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Novel Catalog
Chapter_34
Whitney’s gaze was sharp, her expression determined. The man’s eyes narrowed, and in one swift motion, he stood up, tossing her precious copy of Gemstone Gazette aside.
“Hey, why’d you throw my heartthrob aside like that?” Whitney quickly hugged the book to her chest, protecting it as if it were a priceless treasure. “You gave it to me, so now it’s mine! It’s got works by the world’s greatest jewelry maestro, L.C., and I’m planning on curling up with it in bed tonight!”
The man paused, his expression unreadable, before a chuckle escaped his lips. “L.C. is your heartthrob?”
“Yep,” Whitney confirmed proudly. “He’s the one I admire most.”
The man’s smile deepened, though Whitney didn’t quite understand the amusement behind it. “Oh?”
Whitney continued, “L.C.’s insights into jewels are unparalleled. Sadly, most jewelry companies today have lost their way. Just look at Imperial Gem Corporation. That Mr. Lippert is all about business, full of underhanded tactics. I just hope he doesn’t take any bribes for Monica’s painting. If he does, may his ego shrink by 4 inches!”
The playful atmosphere around her immediately shifted. A sudden chill ran through the man’s demeanor, but Whitney was too caught up in her rant to notice. “Hmph, it would serve him right if he ended up lonely and childless.”
Before she could finish her sentence, a piece of candy was shoved into her mouth, effectively cutting her off.
The grand jewelry competition was fast approaching, with October 1st marking its official start. Designers from various jewelry companies lined up to register at the Imperial Gem Corporation’s towering headquarters. Whitney and Tiana arrived early, making their way to the event. As they spotted Monica’s car parked outside, Tiana scoffed. “Monica sure got here early! After her scandal at the charity gala, the Valentines must’ve thrown a ton of money at PR. Preston’s probably losing his mind dealing with that mother-daughter duo.”
Whitney couldn’t help but smirk. “Their reputations are in shambles, and the high society is talking about it. Preston cares more about reputation than anyone else. With Phebe opposing their engagement, Monica’s probably desperate to shine at this competition and secure a lavish wedding. And since this competition is a bet between her and me, you know she’ll take it seriously.”
Tiana’s grin widened. “With Monica’s reputation in tatters, if you can wipe her out in this competition, I bet the Valentines will get even more furious with her. When their world crumbles, you’ll get your company back and have the perfect chance for revenge.”
Whitney’s eyes narrowed in contemplation. The idea sounded more appealing by the second.
As they entered the grand lobby of Imperial Gem Corporation, they saw Monica step out of the executive elevator, Simon by her side. Both of them were smiling, but Monica’s expression instantly turned smug when she spotted Whitney.
Pulling Whitney aside, Monica’s voice dripped with malice. “Sis, you’re here too? I’m afraid someone like you, an unknown designer, won’t catch Mr. Lippert’s eye. Just so you know, Mr. Lippert already accepted and adored my landscape painting. You don’t stand a chance, bitch.”
Whitney blinked in surprise, while Tiana’s face stiffened beside her. Monica added with a sweet, taunting smile, “Simon, thank you for spending 26 million dollars on the painting for me!”
Simon’s gaze flickered briefly toward Whitney, a hint of something unreadable in his eyes. Whitney’s fists clenched. That insufferable Mr. Lippert.
Her voice remained calm, but icy, as she responded, “A man who spends 26 million on you but cheats behind your back? Maybe you should watch your back, Sis.”
Monica froze, visibly taken aback, while Simon’s expression darkened. “What nonsense are you spouting, Whitney?”
Without sparing him a glance, Whitney turned on her heel and walked away, her loathing for the situation simmering just below the surface.
The registration event took place in the conference room on the third floor. When the striking figure of the Imperial Gem Corporation’s CEO entered the room, every designer’s head turned.
The man had a presence that commanded attention—a tall, imposing figure with an air of enigmatic authority. His mere presence made hearts flutter, yet his intimidating aura kept people at a distance.
“OMG, Mr. Lippert himself is here!” A female designer whispered under her breath.
Tiana tugged at Whitney’s sleeve, her voice barely containing her frustration. “Despite everything, this infuriating man is just too much. So his name is Ludwik Lippert, huh? What a charming name!”
