Love beyond the mask101-200

Novel Catalog

Chapter_185

Nyx’s grip on Whitney’s hand tightened as he guided her to the table, his voice insistent. “Come on, Whitney. This could be our last chance. We need to make a deal tonight. The future of Skye Gem Ltd. depends on it.”

Whitney’s heart pounded in her chest, her unease growing with every step. She reluctantly took a seat at the table, her mind miles away from the conversation around her. The group of tycoons studied her with varying degrees of curiosity, some offering subtle glances of admiration, while others made no attempt to hide their interest. But all Whitney could think about was Ludwik—standing cold and aloof in the crowd, severing ties with her company in front of everyone. His icy demeanor haunted her, and she could feel his rejection, the sting of his silence, pressing against her like a weight she couldn’t shake.

The businessmen chatted amongst themselves, discussing potential partnerships and market strategies, but Whitney could barely focus on their words. She was lost in a sea of emotions. Hurt and betrayal gnawed at her, but there was also something else—a sense of vindication. Ludwik, the man she had known, was gone. The broken, vulnerable man had transformed into something new, something unrecognizable. And yet, despite the bitterness that burned in her chest, there was an undeniable truth: he was no longer the man she had once loved.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Nyx’s voice, laced with both confusion and impatience. “Whitney,” he said, snapping her back to the present. “Are you with us, or not?”

She blinked, pulling herself together. “Sorry. I’m just… I’m not sure about this. Ludwik made his stance clear. I’m not sure we should be here.”

Nyx’s brow furrowed, his frustration evident. “I get it, this is tough. But we can’t just let our company fall apart. We need this deal. If we don’t act now, there won’t be a Skye Gem Ltd. to save.”

Whitney looked around the table, her discomfort growing as the businessmen eyed her with growing interest. She felt out of place, the weight of their expectations pressing heavily on her chest. She had to get this right. She couldn’t afford to make a wrong move, especially with Ludwik’s clear rejection still ringing in her ears.

A man across the table cleared his throat, drawing her attention. He was older, his graying hair distinguished, and his sharp gaze never wavered as he regarded her. “Ms. Whitney,” he said, his voice carrying a quiet challenge. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Your company’s been through quite a storm lately. Tell me, what exactly can you offer us tonight?”

His question was a test, and Whitney could feel the weight of it. She had to perform. She had to prove herself. The room was watching her, and she knew this was her moment. Sink or swim.

Straightening in her chair, she forced herself to focus. There was no turning back now. For Skye Gem Ltd. For her team. For everything she had worked for. She took a deep breath and met the man’s gaze with as much confidence as she could muster. “We have unique designs that have yet to hit the mass market, and we can offer exclusive partnerships with top-tier retailers. If you’re looking for a new opportunity in luxury jewelry, we’re the company to watch.”

The businessman raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “That’s a bold claim, Ms. Whitney. But you’re right about one thing. The market’s shifting, and luxury is always in demand. What makes your designs different from others?”

Whitney felt a spark of hope. This was her chance. She could work with this. “We’re one of the few companies with a history of bespoke designs—pieces that are crafted to perfection and cater to an exclusive clientele. It’s not just about jewelry; it’s about creating a lifestyle.”

The men around the table exchanged looks, their interest clearly piqued. But just as the conversation seemed to be picking up, the sudden sound of a glass clinking against a microphone cut through the air, drawing everyone’s attention. The room fell silent as Ludwik stepped into the spotlight, his presence as commanding as ever. The change in the atmosphere was palpable.

“Excuse me, gentlemen,” Ludwik’s voice rang out, rich and authoritative. “But I’d like to make something clear.” He turned his gaze, cool and unblinking, toward the businessmen at Whitney’s table. “Skyfaith Electronics has no interest in collaborating with anyone affiliated with Skye Gem Ltd.”

A collective breath was held as his words cut through the air, thick with finality. Whitney’s heart plummeted in her chest, and her stomach twisted painfully. The rejection, spoken so publicly, was like a dagger. She glanced around the table at the businessmen who had shown some interest, but now their faces were cold, their eyes averted.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Whitney,” the older businessman across from her said, his tone now laced with regret. “I think it’s best we end this conversation. There’s nothing more to discuss.”

Whitney felt the world slip from beneath her. She had been so close, so close to securing something that could save her company. But in the span of a few words, Ludwik had torn it all down. The weight of his public declaration hung over her, suffocating her.

With a sharp intake of breath, she stood abruptly, pushing her chair back with a harsh scrape against the floor. The eyes of the room followed her every move, their gaze heavy and judging. Her hands shook uncontrollably as she made her way toward the door, her vision blurring from the rising tide of emotion threatening to overwhelm her.

Stepping into the hall, away from the buzzing banquet, she felt her world unraveling once again. The pills in her hand felt heavier than ever, but she couldn’t bring herself to take them. What was the point?

Ludwik had won. Again. And Whitney was left with nothing.

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