Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

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Chapter 34
Her gaze was pointed with an unmistakable intention. The man’s eyes narrowed, and he quickly stood up, tossing her copy of
“Gemstone Gazette” to the side.
“Hey, why’d you chuck my heartthrob, huh?” Whitney immediately cradled the book to her chest like a prized possession. “Once
you gave it to me, it’s mine. It’s got works by the world’s jewelry maestro, L.C., in it. I plan to cuddle up with this book in bed!”
The man paused for a moment, then let out a meaningful chuckle. “L.C. is your heartthrob?”
“Yep, he’s the man I admire most.”
“Oh.” Whitney could not fathom the deepening amusement in the crook of his smile.
She muttered, “L.C.’s insights on jewels are the sharpest and most profound! Sadly, nowadays, many jewelry firms have strayed
from their true calling. Take Imperial Gem Corporation, for instance. That Mr. Lippert is all businessman, full of sneaky tricks. I
just hope he doesn’t accept any kickbacks for Monica’s painting. If he does, may his ego shrink by 4 inches!”
A sudden chill replaced the lazy amusement beside her.
Whitney did not notice. “Hmph, serves him right if he ends up lonely and childless.”
A piece of candy was abruptly shoved into the young woman’s mouth, effectively silencing her.
October 1st arrived swiftly, marking the opening of the grand jewelry competition.
Designers from all levels of jewelry companies were to enroll at the Imperial Gem Corporation tower. Tiana accompanied
Whitney early to the event. As they spotted Monica’s car outside, Tiana snorted coldly, “Monica sure got here early! After her
reputation took a hit at the charity gala, the Valentines must have been busy throwing money at PR. Preston must be on the
verge of a heart attack because of that mother–daughter duo.”
Whitney’s lips curled slightly. “Their reputations have been tarnished, and the high society is whispering about them. Preston, of
all people, cares about reputation the most. Plus, with Phebe opposing the engagement, Monica is desperate to dazzle at this
competition to win over Preston and secure a lavish wedding. Besides, this competition is a bet between her and me; she’s
bound to take it seriously.”

Tiana smirked, “With Monica’s reputation in shambles, if you take a swipe at her career and ensure her defeat, I bet the
Valentines will be even more annoyed with her. When the family crumbles, you can reclaim your company and exact revenge.”
Whitney’s eyes narrowed, contemplating éxactly that.
As they entered the grand lobby of Imperial Gem Corporation, Monica descended from the executive elevator with Simon in tow,
both sporting smiles.
Upon spotting Whitney, Monica’s pride soared. She pulled Whitney aside, her voice dripping with malice, “Sis, you’re here, too?
I’m afraid an unknown designer like you won’t catch Mr. Lippert’s attention. Just so you know, Mr. Lippert accepted and adored
my landscape painting. You don’t stand a chance, bitch.”
Whitney blinked in surprise, and Tiana’s face stiffened.
“Simon, thanks for spending 26 million dollars on the painting for me!” Monica sweetly returned to Simon’s side, flaunting their

affection.
Simon’s eyes, however, fliekered towards Whitney.
Whitney clenched her fists. That insufferable Mr. Lippert.
On the surface, she remained calm, her voice icy. “A man who spends 26 million on you but eyes a mistress
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behind your back? Better watch your back, Sis.
Monica stiffened.
Simon’s face darkened, “What nonsense are you spouting, Whitney?”
Whitney did not spare him a glance and walked away, loathing in her heart.
The registration event was held in the third–floor conference room. When the handsome figure of the Imperial Gem Corporation’s
boss appeared, every designer, male and female, gawked.
This man bore an extraordinary countenance, a testament to God’s favor, with a tall and imposing physique. Wherever he went,
hearts fluttered, yet his enigmatic aura and intimidating presence kept people at bay.
“OMG, Mr. Lippert himself is here!” A female designer squealed under her breath.
Tiana frantically tugged at Whitney’s sleeve, “Despite everything, this infuriating man is just too much. So his name is Ludwik
Lippert, such a charming name!”
Monica, too, felt weak at the sight of the man. A titan of the jewelry industry, he held sway over business life and death. He was
more dashing and capable than Simon; marrying him would be a true coup.
Only Whitney’s eyes blazed with hatred as she caught sight of the name Ludwik, mouthing silently, “Lousy name.*
At the chairman’s seat, the man of high stature frowned suddenly.
The registration was a mere formality–designers introducing themselves and presenting their credentials. Unlike Whitney’s prior
battles with him, the elusive Mr. Lippert was shockingly overseeing even a minor registration event.
As Whitney grumbled internally, the man in charge asked in a deep, severe tone, “Who is Whitney?”
Whitney stiffened, biting her lip as she slowly rose, “That would be me.”

