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Novel Catalog
Chapter_274
Everyone settled into their seats around the grand dining table, which gleamed softly under the warm light of the chandelier overhead. There was a quiet sense of anticipation in the air, as if everyone knew that this evening would be a game-changer.
Mr. Tobias, ever the gentleman, gestured subtly to Ludwik, offering him the seat of honor. It was a small, but telling move, one that didn’t escape the notice of the more perceptive attendees. Orion, sitting nearby, couldn’t help but smirk at the display of subtle power dynamics unfolding in real time. He enjoyed watching the tension shift in the room.
After some pleasantries and a quick toast to start the evening, Mr. Tobias, always focused, brought the conversation back to business. His voice cut through the clinking of glasses, drawing everyone’s attention. “The international jewelry exhibition hosted by the art gallery is a matter of great importance to the officials of Banyan City. I’ve been entrusted with the task of selecting the company to manage this prestigious event. After much deliberation, I must say, Skyfaith Group has impressed me greatly. Mr. Lippert, your team is top-tier, and your proposal, along with the designs, are without a doubt the best in Harmonia Country. Take a look, everyone.”
As copies of Skyfaith Group’s proposal were passed around, Ludwik sat back, casually holding his cigarette, his expression as impassive as ever. The other companies in the room seemed to be playing catch-up, and the officials appeared pleased, flipping through the proposal with approving nods.
Mr. Tobias, holding the floor with ease, added, “If anyone believes they have a superior design or proposal, now’s the time to present it.”
Before anyone could respond, Orion chimed in confidently, his smile wide, “We do indeed, Mr. Tobias!” He then gestured toward Whitney with a flourish. “Let me introduce you to Whitney, my latest recruit. Her designs and proposal deserve your full attention.”
The announcement took everyone by surprise, especially Mr. Tobias, who shifted his gaze to Whitney, his curiosity piqued. “Oh?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
The atmosphere in the room shifted. The mostly middle-aged crowd of male officials and project managers turned their attention to Whitney. Standing in her striking red dress, she radiated poise and beauty, and the room fell silent as she became the focal point. Mr. Tobias, a man not easily swayed, looked genuinely impressed, “Ms. Valentine, are all jewelry designers as captivating as you? This is quite the treat for the eyes. Let’s see what you have for us.”
Whitney stood up gracefully, holding her documents in hand, every movement deliberate. All eyes followed her, some with interest, others with curiosity, but none more so than Ludwik. He had been sipping his tea, but as soon as he saw her taking the spotlight, something inside him shifted. Irritation, possessiveness—emotions he had long buried started to surface. He quickly tried to suppress them, reminding himself that she was no longer his concern. Yet, the sight of her was like a fire he couldn’t ignore.
Mr. Tobias, chuckling lightly as he tried to keep the atmosphere light, added, “Whitney, I know we’re here to discuss business, but we should at least warm up with a toast first, don’t you think? Let’s get the evening flowing, shall we?”
Orion, ever the instigator, immediately poured a drink for Whitney and whispered, “To earn a fortune, you must be willing to do whatever it takes. Go on, impress them.”
Whitney understood exactly what Orion was trying to do—to provoke Ludwik. She could see the flicker of frustration in his eyes, but to her, it only fueled her resolve. With a playful smile, she raised her glass, ready to take the challenge head-on. “Shall I then?” she said, her voice smooth and confident.
Mr. Tobias, enjoying the playful dynamic, chuckled, “Ah, Whitney knows how to play along!”
Whitney made her way around the table, toasting with the officials as she went, each gesture infused with grace and charm. She was in control, commanding attention with every word, every glance. Ludwik, meanwhile, couldn’t contain his growing frustration. Watching her mingle so freely, sharing her laughter and warmth with the others, felt like a betrayal—a reminder of what they once had, and what she had become since their separation.
Finally, unable to hold his composure any longer, Ludwik slammed his glass down on the table. The noise was sharp, cutting through the chatter like a blade. Everyone froze for a moment, their eyes turning to him.
Mr. Tobias, clearly taken aback by the sudden change in mood, asked, “Mr. Lippert, is something the matter?”
Ludwik’s voice was icy, laced with a barely concealed fury. “I thought we were here to discuss business, not to engage in a courting ritual. Perhaps we should focus on the matter at hand, Mr. Tobias?”
The room fell into a heavy silence, the tension thick in the air. Whitney, unfazed by the interruption, shot back with a touch of sarcasm, “It’s funny, Mr. Lippert, considering we’re still married. I didn’t realize watching me was such a chore.”
The room erupted in hushed whispers. The unexpected revelation that Whitney and Ludwik were still legally married added an intriguing layer to the already charged atmosphere. Mr. Tobias, clearly caught off guard, looked at both of them with a mix of confusion and apprehension. “My apologies, Whitney. I wasn’t aware you and Mr. Lippert were… still together. Forgive me for the oversight.”
The words hung in the air like a storm cloud. Whispers about Ludwik’s fiancée and the rumors of a scandal had clearly made their rounds, and even someone like Mr. Tobias, focused on business, couldn’t help but catch wind of the gossip. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his gaze flicking between the two, unsure of how to proceed.
Ludwik, his face dark with frustration, leaned forward slightly, his voice laced with cold disdain. “Don’t get it twisted,” he snapped. “There’s nothing left between us. That woman has a shady track record, and you’d all do well to keep your eyes open. Business is business, and that’s all it is.”
Mr. Tobias, already uncomfortable with the personal revelations, looked at Whitney, his expression apologetic but still professional. “Ahem… Whitney, do you have the design drafts and project proposal from Imperial Gem Corporation? We’d like to take a quick look at them before we continue.”
Whitney, seizing the moment, raised an eyebrow. Her tone was playful yet sharp, her smile never wavering. “Mr. Tobias, take a look at my resume. You might just change your mind about this whole bid.”
Ludwik’s gaze hardened. He was well aware of her background, but hearing it stated so matter-of-factly, with such confidence, made something inside him snap. Mr. Tobias, however, was clearly impressed as he scanned the documents. He looked up from them with a newfound respect. “You were the lead designer for Royal Jewelry Company? That’s… quite impressive.”
Whitney nodded with a small smile. “I’ve worked on large-scale exhibitions, Mr. Tobias. Royal Jewelry Company paid me half a billion for my services. I also co-hosted the French Jewelry Exhibition at the Louvre.” She handed over her design drafts and proposal with an air of casual confidence.
Ludwik, momentarily thrown off, found himself on the defensive. He hadn’t expected her to be so bold, so well-prepared. The smile that spread across Orion’s face only made the situation worse. “Well, big brother,” Orion said, puffing out his chest, “What do you think? Is Whitney up to the mark?”
Ludwik’s lips tightened, but he said nothing. His sharp gaze flicked to Whitney, his mind racing. The evening had taken a turn he hadn’t anticipated. The battle wasn’t just about who could win the bid anymore—it was about something much more personal. And he couldn’t help but feel that the game was far from over.
