Chapter 52


    Dows the backstage corridor, the man seemed to be enjoying a cigarette.


    Was he a smoker too, like 17


    Tiana nudged Whitney, Go on, give him a hearty thanks. Fil keep watch for you”


    Whitney shot her an annoyed look and hurried over


    “Mr. Lippert,” she called out in the empty hallway, trying out ttery for the first time, “Mr. Lippert


    The tall man turned around. His handsome face was unmatched in the world, a hint of mischief ying


    in his deep eyes.


    “Not calling me a jerk or a nemesis anymore?”


    A wave of embarrassment washed over Whitney.


    He had done her a huge favor, yet he was still so snarky.


    She looked up earnestly to express her gratitude, “Mr. Lippert, I honestly didn’t expect your help today,


    especially given my strong prejudices against you. I never thought you were the type to step in and


    help others. Maybe I had you a little wrong…”


    Têxt belongs to N?velDrama.Org.


    “Just a little wrong?”


    “A lot wrong.” Whitney conceded, looking down.


    He chuckled and stepped closer to her.


    The petite woman continued her apology, “I was angry with you for being seduced by Monica’s bribes,


    but it turns out you kept the painting as evidence. You’re clever and wise. I’m sorry for my


    misunderstanding towards you, Mr. Lippert. Words can hardly express my gratitude to you.”


    She meant to say thank you, truly.


    But he blew a breath towards her and said in a teasing voice, “Then how do you n to show your


    gratitude? Actions speak louder than words, right?”


    His suggestive gaze made her heart race.


    He strode towards her the next second, and Whitney found herself cornered against the wall by his


    imposing figure.


    The shadow cast by his tall frame enveloped her face, an air of intimacy filled between them.


    Whitney’s cheeks red red and she protested, “Mr. Lippert, I’m having a serious conversation with


    you.”


    “Am I not being serious?” he tilted his head, feigning solemnity, “Shouldn’t you be a bit softer, a little


    more grateful to your benefactor?”


    “You should keep a respectful distance, though. I’m a married woman. And I still don’t understand why


    you suddenly helped me rather than adopting a hostile attitude. Can you tell me the reason, Mr.


    Lippert?” She tried to maintain some distance between them, cing her fists defensively in front of


    her.


    Ludwik nced at her small fists and raised his eyebrows, “Me, hostile towards you? Seems to me it


    was you who kept trying to pick fights with Imperial Gem Corporation, biting off more than you could


    chew.”


    “You!” Whitney’s face scrunched up in anger, but then she had a revtion, “Oh, so Mr. Lippert does


    know who I am! The CEO of Skye Gem Ltd, yourpetitor, remember?”


    There was a brief flicker of annoyance in his eyes, but he chose not to respond.


    Whitney grew more certain that this arrogant man indeed knew her identity.


    173


    Her lips curled into a slight smirk. So why did you decide to help me?


    Assistant Felix, squeezed into aer nearby, struggled to contain his amusement.


    After all who else but the boss would stand up for his own fiery wife when she’s wronged, even if he


    had to keep his identity a secret.


    Frustrated by his silence, Whitney preased, “Mr. Lippert, we arepetitors, and yet you used that $26


    million painting to help me. You don’t have some ulterior motive, do you?”


    He yed along, trapping her against the wall with his strong arm with a teasing smile, “Yeah, I have


    no interest in those drabndscape paintings!”


    What?


    Leaning closer, he whispered provocatively, “But what if I had a little interest in you? Would you be


    willing to… indulge me?”


    His voice was seductive, his charm irresistiblel


    Whitney pushed him away. When her hands brushed against his chest, the feeling of familiarity


    unsettled her.


    “Mr. Lippert, you can’t use a favor to coerce me! I’m married. Even though you saved me today, I won’t


    give myself to you. I am loyal to my husband!”


    For some reason, he burst intoughter.


    Seeing his gorgeous face light up with amusement, Whitney was left dumbfounded.


    Why was heughing?


    Then, he pinched her cheek unexpectedly, his eyes yful, “Are you really that devoted to your


    husband?”


    “Yes!” Whitney replied with growing irritation.


    He leaned in, his hands gripping her delicate shoulders. His eyebrows lifted in a teasing gesture, “What


    if I insisted on a kiss?”


    “No way!” She immediately covered her mouth.


    He didn’t move, amusement written all over his face as he teased her reaction. Mockingly, he said, “I’d


    really like to tempt you. Are you sure you wouldn’t have an affair with me?”


    Whitney’s cheeks flushed with anger, then she blurted out, “Not a chance. Unless I’m divorced.”


    Assistant Felix was taken aback,


    Ludwik’s expression darkened instantly, his grip on her face firm, “Thinking of divorce, are you? Is your


    husband not treating you well?”


    Why was he so upset? Wasn’t he supposed to be happy?


    Confused, Whitney pushed him away and stepped out, “It’s none of your business, Mr. Lippert.”


    The assistant knew the boss was swallowing his frustration.


    Ludwik’s gaze was troubled.


    Whitney waved her hand dismissively, “I was thinking of inviting you to dinner, Mr. Lippert. But it’ste,


    and I need to share the good news with my husband. As for my gratitude, I’ll find another day to thank


    you.”


    Suddenly, his mood brightened. He seemed oddly pleased, “You’re really going home to take care of


    your husband?”


    “Of course!” Whitney nodded, feigning seriousness, eager to escape immediately.


    She quickly turned and ran, grabbing Tiana and rushing off.


    11.50


    Chupter 52


    “You guys were so cozy! Mr. Lippert seems to have fallen for you. If you’d stayed another ten minutes,


    I’d have your ship name ready, and poor L’s grave would be covered in green grass…


    Whitney, fearing Ludwik might hear, mped her hand over Tiana’s mouth.


    In the corridor, Ludwik had indeed heard. Certain words heated him up as he loosened his tie.


    Yet deep in his thoughts, he lingered on Whitney’s question; did he remember her?


    For Ludwik, his status was far from ordinary. In the eyes of the elite, he never really took the female


    CEO of Skye Gem Ltd. seriously. He had heard of Whitney, the woman who was quite adept at


    business. But who was Ludwik? A titan of industry, he had seen the youngdy at a g once–


    beautiful as a spring night, clever andposed, yet with an arrogance in her eyes. She was a young


    upstart, too full of herself for his liking, and he had a distaste for such brazen young women.


    Between Imperial Gem Corporation and Skye Gem Ltd., there were old scores to settle from the


    previous generation.


    This brazenss had the audacity topete with him for contracts, to snatch away business. Despite


    never winning, she kept provoking him. He never showed his face and remained calm, simply watching


    the spectacle unfold.


    Who would have thought that in the end, he would end up in a scandal, having gotten her pregnant.


    Nn asked him why he wore a mask?


    At first, he just wanted to appease his mother with Whitney not knowing his identity, to get through the


    year without unnecessary trouble.


    Now, well…


    His fingers idly traced the memory of her scent left on his skin. That light, tantalizing itch crept into his


    heart, gnawing at him. Teasing her seemed to be quite interesting.