Whitney felt a wave of irritation, though she knew she might be overreacting a bit.
After all, what businessperson doesn't sweet-talk every now and then? It's just that she rarely did it herself.
But then... her thoughts drifted back to last night when Bryce offered to accompany her to the gala, expressing his concern over Ludwik.
Yet, throughout the event, it didn't seem like he paid much attention to that concern. Instead, was he there to rub shoulders with Ronan and other influential figures?
She couldn't shake off the feeling of being used.
"Is this the so-called loving husband you always defend? Seems to me he's pretty good at kissing up," Ludwik's icy voice suddenly appeared from behind, close enough to send shivers down her spine.
Whitney turned around sharply—
Meeting his gaze, filled with sarcasm, she felt a sting in her heart and retorted, "What's with the snide remarks? At least I'm living my life. Unlike you, trying to win over people who couldn't care less about you."
He was the one who started with the mockery.
"Right, I'm trying to win you over, but you won't even give me a chance."
Unexpectedly, the man didn't seem angered at all. Instead, his intense gaze softened, melting like ice to water, which only confused Whitney further.
Before she could react, Ludwik grabbed her hand and led her to the study's adjacent pantry.
"Ludwik, what are you doing?"
Whitney whispered, trying to shake him off. Her eyes nervously flicked towards Bryce, afraid he would notice.
"Don't worry, his head's filled with impressing Ronan and the likes. He won't notice where you are."
Ludwik casually lifted an eyebrow, his long legs closing the door behind them, trapping her against the pantry wall in a tight space.
Whitney could smell his sudden, overwhelming scent as he leaned over her, making her nearly lose her mind, pushing back in a low voice, "Let me go, I'm leaving... don't stir trouble..."
"Don't you want to know why Bryce specifically wanted to get close to Ronan?"
Ludwik leaned closer, continuing to speak.
Whitney paused, hearing his mocking tone, "Ronan is a hot candidate for Vice President next year, rumored to be already chosen. That's the real reason Bryce came tonight!"
Whitney was stunned.
She thought Bryce was just networking for business sake.
But Ronan as the next Vice President?
"And there's more, you might not have noticed, but Ronan and Phineas are tight. And Phineas has more influence than Ronan. By getting close to Ronan, Bryce naturally climbs up to Phineas."
Ludwik narrowed his eyes, "Do you really think Ronan would bother with Bryce otherwise?"
Whitney was thrown into turmoil, uncertain how to respond, "You're making assumptions. Maybe Bryce knew Ronan from before."
"Knew him from before? With what standing?"
Ludwik scoffed, his grip gentle yet firm, his gaze still tender, "Whitney, you're being used. Didn't you rush to Shane as soon as you arrived? Shane is Ronan's nephew. Bryce likely heard this and became overly attentive. Ronan, thinking you're all close to Shane, let his guard down. Plus, with Bryce's smooth talking, he managed to get on Ronan's good side."
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Love Beyond the Mask