Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 44

Whitney’s cheeks were flushed with anger as she took several gulps of the drink.

L quirked a grin, asking. Tastes bad, huh?”

“Yes,” Whitney lied defiantly, although, in truth, it was not bad at all–he was quite the chef.

His brows arched quizzically, and he leaned closer, “Let me be the judge of that.

Instead of tasting from the glass, his lips found hers in a sudden kiss.

“Hey!” She protested, words muffled. How could he do this again? Whitney struggled, but his absence had clearly affected him, his kisses growing more fervent, Gradually, her resistance faded, her grip crumpling the

fabric of his shirt.

His back was a landscape of strength, which Whitney dared not touch as her cheeks blushed even deeper. Finally, he pulled away to catch his breath, looking at her intently. “Now, you can explain properly.”

How could he? After teasing her, he had the nerve to ask for an explanation?

Pushing him away, Whitney stood up, her voice tinged with annoyance. “There’s nothing to clarify. Mr. L, your personal phone line was answered by some other woman. That alone tells me all I need to know about you. We may be in a contract marriage, but while I won’t meddle in your colorful private life, don’t you dare flirt with me. Got it?”

The atmosphere in the room turned icy.

He stepped forward, his presence chilling. “Me? Colorful private life?”

“Isn’t that so?” Whitney went on, feeling a need for clarity. “Eight days ago, I called you in the afternoon, and a woman answered.”

Frowning, he pulled out his phone and shoved it into her hands. “Check for yourself,”

Whitney took the phone, surprised by his boldness. Guilty men would never hand over their phones so easily. yet he was utterly indifferent.

Feeling a bit awkward but determined not to lose face, Whitney scrolled through the call log.

Eight days back, she checked once, and the record was gone.

“You deleted it, Mr. L. Or

with mockery. “If I really had someone else, why would I hide it from you?

of pain shot through Whitney’s

How dare he?

did she think she

was palpable as she pushed him away. “You’re right. I’m nobody.

of arrogance and tenderness, “And just so you know,

slowly comprehending his

cheeks burned with a sudden realization–was she the only one

nonsense to me. I don’t understand it anyone’s benefiting,

benefit, I’m at your service,” he said,

Whitney huffed, still upset about the mysterious phone

eyes gleaming with pleasure. “All this fuss over a phone call. You’re just jealous, aren’t you? I have to admit it’s quite fun to

not jealous.

out, tickling

patience. “Can’t you ever

to reveal some medical supplies.

Whitney asked, “Got this

if

at his self–inflicted tantrum but obediently applied the antiseptic and wrapped the

of the blue, “Did

looked up, surprised he knew. “Are you offering

look like

He still had yet to explain the

that Ludwik, my dear rival. He’s got the power, he

interested

catch! Though he’s a scoundrel at heart,

in displeasure. “And how would you

and

We’re just in a business arrangement,

her closer, his voice a mix of threat and amusement. “Ludwik wouldn’t give you a

asked eagerly. He stood up abruptly, grabbing his coat. “Enough. You’ve caused enough trouble tonight. Just

got plenty of secret chambers for lovers to choose from, don’t I?