Chapter 9


    Ludwik shot him a piercing look and ordered Parker Doonan, “Get the manager to wrap her up in some


    clothes and make it quick!”


    With his gold–rimmed sses, Parker chuckled mischievously and went off to handle the situation.


    “Ludwik, you seem reluctant to let go. I’ve heard you can still do it during pregnancy. Do you need a


    cold shower?” Nn teased, ncing at his waist.


    Ludwik gave him a swift look and strode toward the bathroom, his tie whipping through the air and


    14:56


    Nn by the neck.


    “Ow, Ludwik, my bad! But when have you worn that maskst? Used to be for warding off thedies,


    and now? Who can’t you face?”


    Parker returned, finding Whitney still in the doorway. Her phone call with Tiana revealed her fury.


    “President of Imperial Gem Corporation? Just a show–off! I Had to change just to see him, some lolita–


    obsessed freak; I’m done buttering him up; we’re enemies for good…”


    Her voice drifted in, causing Ludwik’s lips to twitch, his gaze growing inscrutable.


    Parker nced at Ludwik, then told Nn with interest, “If Ludwik’s wearing a mask, there must be


    Belonging to N?velDrama.Org.


    someone he can’t face, a reason he can’t share, a unique secret.”


    “What kind of secret?” Nn wondered.


    Whitney had changed back into her own clothes, still grumbling.


    Tiana cut her off, “What does your enemy look like?”


    Whitney had to admit, “Even more beautiful than me.”


    Tiana let out a squawk. “More beautiful than you? That man must be godly handsome!”


    Whitney pouted. “It might not even be Mr. Lippert. I asked him several times, and he never answered. I


    hope he’s hideous beyond belief…”


    Suddenly, she bumped into someone from behind. Whitney turned to see the mask and nearly dropped


    her phone in fright.


    “Mr. L, what are you doing here?” She asked, seeing his dark expression.


    Whitney could not believe where she was–the dim lighting, the clinking sses, the low hum of jazz in


    the background. It felt like a scene straight out of an old speakeasy. And to think, she had just been in a


    close encounter with a man she did not even know. She immediately hung her head, her cheeks


    flushed with guilt.


    “Who do you wish looked hideous beyond belief?”


    “Definitely not you,” Whitney said, trying to smooth things with a coy smile.


    The man fixed his gaze on her, his presence imposing. “Who gave you the audacity toe to a ce


    like this?”


    “Sir, we agreed not to meddle in each other’s affairs. I have business here; please, go about yours.”


    Whitney feared his authority and sought to make a quick exit. But as she turned to leave, she spotted


    Monica slipping into a private room down the corridor.


    And not long after, a man followed her in.


    It was not Simon.


    Whitney narrowed her eyes. The Valentine family had been holding her down for too long, and she was


    thirsty for revenge. She could not afford to miss any opportunity that might give her leverage.


    “I really must be going, Sir, I have matters to attend to,” Whitney said hurriedly.


    She made her way to the secluded room at the end of the hallway, but the door was locked.


    Just as she wondered what to do, a tall figure approached from behind. The man casually used a card


    to swipe. the door open.


    And to her surprise, the door unlocked.


    Whitney was stunned. She looked at his chiseled features hidden behind a mask and spected, “Mr.


    L, are