Love beyond the mask ( Whitney )
Chapter 707

Whitney hesitated for a moment in front of the elevator.

Sandy couldn't help but frown, "The cheek of The Garcia Group's receptionist! They owe money and still act all high and mighty. Seeing the Lipperts' downfall, they don't even regard Ludwik with any respect." "It's not just disregard; they're mocking him," Whitney murmured under her breath.

The elevator doors slid open, urging her to step in, but for some reason, her pace slowed.

That's when she overheard Ludwik's secretary losing her temper.

But a man's deep voice halted her, Ludwik's calm tone floated over, "Then book the appointment now. However long it takes, I'll wait."

"Sure, we'll book you in. Enjoy your wait," the receptionist said with a raised eyebrow.

"Mr. Lippert, please take a seat over there," the secretary suggested, dusting off a couch.

Ludwik didn't move, his gaze catching a glimpse of Whitney's delicate figure disappearing into the elevator.

Upstairs-

Stepping into Mr. Garcia's office, Whitney was greeted by the sight of the portly man on the phone, "Ludwik? Just send him away, what's there to fear? He's nothing now... An appointment, really? He's so used to being on top, probably doesn't realize that if I don't want him to get an appointment, he'll never get one. Let him wait... Oh, Ms. Sheldon, you're here!"

Mr. Garcia's rotund form promptly stood up.

Whitney squinted, watching their rapid change of face, feeling a chill in her heart.

Yes, the once-great Ludwik, a titan of business with devilish tactics, yet a gentleman of the corporate world, probably never imagined that the company's appointment system was nothing but a sham.

"Ms. Sheldon, please wait a moment; I'll bring the contract right over," Mr. Garcia said eagerly, "How's Mr. Sheldon doing? The Garcia Group is more than willing to supply raw materials to the Sheldon Corporation, and about the three percent discount I mentioned last time..."

"Mr. Garcia, there's no discussion to be had," Whitney suddenly turned the tables, "The Sheldon Corporation will not be offering any discounts. If Mr. Garcia is unsatisfied, feel free to find another partner."

"What... How could this be?" Mr. Garcia said, visibly agitated, "Didn't you say you'd consider it last time?"

"I did consider it, but that also depends on the character of our partners," Whitney replied coldly.

Mr. Garcia, puzzled and angered but not wanting to lose the Sheldon Corporation, a lucrative deal, quickly gave in, "Ms. Sheldon, Ms. Sheldon, I'll sign, okay?" Sandy briskly unfolded the contract.

After Mr. Garcia had read it carefully and consulted his lawyer, he immediately signed his name.

He attempted to curry favor with a smile, "Ms. Sheldon, are you free this afternoon? I've invited a few CEOs to play golf; would you honor us with your presence?"

"Thank you, but I have other matters to attend to," Whitney declined and left. Mr. Garcia's secretary escorted them downstairs.

Exiting the elevator, Whitney could still spot Ludwik's stern silhouette at the reception, his perfect posture making him stand out anywhere.

Several receptionists ogled him with a mix of envy and scorn.

"He sure is handsome."

"Pity he's fallen from grace. Heard he's not even worth as much as the average rich kid now."

"Look at him having to book an appointment to see Mr. Garcia. This poor soul, probably good for a one-night stand at most, must have some physical strength."

"..." Hearing this, Whitney's face darkened.

They clearly had no idea...

Her cheeks flushed at the thought, glancing at him, wondering if he'd seen a doctor...

Forget it, it wasn't her concern.

She walked past, her heels clicking against the floor, exiting The Garcia Group.

Ludwik's deep gaze followed her; half an hour of talk must have gone smoothly for her. She didn't even look his way, her cold and sharp demeanor mixed with subtle grace as she moved. Her slender waist accentuated by the tight skirt, her long legs and the plain heels she wore somehow seemed alluring on her.

Ludwik felt a warmth in his gaze, a familiar desire stirred within him at the sight of her.

Yet now, his body remained unresponsive.

He closed his eyes deeply, wondering if he really was... incapable.

-

Outside in the parking lot.

Whitney boarded the van, distracted,

Sandy, noticing her glance back towards The Garcia Group, teased, "Whitney, did you forget something?"

Whitney checked her documents, missing an inconsequential draft contract.

Ludwik was still waiting, evidently unaware of the receptionist's tactics.

And Mr. Garcia had already slipped out the back door to the golf course.

She closed her eyes, reminding herself, she wasn't doing this for him.

She just couldn't stand people like Mr. Garcia!

Whitney glanced at Sandy, seeing her barely holding back a smile, she frowned, "If you want to retrieve that draft contract, then go. And maybe remind some inexperienced folks while you're at it."

"Sure, I'm just standing up for what's right," Sandy winked.

Whitney shook her head, watching her head back.

Sandy returned with the contract and paused beside Ludwik, hesitating due to his imposing aura despite his current downfall.

"Um, Ludwik, I saw Mr. Garcia sneaking out the back door," she blurted out.

Ludwik's gaze turned towards her, his demeanor unyielding. After a moment, he whispered, "Thank you."

Sandy quickly made her escape.

"Damn it, that James Garcia, daring to play you like that! Mr. Lippert, shall we send some bodyguards to teach him a lesson?" The secretary was livid, recalling the days when the Lippert Group didn't have to deal with such petty reservation rules. But Ludwik didn't respond to her indignation, his dark gaze fixed outside.

Whitney's car had just pulled away.

Suddenly, a flicker of emotion crossed his desolate eyes.

"Let's get going," Ludwik finally said.

"Mr. Lippert, you're not going to teach Mr. Garcia a lesson?"

Ludwik glanced at the newbie secretary. "Do you really think the Lippert family needs more bad press right now?

You better get used to days like this, when debts go unpaid."

The secretary bit her tongue, but looking at Mr. Lippert, who was calm and composed, not showing any signs of anger but instead exuding a powerful aura, she realized something.

Maybe this was what true strength was about, being able to rise and fall without taking minor humiliations to heart.

Suddenly, it clicked why Jason held Mr. Lippert in such high regard, calling him the future of the Lippert family.

-

An hour later.

After wrapping up her work, Whitney's car passed by the mall. She thought of stopping by to pick up some sweets for Cherry,

Tiana wasn't home, and she hadn't been able to reach her since last night. The little one was feeling down and needed cheering up.

"Sandy, what brand of cake do you recommend for kids?"

As Whitney browsed the second floor, she asked..

"Why are you asking me? I've never had kids. How would I know what they like?" Sandy chuckled.

Whitney looked up at her with a smirk. Sandy had forgotten her own niece was four years old.

"Go to that shop across from us, buy one of each from the macaron section.

I'll pick out some of Sammy's favorites here."

"Got it!"

Sandy dashed off.

After Whitney had made her selections and was about to pay, a loud 'bang' from the opposite railing caught her attention.

She instinctively turned around, unsure of what had happened.

A store clerk ran to see, exclaiming, "Someone's fallen down!"