Love beyond the mask (Whitney)



"But, Mr. Lippert really did save me, you know? I just want to show my gratitude. What do you say?" Elodie leaned in slightly, her slender arms resting on the desk, batting her lovely eyes at him. "How about... a more... personal thank you?"

Ludwik barely had to look up to catch a glimpse of the cleavage she was purposefully displaying.

A chill ran through him, a wave of revulsion hitting hard. "Elodie, why don't you go check my hospital records from two weeks ago? I got injured, and let's just say, I'm not in the game. Wouldn't want to hold you back from your life's adventures."

"...Impossible. A guy with your stamina, saving a woman from a fire? I don't buy it. You look in top form, muscles all lean and toned."

Elodie said, daring to glance further down his crossed legs.

Ludwik's face darkened instantly, and with a snap, he grabbed a folder to block her view. If she weren't Ronan's daughter, and if it weren't such a hassle to offend her, he would've kicked this shameless woman out already.

"Elodie, behave yourself!"

His gaze was icy.

Seeing his expression change, Elodie pouted, disgruntled. "I was just curious, Mr. Lippert. Why so uptight? Or... are you just scared I'll find out you're actually fine and lying to me?"

"My recent visits to the urology department are on record. Go ahead and check."

Ludwik coldly brushed her aside.

Elodie paused, taking in his stern face. It didn't seem like he was lying. Plus, it was her first time hearing a man admit to such issues so boldly, and she found it both surprising and intriguing. Mature and strict men really were different.

Too bad he was supposedly out of commission.

"No worries. Nowadays, what can't be cured, right, Mr. Lippert?" Elodie said softly, cupping her face. "Relax, my dad is Ronan. He's got the whole Harmonia Country's medical community at his beck and call!

And if it really can't be fixed, we'll just have a platonic relationship. I'm not the kind to just give up."noveldrama

Ludwik's face darkened even more.

Never had he encountered such a forward official's daughter, so full of herself, clearly spoiled rotten.

Felix was turning green. "Um... Elodie, Mr. Lippert really dislikes it when his work time is interrupted."

"Oh, I get it. I like men who are serious about their work even more." Elodie threw Ludwik a flirtatious look, a clear 'you can't resist me' vibe, and sashayed out.

Ludwik rubbed his forehead, telling Felix, "Next time she comes, just say I'm not in the office."

"Alright." Felix turned to leave, just as baffled.

"Hang on, give me your phone." Ludwik reached out his hand.

"Mr. Lippert, your new phone is already on your desk..."

"Give it to me. Find Whitney's Facebook."

"...Understood." Under Ludwik's stern gaze, Felix had no choice but to pull up Ms. Valentine's Facebook and hand it over to the boss.

Ludwik's lips, cold a moment ago, softened as he dialed Whitney.

"Hello, Felix, you needed me?" Whitney's voice, polite and gentle, came through.

Ludwik glared at Felix, annoyed. Why should Felix receive her kindness when he got nothing?

A puzzled Felix: "..."

"Whitney, it's me."

Ludwik's voice turned warm in an instant, as if the cold demeanor toward Elodie and Felix belonged to someone else, "Did you sleep well? Started work yet?"

"..." Felix watched in disbelief as Mr. Lippert wooed someone.

Whitney, realizing it wasn't Felix, immediately became irritable, "Ludwik, you again. How many phones will you borrow?"

Ignoring the clear distaste, Ludwik continued, "Whitney, thanks for covering the medical expenses last night."

"Just transfer it to the Sheldon Group's corporate account."

She cut him off before he could finish.

Ludwik, trying not to sound desperate, suggested, "That's not enough. You saved my life twice last night. How about I take you out for lunch? I know a great place..."

"Sorry, I'm busy." Whitney declined flatly.

"When are you free then? Whitney, I'm available anytime for you."

"...I'll never be free for you!"

Whitney, clearly frustrated, hung up before he could say more.

Ludwik, unfazed, turned to Felix, "Transfer some money to the Sheldon Group's corporate account. Add a little extra."

"

.." Felix sighed deeply, wondering how much 'a little extra' meant, Mr. Lippert acting like he was rolling in cash.

In the Sheldon Group's executive office.

Whitney's personal account received a notification of a $100,000 deposit.

The payer's account read: Ludwik.

Whitney rolled her eyes. The medical bill was only $800 last night. Was he swimming in money or what?

The Lippert family was rumored to be on the brink of collapse.

Forget it, she thought, not bothering to return it. After all, Ludwik had caused her much more heartache than this "emotional damage fee." Then her phone rang. Whitney answered on speaker, "Mr. Nelson, what's up?"

"I visited the Wilson family this morning. Mr. Wilson mentioned the explosion was likely intentional, with evidence pointing towards Brielle and Liam." "Brielle from the Patrick family?" Whitney was puzzled. "She seems too clueless, and with her young age, how could she orchestrate an explosion?" "Word on the street is that Brielle and Liam are an item, and Liam couldn't stand Ludwik making moves on Brielle. Furious, they supposedly set the Wilson family's barn on fire... But I'm betting the Patricks are framing them.

Mr. Wilson has his suspicions too, thinks the Patricks are behind it.

But Brielle and Liam, being the prime suspects, have already been hauled off for questioning."

Whitney got the picture, "So, it looks like the Patricks have made them their scapegoats, huh? But is Ronan really going to let this slide?"

"I had my mom ask around about Ronan. From what she says, Ronan's not pursuing it any further."

Whitney pondered for a moment, then it clicked, "Guess the Patricks must have sweetened the deal for Ronan."

"Probably. Ronan's in the Treasury, sensitive position and all. With the vice-presidential election coming up next year, he needs a hefty war chest. This mess? Mr. Wilson's not touching it with a ten-foot pole either.

Oh, and Ronan was asking about Ludwik too..."

Whitney paused, remembering the way Elodie looked at Ludwik last night.

"Ha, Whitney, you think Elodie's really fallen for Ludwik?

The Lipperts are on shaky ground. If Ludwik lands himself as the future VP's son-in-law, with his skills, turning their fortunes around would be a piece of cake."

"I'm too busy to meddle in others' affairs. Good luck to him!"

Whitney coldly cut off Shane Nelson and ended the call.

Her dark almond eyes stared blankly at the desk, pondering. In this situation, any man would seize the opportunity to marry Elodie, propelling the Lipperts back to power.

But just thinking about how the Millers had already set their sights on her, even promising her dinner and sending a check for $100,000, Whitney couldn't help but seethe with frustration.