
Ludwik’s voice was cold as he replied, “Keep investigating.”
Parker, who had been observing, added with a mischievous glint, “Nolan, Ludwik is still keeping an eye on her. With his high status, he’s naturally suspicious. But, you know, in his loneliness, he can’t resist teasing her. He’s not far from letting his feelings cloud his judgment.”
Ludwik flicked away the cigarette butt and shot Parker a cold, unreadable look before walking off with a swift stride.
Parker chuckled softly.
The next day, while Natalie was recovering in the hospital, Whitney had her first official prenatal checkup.
The baby was only five weeks along—just over a month old. Though she frequently monitored her blood pressure, seeing the tiny seahorse-like figure on the ultrasound screen stirred a strange mix of emotions in Whitney.
She needed to come to terms with this child. L’s child. Did she really plan to keep it? After a year, would she give the child to him and sever all ties, returning to being strangers? Could she really bear to part with her baby?
The questions weighed heavily on her mind as she faced the unknown path ahead, knowing she could only take one step at a time.
Without a doubt, the baby was vital to pacifying Natalie’s health for now.
Later, after a long day, Whitney stayed by Natalie’s bedside. She opened her laptop to work on her jewelry designs.
As the evening drew in, Ludwik entered the room, his jacket elegantly slung over his arm. He flicked on a lamp, but Whitney didn’t move. It wasn’t until a commanding warmth surrounded her that she realized he was standing behind her.
He glanced at her laptop and raised an eyebrow. “Stuck for inspiration?”
Whitney turned her head, and the moment her forehead brushed against his lips, she felt her skin flush with heat. She cleared her throat. “The most important judge for the jewelry competition is from the Imperial Gem Corporation. I can’t figure out my rival’s preferences. This submission is critical.”
She had to win against Monica—this competition was her chance to take back control of Skye Gem.
Ludwik’s eyes twinkled mischievously. “So you need to cozy up to Mr. Lippert, inside and out?”
Whitney blinked, surprised. His phrasing sounded as if he knew more about the jewelry world than she expected. “Mr. L, are you offering to guide me now? Do you know jewelry design?”
He chuckled softly, scanning her laptop. “These themes are too basic. The judges are highly esteemed, and many are connoisseurs of antiques. You should try blending vintage with contemporary designs.”
Whitney’s mind clicked into place. “Of course! Vintage is all the rage now. This could be a groundbreaking idea!” Her eyes lit up with excitement.
Ludwik smirked slightly.
As she began sketching her new ideas, Whitney paused, suddenly looking at him more critically. “You seem pretty knowledgeable. How do you know so much about jewelry design? Your insights are so unique.”
Leaning closer, his eyes twinkling, he replied, “I know a little about everything, enough to stay ahead of you.”
The emphasis he placed on the words stay ahead caused a blush to rise in Whitney’s cheeks.
“You get one compliment, and you’re floating on air!” she pouted.
Ludwik laughed, “Don’t believe me? Test me on something else.”
Whitney felt his aura—an air of mystery and distinction that was not just alluring but dangerous. She found herself drawn to him, wanting to uncover the man behind the mask.
Who was he, really?
