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Novel Catalog
Chapter_273
Felix entered the office, holding a project folder under his arm, his expression slightly tense. “Mr. Lippert, did you forget? There’s an important dinner tonight about the partnership with the State Art Hall for the jewelry exhibition.”
Over the last three years, Skyfaith Electronic Tech had undergone a massive transformation. What was once just a tech company focused on smart chips had expanded into multiple industries, rapidly rising to the top three of the global wealth rankings as the Skyfaith Group. Their portfolio had diversified into real estate, jewelry, e-commerce, hospitality, and more. Skyfaith’s jewelry division had even started to challenge the mighty Imperial Gem Corporation, especially over the last few years.
Ludwik glanced up from his work, raising an eyebrow. “Didn’t we already secure the partnership for the state-level jewelry exhibition? Just send one of the managers to handle the dinner.”
Felix shifted uneasily, his voice dropping slightly. “But you’ve already informed Mr. Tobias that this project is ours. The final decision hasn’t been made yet, and tonight’s dinner is hosted by the Orion Group. I’m not sure how they managed to get Mr. Tobias to attend, but it could be important. Do you want to go see what they’re up to?”
Ludwik’s expression darkened. This project was critical—securing a solid relationship with Mr. Tobias could mean handling thousands of jewelry pieces for Harmonia’s art exhibitions in the future. Though Ludwik wasn’t particularly interested in the profit, if the deal fell into the hands of the Imperial Gem Corporation, it would be a major win for Orion.
With a sharp nod, Ludwik’s eyes narrowed, and he stood up. “Let’s go. Fire up the car. I want to see what game they’re playing.”
As the city lights began to shine, Felix drove Ludwik to the ‘Grace Lounge.’ The car pulled up, and Felix opened the door for Ludwik, who exited with the air of someone who commanded respect. His tall frame and smooth stride immediately drew attention as he entered the lounge, exuding authority.
Inside, Ludwik’s gaze quickly locked onto a group of people at a table—Orion and Whitney were seated together. Orion was holding a project folder, speaking to Whitney in a low voice, a mischievous glint in his eyes. She raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a slight smile, amused by whatever he was saying. Dressed in a striking red dress with a sweetheart neckline, her fair skin glowed under the dim lighting, and the jewelry she wore shimmered enticingly. The way she responded—calm, confident, and poised—was enough to make Ludwik’s blood boil.
As soon as she saw him, Whitney raised her glass in a subtle toast, her red lips curving in a mocking smile. “Well, look who’s here. Mr. Lippert has arrived.”
Orion, still holding his hand on her chair, couldn’t resist teasing. “Ah, big brother’s here,” he said with a grin full of provocation.
Ludwik’s jaw clenched, his eyes darkening with an emotion that bordered on fury. He took a step back, trying to regain control.
“Mr. Lippert?” someone called. It was the secretary of Mr. Tobias, who had already arrived—presumably, Mr. Tobias was in the restroom. Felix, unsure of what Ludwik intended, watched as the man lit a cigarette, his mood visibly soured. “Felix, get her out here,” Ludwik ordered coldly.
Felix hesitated for a moment before signaling to the lounge manager. The manager quickly approached Whitney, whispering something to her, and pointing outside.
Orion, sensing the tension in the air, smirked. “Seems like Ludwik isn’t taking it lightly.”
Whitney shot him a sharp glance before standing up. “Going out? Aren’t you afraid he’ll strangle you?” Orion teased, watching her with an amused expression.
Whitney smirked, unfazed. “Why would I be? It’s broad daylight.”
With that, she strode out confidently, her heels clicking on the polished floor. Her red dress swayed with her every movement, and Ludwik couldn’t tear his eyes away as she exited the room. Was this the same naive woman from three years ago? She had transformed into someone far more captivating and powerful—no longer just a girl in distress, but a woman who held her own amidst a group of powerful men.
