Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Ludwik shot him a piercing look and ordered Parker Doonan, “Get the manager to wrap her up in some clothes and make it quick!”

With his gold–rimmed glasses, Parker chuckled mischievously and went off to handle the situation.

“Ludwik, you seem reluctant to let go. I’ve heard you can still do it during pregnancy. Do you need a cold shower?” Nolan teased, glancing at his waist.

Ludwik gave him a swift look and strode toward the bathroom, his tie whipping through the air and lassoing

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Nolan by the neck.

“Ow, Ludwik, my bad! But when have you worn that mask last? Used to be for warding off the ladies, and now? Who can’t you face?”

Parker returned, finding Whitney still in the doorway. Her phone call with Tiana revealed her fury. “President of Imperial Gem Corporation? Just a show–off! I Had to change just to see him, some lolita–obsessed freak; I’m done buttering him up; we’re enemies for good…”

Ludwik’s lips to twitch, his gaze

glanced at Ludwik, then told Nolan with interest, “If Ludwik’s wearing a mask, there must be someone he can’t face, a reason he can’t

of secret?”

into her own clothes, still

her off, “What does

had to admit, “Even more beautiful

beautiful than you? That man must

might not even be Mr. Lippert. I asked him several times, and he never answered. I hope he’s hideous

someone from behind. Whitney turned to see the mask and nearly dropped her phone

what are you doing here?” She asked, seeing his

lighting, the clinking glasses, the low hum of jazz in the background. It felt like a scene straight out of an old speakeasy. And to think, she had just been in a close encounter with a man she did not even know. She immediately hung her head, her cheeks

wish looked hideous beyond

said, trying to

“Who gave you the audacity to come to a

we agreed not to meddle in each other’s affairs.

make a quick exit. But as she turned to leave, she

long after, a man followed