Chapter 92


    Whitney was a knockout–a real head–turner–which made her a ma for unwanted attention in the


    business world, and Ludwik was acutely aware of it.


    He nodded satisfactorily. “Let’s steer those two clients her way; give her a little boost.”


    “Sure thing.” ine shed a grin.


    The man leaned back, his well–tailored suit and tie highlighting his muscr frame, his chiseled face


    irresistibly handsome. His deep eyes seemed to drown anyone who gazed too long.


    Despite seeing him daily, ine felt her heart flutter and warmth spread to her ears hidden beneath her


    hair.


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    As she was momentarily lost in thought, Ludwik’s piercing gaze unsettled her, asserting a silent


    pressure.


    Without betraying his thoughts, Ludwik probed, “ine, you’ve been putting in quite the effort for


    Whitney’s sake!”


    ine smiled softly, then paused, catching a glimpse of the sharpness in his eyes, realizing he might


    be testing her.


    Her hand stiffened beneath her sleeve, but she quickly rebounded with a coy smile, “Bro, when it


    Ludwik furrowed his brow, recalling Whitney’s lukewarm attitude towards ine the night before.


    ine had no reason to chase after someone who gave her the cold shoulder.


    Noticing his frown, ine’s eyes softened. “Bro, don’t you see? I just want to be good to you. Whitney


    and you are quite the match. You can’t force feelings, and you two have genuine attraction. I’ve said it


    before. I’ve let go. I see you as a brother now, and still, I want to help you from the bottom of my heart.


    Seeing you and Whitney happy makes me happy, and when you argue, and you’re upset, it hurts me


    too.”


    She sighed lightly, the picture of innocence and gentleness, smiling with eyes that curved. “You’ve


    known me for years. You should know I’m steadfast, protecting someone no matter the capacity. Your


    happiness is so important to me. Possessing someone? That’s not so important. Do you still doubt me?


    Maybe my fondness for Whitney is just an extension of my fondness for you.”


    Ludwik saw the unmistakable sincerity in her eyes and the touch of mncholy in her brows, which he


    did not


    miss.


    Over the years, she had greatly helped the Imperial Gem Corporation; whenever Kaden applied


    pressure, she always stood by his side, ying her part in the charade.


    Their rtionship was more entangled with family interests than personal affection. Ludwik had never


    been fond of her, previously cold and indifferent, believing her kindness was just a means to please


    him.


    But now, even with Whitney in the picture, ine remained kind. Perhaps, as she said, she expected


    nothing in


    return.


    His icy demeanor thawed slightly, touched by her devotion. All he could offer in return to such a girl was


    coldfort. “You see me as a brother. I’ll give you a raise and help you find a suitable husband.”


    A chill washed over ine–this was not the first time. His heart was as cold as stone, and yet why did it


    warm for Whitney? Her fingers clenched tightly, knowing he was again using money to brush her off.


    With a forced soft smile, she retorted, “Deal. But I’d need someone even more mature and perfect than


    you.”


    Ludwik’s pen paused, and he felt reassured. His doubts about ine were unfounded; they stemmed


    from his insecurities concerning Whitney.


    “You may go,” he said, an infrequent smile gracing his face.


    ine knew her strategic retreat had alleviated his suspicions. She endured the humiliation all to get


    back at


    23.39


    Whitney.


    ine’s eyes gleamed with cold determination. Next, she had a special n in store for Whitney, and


    she was confident Whitney would take the bait.


    Back in her office, ine dialed Whitney’s number with a smile.


    At that moment, Whitney was in a meeting at the procurement department of Skye Gem. The


    ine’s call came at just the right time. “Whitney, do you have a minute? I’ve got a surprise for you.”


    Blinking against the bright sunlight, Whitney’s eyes carried an unreadable meaning.


    ine’s surprise?


    Her demeanor remained calm as she asked, “Sure, ine. Where shall we meet?”


    ine was already near Skye Gem, and the two arranged to meet at a nearby café.


    Stepping into the café, Whitney spotted ine, who delicately raised her hand, her eyes innocent and


    inviting, “Over here, Whitney!”


    Whitney sat down, cing her bag beside her, and looked up with a smile. “What’s this about, ine?”


    Whitney’s eyes were like pools, luminous and dark, a sweet naiveté in their liquid depths. ine’s


    eyes, slightly down turned, easily conveyed a sense of vulnerability.


    “Still treating me like an outsider, Whitney?” ine sighed softly but quickly shrugged it off with a smile,


    pulling out two files. “I noticed Skye Gem has been struggling, so I thought maybe you could use some


    resources? These are two vendors I know with excellent quality gemstones. If I help negotiate, we


    could get better prices. What do you say about sourcing from them?”


    “Oh?” Whitney flipped through the files. She was familiar with these vendors; their gemstones were top


    quality but pricey, and they were selective about their clients, usually not supplying to just any jewelry


    ine offering a connection?


    Whitney felt a pang of appreciation, “ine, you’re too kind! Mypany’s in trouble, but I didn’t


    expect you to take such an interest, let alone actively rmend vendors to me. Considering our


    recent acquaintance, I wonder, are you always this generous with everyone?”


    ine, taken aback, her eyes fleeting with hurt innocence, waved the notion away. “Of course, I’m not


    this generous with everyone. I’m only this way with you, Whitney, because you’re Bro’sdy. Why


    would you think otherwise? I just wanted to help you out, so I reached out without a second thought. I


    didn’t mean to burden you.”


    Her implications were clear: epting her help meant Whitney understood her good intentions;


    rejecting it would signify a misinterpretation of her kindness.


    The issue of sourcing gemstones for Skye Gem was something Whitney had yet to seek assistance


    with. ine took the initiative to knock on the door with a business proposition, eager to lend a hand to


    Whitney. But was this help, or was there a catch? That night in the private booth at the club, ine


    seemed to be speaking up for Whitney, but it felt more like she was lighting a fuse with Hannah or


    stoking a fire with L.


    And then there was ine’s performance at the hospital–like some high–society damsel, all grace and


    poise. Whitney’s heart was filled with suspicion. She was already on guard against ine, so naturally,


    she would not ept such overzealous ‘kindness.‘


    ine did not miss the ripple of distaste beneath Whitney’s serene exterior.


    Vas she had deliberately yed up her enthusiasm, even the urgency in her rmendations and she


    made


    sure to mention they were her personal suggestions.


    ine purposefully left out mentioning her bro. Whitney would trust him. But with Whitney’s hostility


    against her, she would never trust her.


    Now, all ine had to do was wait for the rejection.


    “The raw gems from Skye Gem aren’t that pressing, ine. I appreciate the thought, and I’ll consider


    the supplier you’ve rmended. After all, I’m not familiar with them. Thanks foring by today!”


    Whitney declined with a polite smile.


    ine’s eyes drooped slightly, her displeasure barely concealed. “Guess I got a bit ahead of myself. No


    worries, Whitney. Take your time to scout other suppliers.”


    Whitney stood up gracefully to see ine out, standing still afterward with a contemtive squint. If


    she had signed that contract, there were bound to be traps ahead, though she had no idea how many.


    ine was not likely harboring good intentions.