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Chapter_131
Whitney nodded, her voice barely audible. “Without Elaine, I’ll be your right-hand woman.”
Ludwik raised an eyebrow, a flicker of amusement crossing his features. He studied her for a moment, his thoughts taking an unexpected turn. The way she nestled into his embrace, so gentle and sweet, stirred something within him. After a long day of struggle and tension, he led her to the bathroom, the soft rush of the shower filling the space. He placed his hands on her delicate shoulders, his voice low and calm. “Alright then, Madam, why don’t you contribute now…?”
When Whitney emerged, her expression was a mix of confusion and embarrassment.
He had tricked her again.
Her lips curled in frustration as she bit down on her bottom lip, embarrassed but too exhausted to argue. She allowed herself to be cradled in his arms, feeling too shy to meet his gaze. Sleep quickly claimed her, and she drifted into a peaceful oblivion before she could finish their conversation.
The next morning, Whitney awoke instinctively reaching for Ludwik, only to find the bed empty. Glancing at the time, she realized she had overslept.
Panicked, she hurried through her morning routine and made her way downstairs.
There he was—Ludwik, impeccably dressed in a suit, sitting at the dining table with a coffee cup sitting untouched in front of him. Taryn had neatly organized his briefcase beside him.
Was he waiting for her?
As her sleepy, flushed figure appeared in the doorway, Ludwik’s gaze lifted, his lips curling into a thin smirk. He glanced at her, his eyes sharp and assessing, before calling for Felix in a tone that held the weight of something serious.
Felix entered, offering a smile as he handed Whitney two items. “Madam, these are from the boss.”
Whitney’s eyes widened as Felix placed the items before her. One was a gleaming nameplate, embossed with the words “Vice President, United Realty Corporation.” The other was a sleek black card, elegant and intimidating in its simplicity.
“Madam,” Felix continued with a mischievous grin, “the boss has upgraded the black card he gave you before. This one grants you access to all his assets—spend as you wish, until he’s bankrupt.”
Whitney’s jaw nearly hit the floor.
Her hand trembled as she pointed at the nameplate. “What’s this?”
Ludwik stepped forward, his expression a mix of amusement and serious intent. “You said you wanted to be my right-hand woman last night? Well, here’s your chance,” he said, his deep voice rich with confidence, his silver mask accentuating his chiseled features.
Whitney blinked, surprised by the sudden offer. Her confusion deepened as she searched his eyes, trying to decipher his true meaning. Had he misunderstood her?
She waved her hands awkwardly, attempting to clarify. “Ludwik, when I said that last night, I didn’t mean joining your company. I just wanted you to know that you don’t need to mourn Elaine’s loss; I can be capable too. I want to help you, in my own way.”
Her eyes were determined, and Ludwik could see the stubborn resolve in them.
He cleared his throat and leaned in, his voice lowering to a whisper. “I saw your capabilities last night.”
Last night? In the bathroom? Whitney’s face flushed as she caught on to his insinuation, glaring at him for his lack of seriousness.
Ludwik’s hand reached out, playfully tugging at her earlobe before resting it on her shoulder, pulling her close. “Inviting you into the company is a sign of my sincerity,” he said, his tone shifting to one of deep seriousness. “Didn’t you complain that I wasn’t caring enough?”
When he decided to spoil a woman, he did so without hesitation.
Whitney’s heart fluttered at his words, but she shook her head, still uncertain. “I have no interest in your company. And putting me in the spotlight like this—what about your family?”
Ludwik’s eyes darkened, the weight of his intent clear. This was exactly why he was offering her a role in the public eye. The more visible she became, the safer she’d be. Elevating her status would make anyone think twice before crossing her.
A man’s deep thoughts weren’t always easy for a woman to understand. He pinched her chin gently, his voice turning teasing but still serious. “Think it over. If you really want to help me, then join. Let me see how you handle business.”
Whitney pouted, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration, but she allowed him to guide her toward the car.
Skye Gem, located in the eastern part of downtown, was their destination. Felix parked the car and let her out. Before she could bid him farewell, he flashed her a playful smile.
“Think about it. I’ll be at United Realty Corporation this morning and can introduce you.”
His words hung in the air, full of meaning. A husband bringing his wife into his company, offering her a position… The implications were clear.
Whitney blushed, her brows furrowing. “I’ll be going now.”
However, just as she stepped into Skye Gem, her phone rang. An unfamiliar number flashed on the screen, and she hesitated before answering. To her surprise, it was Elaine’s voice on the other end.
“Thanks to you, Whitney. I’m heading to the branch office today. Let’s meet. There are a few things I want to say to you.”
Whitney hesitated, but then declined, “No need.”
Elaine’s voice turned cold, laced with mocking laughter. “Don’t you want to know about Bro?”
Whitney froze, a chill running down her spine.
Finally, she agreed to meet, curiosity gnawing at her.
At the café, Elaine sat in the warm light, her eyes sharp and full of contempt. For the first time, Whitney saw the true venom behind her smile.
Elaine’s voice was icy, seething with anger. “I can’t believe how shameless you are, clinging to Bro despite being labeled a homewrecker. It’s me you’re after, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” Whitney replied coolly, her gaze unwavering. “You were the one who encouraged Ashton to confront me about the fiancée issue. Ashton didn’t realize he was being used, and maybe Ludwik didn’t either, but I did. You thought I’d crumble and leave. Even if I did, you wouldn’t let me off easily. So why not claim this man for yourself?”
Elaine’s fists clenched, but she sneered. “Don’t get too comfortable. Your victory won’t last. Don’t be smug. Whitney, I’ll tell you this—Bro’s heart belongs to another.”
Whitney’s blood ran cold.
Elaine leaned forward, a smile full of dark meaning curling on her lips. “His savior. Someone he’s kept hidden deep in his heart. In his eyes, you’re just a physical need. Nothing more.”
The words hung in the air, thick with malice. Whitney’s heart skipped a beat, but she quickly gathered her thoughts.
Elaine’s cryptic words were meant to rattle her, but Whitney refused to let them. “You’re leaving, and now you’re trying to rattle me with your last-ditch efforts? Sorry to burst your bubble, but Ludwik dotes on me. He gave me the Vice President position at United Realty Corporation.”
She pulled out the nameplate, placing it on the table for Elaine to see.
Elaine’s eyes faltered, momentarily thrown off guard. She hadn’t expected Ludwik to bring Whitney into the company.
Her pride wounded, Elaine stood up abruptly, sneering. “You think just because you’ve wormed your way into his company, you’ve won him over? Think again, Whitney. You won’t last a day at United Realty Corporation. We’ll see about that.”
With a final glare, Elaine grabbed her purse and plane ticket, storming out of the café.
Whitney watched her leave, a frown deepening on her face.
Elaine’s words had shaken her, leaving a nagging unease in her mind. Had she let something slip in her anger?
Staring at the nameplate, Whitney tightened her grip. She realized United Realty Corporation still likely bore Elaine’s influence. If she didn’t step in and sever Elaine’s hold, Elaine would find her way back into the company.
She had no choice but to take action.
With a deep sigh, Whitney pinned the nameplate to her chest, determined to protect what was hers.
