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Chapter_96
Ludwik flicked off the main lights, plunging the room into a soft, intimate darkness. The silence enveloped them, broken only by the gentle rhythm of their breathing. His warmth was undeniable, a comforting presence beside her. Whitney, still trying to shake off the lingering effects of their hearty barbecue dinner, felt her cheeks flush as she caught a glimpse of his toned midriff, the fabric of the covers shifting slightly. But Ludwik made no further move, merely watching her with a bemused expression as she lay there, full and drowsy. He tapped her forehead gently and murmured, “Time to sleep.”
His proximity was oddly soothing, and she couldn’t help but relax into the bed, feeling the soft scent of him lull her into a deep sense of peace. There was something strangely magical about the way he smelled—a comforting mix that reminded him of a time long ago, of the girl who had saved him that fateful night. It felt almost like a whisper from the past, a sense of familiarity that made him feel grounded.
Just as his mind started to drift, his phone buzzed, the screen lighting up in the dark. Without thinking, he switched it to mute—Elaine. He let out a small sigh, feeling his calm disrupted, but he still got up, careful not to disturb Whitney. She murmured slightly in her sleep as he moved, her body shifting to find a more comfortable position. Smiling softly at her, he tucked her in more securely before stepping onto the balcony and gently closing the door behind him.
“What’s up?” Ludwik asked, his tone clipped. He knew Elaine well enough by now to understand that calls from her at this hour weren’t about anything personal.
On the other end of the line, Elaine recognized his cool tone immediately. Her heart skipped, a mix of relief and jealousy bubbling up inside her. She had purposely waited for this moment, hoping to catch him during a private moment, but his voice betrayed nothing. Had he really not been with Whitney yet?
Elaine’s frown softened as she got down to business. “Sorry to bother you so late, bro, but there’s something strange about Whitney. She turned down the two vendors you recommended. Maybe she doesn’t want your help, or maybe she’s seeking someone else?”
Ludwik paused, holding the cigarette between his fingers. The faint smell of tobacco mingled with the night air as he exhaled slowly, his brows furrowing in thought. He didn’t respond immediately, just letting the words sink in. Finally, he muttered, “I see.”
Elaine could sense the tension in his voice. “Do you want me to find out who she’s talking to instead? See who she’s dealing with?”
“Yeah,” Ludwik replied curtly before ending the call. He flicked the cigarette butt into the night and made his way back inside. He moved with quiet grace, his tall form casting a long shadow as he approached the bed where Whitney lay, her features softened in peaceful sleep.
As he gazed at her, the furrow between his brows deepened. He had meant to help her, but why had she refused? Had she been hesitant to trust him? Was she concerned that involving him might hurt her small business? The thought nagged at him. She hadn’t mentioned anything earlier when they were in the car. The Imperial Gem Corporation, with its rivalry against Skye Gem Ltd., was already a force in the industry. So why had she turned down his help?
Ludwik gently pinched her cheek, his expression tender yet thoughtful. Perhaps it was time to show her who he really was, to let her get to know him better and dispel any doubts she might have. He had no intention of using his position to manipulate her, but if she could only see that, maybe then she would understand.
The next morning, Whitney awoke early, stretching as she prepared for work. Meanwhile, Ludwik had already finished tying his tie, his tall, imposing figure emerging from the dressing room. His handsome face, still a little sleep-rumpled, was set in a serious expression under the early light.
“I’m heading out,” Ludwik said, tossing her a casual smile. “Come by my office after work.”
Whitney blinked in surprise. “Wow, you’re actually telling me what you do now?”
He gave a slight shrug. “There’s a lot more to my business than you know. I don’t mind you knowing some of it—seeing what I’m up to.” He flicked a business card her way.
She glanced down at the card: United Realty Corporation—complete with an address.
Whitney’s eyes widened in shock. 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 quickly did the math. Skye Gem Ltd. was worth a staggering 20 billion dollars, but the market value of United Realty Corporation? That was beyond her comprehension. Her mind raced as she thought of the possibilities, but before she could process it all, she found herself arriving at the office, eager to share the news with Tiana.