Ludwik followed, frustration and anger building inside him as he caught up with her in a secluded hallway. He grabbed her wrist with a sudden force, pulling her into a corner, his icy gaze locking onto hers. “You’ve infiltrated the Imperial Gem Corporation? Do you have a death wish?”
He had planned on confronting her, confronting the woman who had caused chaos in his life and ruined everything for his fiancée, Elaine. But here she was—sitting by Orion’s side, looking like a business partner rather than the person he’d expected to find.
Whitney winced, trying to pull away from his iron grip. “Mr. Lippert, you’re hurting me,” she said, her voice tinged with feigned innocence. “Such brute strength.”
Caught off guard by her words, Ludwik’s frustration flickered for a moment. He let go, but his eyes still burned with anger. “Don’t play coy. You’re despicable.”
Whitney laughed lightly, but there was no humor in her eyes. “Am I despicable for getting a job? My medical license was revoked, my company taken over by a scumbag to please his fiancée. With nowhere else to turn, if I don’t make a living, I won’t survive.”
Ludwik’s expression darkened further. She was quick to adapt, learning how to fight back and escalate things whenever he tried to put her in her place. He had blocked one way for her, and she had simply found another.
“Your cunning and shamelessness have reached new heights,” Ludwik sneered. “Whitney, don’t provoke me. It would be too easy to crush you. This is your last warning. If you cause trouble at Skye Gem Ltd. again or lay a hand on Elaine, I’ll make sure you regret it.”
Whitney paused for a moment, then gave a short laugh. “Elaine told you I slapped her?”
“Did I need her to tell me? Your vile actions are well known to me,” Ludwik replied, his voice low and dangerous.
Whitney’s smile faded, and she looked him straight in the eye. “Not only are you blind, but your heart is too, perfectly matched with someone as malicious as Elaine.”
“And what right do you have to speak of me and her?” Ludwik’s voice was like a knife, cutting through the air. “If you know what’s good for you, get the hell out of Imperial Gem Corporation. No matter how you want to fight me, you’re going to lose. Save yourself the embarrassment and leave the dinner party now.”
He towered over her, his power undeniable. She had become a formidable opponent, far from the weak, helpless woman he had once known. He had finally realized she was not someone to be underestimated.
Whitney smiled, unfazed. “Lose? I don’t think so. I’m seated at the same table as Mr. Lippert today. Let’s see if Mr. Lippert can shake me. Otherwise, let’s see who has the better skills to win the deal.”
With a seductive gleam in her eyes, she leaned in close, her breath tickling his tie as she blew a soft breath across it. A visible shiver ran down his spine, but she just as quickly straightened up and tucked a bill into his tie clip with a mocking tone. “By the way, your kind-hearted fiancée deliberately scratched my BMW. It’s all recorded on the dashcam. You can get the footage from the dealership. Don’t forget to compensate me!”
With that, she walked away, leaving Ludwik seething.
His face grew cold, and he stared at the bill in his hand, the anger simmering beneath the surface. Before he could compose himself, a voice cut through the tension. “Mr. Lippert, were you flirting with another female designer before the dinner?”
Ludwik turned, his eyes narrowing at the newcomer. “Mr. Tobias.”
“Mr. Lippert, always busy. It’s a pleasure,” Tobias greeted, his tone warm as he tried to gain favor with the business titan.
From the corner of his eye, Ludwik saw Whitney glancing their way, a smirk playing on her lips. He couldn’t help but feel a surge of amusement—this woman was audacious, that much was clear.
“Please, come in, Mr. Tobias,” Ludwik said, his voice smooth, masking the storm brewing inside.
“Ah, Mr. Tobias, you’ve finally arrived!” Orion’s voice rang out as he approached to greet him.
Mr. Tobias, ever the shrewd businessman, kept a neutral expression. It was clear to him that with Ludwik’s presence, Orion had no chance. Ludwik had taken all the best designers from Harmonia, and now Imperial Gem Corporation had fallen behind under Orion’s leadership. Rumors had it that Orion didn’t even have a competent designer on his team anymore.
The dinner was already starting to feel like a mere formality.
