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Chapter_255
Elaine’s tears, once flowing freely, began to dry almost immediately, her expression shifting into one of calculated satisfaction. She knew that Ludwik’s anger, though brief, was a weapon she could wield. The seed had been planted in his mind, and now it was time to let it grow. She had played her part, and it was only a matter of time before it bore fruit.
“Ludwik, you’re so kind,” she whispered, wiping her eyes as though the sobs had never existed. She leaned into him, her voice a soft, persuasive murmur. “I know you’ll make sure Whitney pays for what she did. No one treats me like that—not when you’re around.”
Ludwik’s jaw tightened as he looked down at her. His gaze, cold and distant, betrayed the depths of his emotions. The thought of anyone—especially Whitney—daring to lay a hand on his fiancée stirred something deep within him. He was a man who would destroy anyone who crossed him, a man whose pride was his greatest strength and his most dangerous weapon.
His voice, low and controlled, was a warning. “She won’t get away with it. Not on my watch. I’ll make sure she regrets crossing me.”
Elaine felt a rush of triumph surge within her chest, but she kept her expression neutral. Her smile was subtle, yet filled with satisfaction. “I knew you’d understand,” she purred. “You’re my protector, Ludwik. I can’t imagine life without you.”
She reached up to stroke his cheek, a gesture that was equal parts affection and manipulation—one he had grown accustomed to. She knew how to push his buttons, how to make him feel needed, wanted. And it always worked.
Ludwik’s gaze flickered for a brief moment, an unreadable expression crossing his face. His mind was already shifting, undoubtedly planning his next move, his next strike against Whitney. The wheels were turning in his head, calculating the best way to handle the situation—he was always thinking, always plotting.
He turned to his bodyguard, his tone sharp and decisive. “Have a word with our people. I want Whitney’s movements tracked. Make sure nothing else happens tonight.”
Ludwik’s eyes returned to Elaine, narrowing slightly. “If she tries anything else, it won’t be a mere apology she’ll owe you. It’ll be much more than that.”
Elaine smiled, the satisfaction curling at the corners of her lips. “Thank you, Ludwik. I knew you wouldn’t let anyone hurt me.” Her eyes flicked toward the auctioneer, whose voice reverberated through the hall as the bidding continued.
Ludwik gave an almost imperceptible nod, his focus shifting back to the auction as they both turned their attention to the stage. The dynamics of the game had shifted. No longer was it just about acquiring Skye Gem Ltd. for her—now it was about making Whitney pay, about humiliating her and solidifying Elaine’s position. She would not only be Ludwik’s fiancée; she would be a woman who had survived every obstacle, who had risen above it all, stronger than ever before.
As the bids grew more competitive, Elaine leaned closer to Ludwik, her voice barely a whisper. “I know you’ll win this. I know it’s all going to be ours tonight.”
Ludwik’s lips twisted into a slight smile, but there was no warmth in it. His eyes remained cold, hard with certainty. “It’s already decided,” he said, his voice unwavering. The tone was that of a man who never doubted his ability to conquer anything in his path. “Skye Gem Ltd. will be yours. And if Whitney wants to make this personal, I’ll make sure she regrets it.”
Elaine’s heart fluttered with glee. She had been waiting for this moment—the moment when she would finally be untouchable. The moment when Whitney, once a rival, would be reduced to nothing. Everything was falling into place. All the pieces were lining up in her favor, and nothing would stand in her way now.
As the auctioneer’s voice called for another round of bids, the figures in the room seemed to blur. But for Elaine, it was all clear. Victory was within her grasp. She could almost taste it.