Tiana’s reaction was immediate. “United Realty Corporation? That’s one of the most mysterious companies in Banyan City, right up there with Imperial Gem Corporation and Skyfaith Electronic Tech! I can’t believe that is your husband’s company. Madam, you have my respect!”
Whitney laughed softly. “What do I do now? Suddenly, him being so wealthy is kinda… hot. I think I’m falling for him.”
Tiana raised an eyebrow. “Whitney, your love for money is so obvious!”
“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 rich he was. Didn’t you call him a thug leader?”
Tiana chuckled. “How much do I have to pay you not to spill this to ‘L’?”
Whitney burst out laughing. “Enough! I’m hanging up now. I’ve got an important partnership to discuss.” She immediately dialed Cooper’s number. He had given her his card at the bar a while back.
Cooper, who had recently returned from overseas to start a gemstone business, was exactly who Whitney needed. Skye Gem urgently needed new supplies after recalling a batch of fake jewelry, and Cooper was just the person to help.
Cooper picked up right away. “Whitney, quick heads up. I’m just the director, but our chairman heard I’m working on a big deal with Skye Gem and wants to be there in person. He’ll be joining us for lunch.”
Whitney’s mind shifted to business mode instantly. “If the chairman is coming, we should pick a different place. How about the Lotus Clubhouse? I’ll make sure we’re prepared.”
“No need. Our chairman likes to keep things low-key,” Cooper replied, chuckling. “Just come as planned.”
After a polite goodbye, Whitney hung up, her mind racing. She arrived early at the Lotus Clubhouse, waiting only a few minutes before the guests arrived.
Cooper walked in first, and just as Whitney stood to greet him, she froze. Behind him stood a tall, refined man in a sharp dark gray suit. His features were striking, and his posture exuded an air of distinction. He looked at her, surprised, then smiled. “Ms. Valentine?”
“Mr. Lutz?” Whitney blurted out, genuinely taken aback.
Cooper turned to his boss, slightly puzzled. “Whitney, you know our CEO?”
Whitney hesitated for a moment, not wanting to make a big deal out of it. But before she could answer, Bryce spoke, his deep voice warm and familiar. “I’ve met Ms. Valentine once before. It was because of my mother’s situation.”
Whitney quickly extended her hand with a smile. “Mr. Lutz, I didn’t realize you were Cooper’s boss.”
“Small world, isn’t it?” Bryce replied, shaking her hand. His eyes lingered on her hand for a moment, noticing its softness before looking back at her with a smile.
“Please, Mr. Lutz, Cooper, everyone, take a seat,” Whitney invited, gracefully motioning for them to sit.
As they settled in, Whitney presented the partnership details, laying out the terms of the gemstone supply deal. Bryce sat across from her, resting his chin on one hand, his gaze occasionally meeting hers.
Whitney was nervous, wondering if she had undercut the price or missed something in the contract. To her surprise, Bryce simply waved a hand dismissively. “Skye Gem is impressive. I’m sold on your designs. The price is fine. Cooper, get whatever amount of gemstones Whitney needs. We’ll supply it.”
Whitney’s eyes widened in disbelief, amazed at how smoothly the deal had gone.
Cooper stood up, gathering the documents. “Since we’re all set, I’ll head back to finalize the contract. Whitney, will you stay and finish the meal with Mr. Lutz?”
Whitney nodded, a sense of relief washing over her as her thoughts shifted to the jewelry design she had in mind for Claire.
“Mr. Lutz, I’ve been meaning to discuss something with you,” Whitney began, the words on the tip of her tongue.
Bryce, his gaze focused intently on her, responded almost immediately, “Ms. Valentine, have you found inspiration for the jewelry piece for my mother?”
They spoke at the same time, and Whitney was startled. Bryce chuckled softly, a smile dancing in his eyes as their shared moment passed.