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His eyebrow arched inquisitively, glancing at her dismissively. “You lack manners.”
Whitney cursed him inwardly.
“Mr. Lippert, it is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Whitney.”
“Your tone is rather brusque. Do you have a problem with me?”
His dashing appearance and profound demeanor were making the ladies flush with excitement.
Whispers spread quickly. Mr. Lippert seemed to have a bone to pick with this Whitney?
Whitney clenched her fists tighter.
The man flipped through her resume, frowning critically, “You look decent enough, but I haven’t heard of you. Are your designs
any good?”

He was questioning her qualifications to compete.
Whitney forced a toothy smile. “Good enough. Maybe even better than yours.”
“Such arrogance, challenging Mr. Lippert! Does she even want to compete?” Someone snickered from below.
Monica’s smirk widened.
The man stood, eyeing the fuming young woman, his voice low, “Meeting adjourned! Whitney, stay behind. We need to have a
word.”
Standing behind her, the assistant watched as the big boss turned on his heel, his thin lips curling into an almost invisible smirk..

Man, he had a knack for teasing his little wife.
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Whitney had not expected to be singled out by her nemesis, feeling like she ne
office after class. A mix of anger and apprehension surged through her as Tiana squeezed her hand. “He’s not about to
disqualify you on the spot, right?”
“He is your dreamboat, huh?”
Tiana just sighed.
Simon waited in his Lamborghini outside the company skyscraper, eyeing Monica as she approached. “Where’s Whitney?” He
asked, glancing over his shoulder.
“Simon, since when do you care about my sister?” Monica’s face twisted into a pout, but her eyes darkened with malice. Ever
since the charity gala, she sensed Simon’s thoughts toward that bitch had grown disturbingly tender.
Simon’s expression stiffened as he wrapped an arm around her. “Just asking,” he said casually.
Monica feigned concern. “Whitney just got chewed out by Mr. Lippert in front of everyone, and she had the nerve to cop an
attitude. I’m afraid she’s been held back for questioning... She might not even make it through the preliminaries.”
Usually, such remarks would prompt Simon to berate Whitney, but not this time.
A shadow crossed Monica’s face. She felt a shift in Simon’s demeanor. She was determined to win the competition and keep
Simon’s affections from drifting away.
Tiana and Whitney were ushered into the CEO’s office, where they stood in awe of the grandeur presented by the 270–degree
window walls.
“I have to admit, Mr. Lippert’s office makes your Skye Gem Ltd. look like a broom closet,” Tiana whispered, impressed.
Whitney responded by kicking over a trash can with a loud thud.

“Whitney!” Tiana was petrified, quickly grabbing her friend’s wrist as she moved to vandalize the desk. “Do you want Mr. Lippert
to throw you in jail for life?”
Whitney regained her composure and stiffly sat in the big boss’s chair, her eyes filled with resentment. “What’s so luxurious
about this chair? It’s as hard as rock. All for show,” she muttered. “This chair can’t be worth more than a grand. It’s killing my
backside.”
“Is your butt made of gold? Sometimes, acknowledging someone’s success is a step forward, Whitney.”
“Did you marry Ludwik already? Mrs. Ludwik, are we not BFFs anymore?” Whitney retorted.
Tiana fell silent and sat down, booting up the computer. “There’s no mention of a ‘Ludwik‘ in the Lippert family records. Mr.
Lippert, the kingpin of the jewelry world – is
he really a Lippert or not?”
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