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Chapter_95
Ludwik flicked off the main lights, enveloping them both in a peaceful silence. His warmth wrapped around Whitney as she lay next to him, sensing something was off. Her cheeks flushed as she inadvertently caught a glimpse of his toned midriff peeking from under the covers. But Ludwik made no further advances. Instead, he gazed at her with an amused expression as she lay there, still full and nearly drifting into a deep sleep after their hearty barbecue dinner. Gently tapping her forehead, he murmured, “Time to sleep.”
She smelled so good. Nestled beside her, Ludwik finally allowed himself to rest, the soothing scent that filled the air lulling him to sleep. It was a familiar fragrance, almost magical, evoking memories of the girl who had saved him years ago.
Just as he was about to drift off, his phone screen lit up in the quiet room. With a sigh, he muted it—it was a call from Elaine.
Ludwik propped himself up slightly, causing Whitney to murmur in discomfort and shift, but she remained fast asleep. He smiled softly, tucking her back in before quietly stepping onto the balcony, closing the door behind him as he took the call.
“What?” he answered, his tone cold and clipped, knowing it was likely work-related.
Elaine, sensing the ice in his voice, felt a mix of relief and jealousy. She had deliberately called at this hour, hoping to interrupt any intimate moments, but Ludwik’s tone revealed nothing of the sort. Was he really not touching Whitney again?
Elaine’s frown softened as she dove into business, “Sorry to bother you, Bro, but there’s something about Whitney. She turned down the two vendors you recommended. Maybe she doesn’t want your help, or maybe she’s looking for someone else?”
Ludwik paused, exhaling a puff of smoke into the cool night air. His brow furrowed slightly as he processed her words, but he didn’t say much, simply responding with a curt, “I see.”
Elaine noticed his displeasure and quickly added, “Do you want me to find out which vendor Whitney is in touch with?”
“Yeah,” Ludwik replied before hanging up.
He stubbed out his cigarette and returned inside. His towering figure approached the bed where Whitney lay, her delicate features softened in sleep. His thoughts were heavy as he stared at her. Why had she refused his help? He had done nothing but offer her support, lowering his pride to assist her. Did she not trust him? Was she afraid her business might be harmed?
He gently pinched her cheek, his expression still tender, but a frown tugged at his features. Perhaps it was time for him to open up more to her, to dispel her doubts and let her get to know him better.
The next morning, Whitney woke early to prepare for work. Ludwik had already finished tying his tie, his imposing figure emerging from the dressing room, his handsome face serious in the early light. Before heading out, he flashed her a brief smile and said, “Come by my office after work.”
“Wow, you’re letting me know what you do now?” Whitney responded, surprised by the rare bit of openness.
“There’s a lot to my business. I don’t mind you knowing some of it, seeing what I’m up to.” He flicked a business card in her direction.
Whitney looked down at it, stunned to see the name: United Realty Corporation, with an address printed clearly. United Realty Corporation was the largest real estate firm in the country. Almost every upscale mansion in Banyan City had been built by them.
Holy cow. Was her husband really this loaded?
She did some quick mental calculations. Skye Gem Ltd. was worth $20 billion, but the market value of United Realty Corporation was beyond her comprehension.
With her heart in turmoil, Whitney arrived at the office and immediately shared the news with Tiana.
Tiana, stunned, blurted, “United Realty Corporation is one of Banyan City’s most mysterious companies, aside from Imperial Gem Corporation and Skyfaith Electronic Tech, the tech giant! I can’t believe United Realty Corporation is your husband’s! Madam, you’ve got my respect!”
Whitney sighed, still processing the revelation. “What do I do? Suddenly, him being so wealthy seems kinda hot. I think I’m falling for him,” she confessed, touching her cheek, the attraction now undeniable.
Tiana smirked. “Whitney, your love for money is so blatant!”
“But I love him too, okay? He even joined me for a barbecue dinner last night… When I first met him, I had no idea how wealthy he was. Didn’t you call him a thug leader?”
Tiana laughed. “How much do I have to pay you not to tell ‘L’?”
Whitney burst into laughter. “Enough. I’m hanging up. I’ve got an important partnership to discuss today.”
She quickly dialed Cooper, her college buddy who had given her his business card at the bar. Cooper had returned from overseas to start a precious gemstone business, and Skye Gem urgently needed new supplies after recalling a batch of fake jewelry. Naturally, she thought of him.
Cooper picked up immediately, and the conversation quickly took an unexpected turn.
“Whitney, the thing is, I’m just the director, a small fry. Our chairman heard I’m closing a big deal with Skye Gem and wants to oversee it personally. He’ll be joining us for lunch.”
Whitney’s mind shifted into professional mode. “If the chairman’s coming, I should pick a different restaurant. How about the Lotus Clubhouse? I’ll prepare thoroughly.”
“No need. Our chairman prefers to keep it low-key. Just come as planned,” Cooper chuckled before they said their goodbyes.
Cooper turned to his boss, a tall man standing by the desk, with a slight smile.
Whitney arrived early at the Lotus Clubhouse. After just a few minutes, the guests arrived. Cooper entered first, and Whitney stood to greet him. But then, she froze when she saw the refined man trailing behind him.
Bryce wore a sharp dark gray suit that accentuated his distinguished air. His handsome features complemented his tall stature and confident demeanor. His eyes lifted in surprise, and a smile slowly crept across his face. “Ms. Valentine?”
“Mr. Lutz?” Whitney responded, equally surprised.
Cooper glanced at Bryce, then at Whitney, instinctively asking, “Whitney, you know our CEO?”
Whitney hesitated for a moment, modestly not wanting to boast. Thankfully, Bryce’s deep gaze locked onto her, and he spoke first, “I’ve met Ms. Valentine once before because of my mother’s situation.”
His voice was warm and pleasant, surprisingly approachable.
Whitney quickly extended her hand with a smile. “Mr. Lutz, I had no idea you were Cooper’s boss.”
“Small world, isn’t it?” Bryce returned the handshake, maintaining a cool and courteous demeanor. Yet, he couldn’t help but notice how delicate her hand was as his gaze softened.
She withdrew her hand gracefully. “Mr. Lutz, Cooper, please, everyone, take a seat!”
Once seated, Whitney presented the contract, highlighting the details of the gemstone supply partnership. Bryce sat across from her, his chin resting on one hand as his eyes occasionally glanced her way.
Whitney, nervous about possibly undercutting the price, was caught off guard when Bryce waved it off. He locked eyes with her, “Skye Gem is impressive. I’m sold on your designs, and the price is fine by me. Cooper, whatever amount of gemstones Whitney needs, we’ll supply.”
Whitney’s eyes widened in astonishment at how smoothly the deal was going.
Cooper, ever observant, stood up to gather the documents. “Since we’re set on the partnership, I’ll head back and finalize the contract. Whitney, will you stay and finish the meal with Mr. Lutz?”
Whitney nodded, her thoughts wandering to the jewelry design she had in mind for Claire. “Mr. Lutz, I’ve actually been meaning to discuss something with you as well…”
“Ms. Valentine, have you found inspiration for the jewelry piece for my mother?” Bryce asked, speaking at the same time as her.
Whitney blinked, startled, and Bryce chuckled softly.
