Love beyond the mask (Whitney) novel Chapter 430

However, Florence had heard that the elderly matriarch of the Lippert family led a secluded life, having relinquished her authority and influence long ago. Florence couldn't help but scoff internally. To her, securing the loyalty of Jason and Ludwik, the key male figures of the family, was paramount. Whitney's acquaintance with an aging grandmother hardly seemed advantageous.

"Florence, I brought you some iron-rich beef broth. Would you like some while it's still hot?" Ludwik offered gently, pulling Florence back from her thoughts.

With feigned bashfulness, she replied, "Ludwik, thank you for being so thoughtful. I was actually feeling a bit peckish."

Ludwik gestured for his assistant to pour a bowl for her and handed her the spoon and bowl, lowering his voice slightly to explain, "Florence, after you have the broth, we'll need to run some tests to make sure your blood pressure is normal."

Florence leaned in closer, whispering back, "Is it your mother's condition that's changed?"

"Yes, unfortunately, she'll need a transfusion within a week."

Florence quickly accepted his generous offer, "Then I'll make sure to drink up."

"Look how Ludwik dotes on Florence!" Sienna, unable to hear their exchange, envied their closeness. She raised her voice to the surrounding debutantes, "Ludwik even brings her broth to a party, just to make sure she doesn't go hungry. And feeding her himself, please, stop showing off your love; you're making it hard for the rest of us to live!"

Florence gave Ludwik an exasperated look as if to say, 'What can we do now?'

A socialite teasingly approached, asking, "Ms. Sheldon, how did you manage to capture the heart of Harmonia Country's most eligible bachelor?"

"Yeah, do tell us your love story with Ludwik!"

Florence glanced at Whitney, who was being ogled by several young noblemen, and couldn't help but smile internally at Sienna's unwitting aid. Turning to Ludwik, she whispered shyly, "Ludwik, everyone's asking. What should we do? What should we say?"

After watching her consume the broth, Ludwik set aside the bowl and scanned the crowd. The matter of their agreement was something Florence insisted on keeping confidential, and he had no intention of disclosing it. However, his gaze darkened upon noticing the men eyeing Whitney. Wrapping an arm around Florence's shoulder, he declared, "I fell for Florence first, and she for me. Let's leave it at that."

"Ah, Ludwik's admitted he likes Florence! Men always go for the pure and simple. Unlike some, who dress provocatively, attracting nothing but flies, right Ludwik?" Sienna implied, glancing at Whitney.

Ludwik nodded in agreement, "Indeed, a woman should carry herself with dignity."

Whitney, overhearing their 'love story,' scoffed in derision, especially after hearing his veiled insult. She switched her water for juice, her disdain clear.

A handsome man approached, offering to hold her glass for her. Dressed in an elegant deep blue suit, he introduced himself with a charming smile, "Whitney, may I have the pleasure of your acquaintance? I'm Shane Nelson of the Nelson family."

The Nelson family, Whitney thought, recalling Hudson mentioning them as one of the top families in Emperor City, second only to the Lipperts and followed by the Sheldons. Out of courtesy, Whitney shook his hand, "Mr. Nelson, it's nice to meet you..."

Meanwhile, Florence, basking in admiration, glanced over, "Ludwik, look, my sister is speaking with a noble gentleman. Father intends for her to choose a suitor, and I'm genuinely happy for her..."

Ludwik's gaze turned icy. Noticing Florence's discomfort, he changed the subject, "Does the broth not taste good?"