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Chapter_91
Ludwik took the file from Elaine, his eyes skimming through the contents. His expression remained unreadable as he processed the information.
“I see you’ve been busy,” he said, his voice cool, but there was a glint of something in his eyes—something akin to amusement. “You’ve anticipated every angle, haven’t you?”
Elaine shrugged nonchalantly, leaning back in her chair with a smirk. “I know you, Bro. Always playing the long game. Thought I’d make it easier for you.”
Ludwik’s lips curled into a faint smile. “You’re good at what you do,” he admitted, then paused, his gaze flicking to the file in his hands. “And Whitney? She’s really taking charge at Skye Gem, huh?”
Elaine nodded, her tone light but with a hint of something more serious behind it. “Yes, she is. I think she’s got the potential to turn it around. It’s almost… impressive, in a way.”
Ludwik’s smile faded as he glanced out the window, his thoughts drifting to the woman in question. He had watched Whitney grow from a reluctant figurehead into someone who commanded attention and respect. That resilience, that fire—it intrigued him. And he couldn’t deny the sense of satisfaction he felt when she had taken control of the situation with Monica.
“She’s impressive,” Ludwik echoed softly, more to himself than to Elaine.
Elaine tilted her head, her eyes narrowing slightly. “You really care about her, don’t you?”
Ludwik didn’t respond immediately. He had always been a man of action, not words. The feelings he had for Whitney were new to him, a bit foreign even, but undeniably strong. His thoughts were interrupted by Elaine’s teasing voice.
“You’re even smiling when you talk about her. Don’t try to hide it, Bro. I’m not blind.”
He shot her a look, his eyes cold, but there was no mistaking the playful challenge in her expression. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Elaine raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but chose not to press the issue further. Instead, she leaned forward, her tone turning businesslike once again.
“You’re planning something, aren’t you? Helping her indirectly with the gemstones?”
Ludwik met her gaze with a quiet intensity. “She’s made her move. Now I’ll make mine. There’s no harm in leveling the playing field.”
Elaine gave him a knowing look. “You’re not just playing for business, are you?”
Ludwik’s lips twitched into another small smile. “We’ll see, won’t we?”
Meanwhile, across town, Whitney was sitting at her desk, pouring over the new strategies she had laid out for Skye Gem. The company’s recovery plan was coming together faster than she had anticipated, but the battle was far from over. She needed to secure the best possible raw gemstones to ensure that Skye Gem could restore its reputation and maintain its position in the market.
Her mind, however, kept drifting back to the conversation with Simon earlier. The way he had tried to manipulate her with the contact book, and his desperate pleas—it made her sick. She couldn’t let him hold leverage over her. She needed that contact book, and she was willing to go to whatever lengths necessary to get it.
Just as she was lost in thought, her phone buzzed, breaking her concentration. The name on the screen made her frown.
She hesitated for a moment before answering. “What is it?”
His voice came through the phone, smooth and confident. “You’re making waves at Skye Gem, Whitney. I’m impressed.”
She couldn’t help but feel a flicker of irritation at his words. “Is that why you’re calling? To gloat?”
He chuckled, low and quiet. “Hardly. I just wanted to let you know that I’ve secured a reliable source for raw gemstones. It should help with your procurement needs. Consider it… a little push in the right direction.”
Whitney’s brows furrowed. “You’re getting involved in my business?”
“I’m not getting involved. I’m simply helping you avoid another scandal. I’m sure you can appreciate that,” Ludwik replied, his tone laced with a subtle challenge.
She could feel her pulse quicken. There was something about his calm demeanor, his ability to manipulate situations to his advantage, that both irritated and intrigued her.
“And what do you want in return?” she asked, her voice sharp.
Ludwik paused for a moment before responding. “Nothing. Not yet, anyway. But I’d like to see how you handle this opportunity. Let’s just call it… an investment in your future.”
Whitney didn’t trust him. She never had. But there was something undeniably tempting about the resources he could provide. Still, she wouldn’t be anyone’s pawn.
“I don’t need your help,” she said, her tone firm.
“You might not think you do now, but sooner or later, you’ll realize you can’t do it all on your own,” he replied, his voice cold but with an underlying sense of certainty.
Whitney bit her lip, considering his words. But in the end, she wasn’t about to let anyone—especially Ludwik—dictate the pace of her success.
“I’ll handle it,” she said, hanging up before he could respond.
But even as she ended the call, she couldn’t shake the feeling that Ludwik was playing a game she hadn’t quite figured out yet. And it frustrated her, more than she cared to admit.
As the day wore on, Whitney’s thoughts drifted between business and personal matters. The jewelry contest that was fast approaching, her looming confrontation with Simon, and now Ludwik’s unexpected offer—it all seemed to be building toward something bigger. But what?
She didn’t have all the answers yet, but she was determined to find them. Whatever Ludwik’s intentions were, she wasn’t about to let him—or anyone else—take control of her future.