Monica, too, couldn’t help but feel weak in the knees at the sight of him. As the titan of the jewelry industry, Ludwik held immense power, controlling business life and death. He was more dashing and capable than Simon, and marrying him would be the ultimate triumph.
But Whitney, upon hearing his name, only narrowed her eyes in disdain, silently mouthing, “Lousy name.”
As the chairman took his seat, his frown deepened, scanning the room. Unlike previous events, where he was elusive and distant, this time, Ludwik was actively overseeing even the smallest details of the competition.
As the designers introduced themselves and presented their credentials, Whitney’s mind wandered, her frustration growing. Suddenly, the man in charge asked in a deep, authoritative voice, “Who is Whitney?”
Whitney stiffened, her heartbeat quickening. She rose slowly, her voice steady but cold. “That would be me.”
Ludwik arched an eyebrow, his gaze dismissive. “You lack manners.”
Whitney cursed him inwardly, but maintained her composure. “Mr. Lippert, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Whitney.”
Ludwik’s sharp eyes scrutinized her. “Your tone is rather brusque. Do you have a problem with me?”
His presence was magnetic, and the room seemed to buzz with energy as whispers spread. It seemed that Mr. Lippert had a bone to pick with this Whitney.
Whitney clenched her fists tightly, trying to maintain her calm. Ludwik flipped through her resume with a critical eye. “You look decent enough, but I haven’t heard of you. Are your designs any good?”
His questioning left Whitney no choice but to force a smile. “Good enough. Maybe even better than yours.”
The room erupted in a hushed chuckle. “Such arrogance, challenging Mr. Lippert! Does she even want to compete?” Someone laughed from below.
Monica’s smirk grew wider.
Ludwik stood abruptly, his gaze fixing on Whitney as he spoke in a low, measured tone, “Meeting adjourned! Whitney, stay behind. We need to have a word.”
Behind Whitney, the assistant watched the interaction with a knowing smile. The man certainly had a knack for teasing his little wife.
Whitney had not expected to be singled out like this, and the mix of anger and apprehension surged within her as she followed Ludwik’s orders. Tiana squeezed her hand in worry. “He’s not about to disqualify you on the spot, right?”
“Is he your dreamboat?” Whitney teased, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Tiana sighed deeply, saying nothing more.
Outside the company skyscraper, Simon waited in his Lamborghini, glancing back at Monica as she approached.
“Where’s Whitney?” he asked, his voice casual but with a hint of concern.
Monica pouted, her eyes narrowing with malice. “Since when do you care about my sister?” Her voice lowered with a dark edge. Ever since the charity gala, she had sensed Simon’s growing interest in Whitney, and it unsettled her.
Simon’s expression hardened as he casually draped an arm around her. “Just asking,” he replied, his tone nonchalant.
Monica feigned concern. “Whitney just got chewed out by Mr. Lippert in front of everyone. She had the nerve to cop an attitude. I’m afraid she’s been held back for questioning… She might not even make it through the preliminaries.”
Normally, Simon would have joined in berating Whitney, but this time, something shifted in his demeanor. Monica noticed the change and felt a pang of worry. She was determined to win this competition and keep Simon’s affections from drifting away.
Whitney and Tiana were ushered into Ludwik’s office, where they stood in awe of the luxurious space, the 270-degree window walls offering an incredible view of the city.
Tiana whispered, her voice full of awe, “I have to admit, Mr. Lippert’s office makes your Skye Gem Ltd. look like a broom closet.”
Whitney, however, wasn’t impressed. With a huff, she kicked over a trash can with a loud clatter.
“Whitney!” Tiana gasped, horrified. “What are you doing?”
Whitney stiffened and sat in Ludwik’s chair, her eyes blazing with resentment. “What’s so great about this chair? It’s as hard as rock. All for show. This chair can’t even be worth a thousand bucks. It’s killing my backside.”
Tiana stared at her, then sighed. “Is your butt made of gold? Sometimes, acknowledging someone’s success is a step forward, Whitney.”
With a sly grin, Whitney retorted, “Did you marry Ludwik already? Mrs. Ludwik, are we not BFFs anymore?”
Tiana went quiet, sitting down at the desk and booting up the computer. “There’s no mention of a ‘Ludwik’ in the Lippert family records. Is Mr. Lippert really a Lippert?”
