Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 60

The man stood with statuesque grace, taking a drag from his cigarette, a wisp of smoke lazily curling into the air, partially obscuring his mature and refined features.

Before the panoramic window, he stood tall, akin to a king surveying his realm, his gaze fixed on the petite woman below.

Felix, ever the observant assistant, offered a pair of binoculars with a knowing grin. “Mr. Lippert, the view’s much better from up here. You’ll see Ms. Valentine clearly with these!”

Parker quirked a smile, “Felix, you’ve just earned yourself a raise.”

Nolan chimed in, “Definitely a raise for Felix.”

Felix blushed at the praise, but the man glanced at the binoculars and scowled, “What do you take me for? A peeping Tom?”

Felix froze, his body going rigid.

However, in the next second, Ludwik snatched the binoculars and peered through them with keen interest.

Silence fell.

Nolan whispered, “I think we just witnessed the fastest self–contradiction in history.”

Ludwik watched as Whitney struggled to sneak into the hedge, her cheeks glistening with perspiration as she searched for a perfect vantage point.

With casual authority, he commanded, “It’s blazing out there. Take an umbrella to her, but make sure she doesn’t spot you.”

Nolan couldn’t help but snicker, “Ludwik, you’re hopeless.”

The man turned, his expression icy, “I don’t want my child getting sunburned, alright?”

Nolan muttered under his breath, “Sure, flaunt your delicate wife while you can.”

“But you’ve got to admit, Whitney’s got brains, figuring out something’s up with her husband so fast. Still, I’d bet a dime she can’t outsmart the big bad wolf.”

Nolan agreed, “Stack another dime on that. She’s got no chance against Ludwik!”

female voice laced with laughter, broke the tension as she entered from the doorway, “What’s going on with Whitney? How did she manage to bring such cheer to you two young masters

see a woman dressed in a chic business suit

had an important decision to make, and Ludwik had moved the meeting from the corporation’s headquarters to the

with a graceful smile.

me. I drove over from the branch office,” she said, Nolan,

with

by her coy laughter. Quickly, he greeted her with a

to tease me,” Elaine responded, slightly annoyed yet

her business attire, exuding a noble charm that certainly didn’t stem

the window, smiling, “I

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awkward as

expression serious, Let’s start the

meeting ended swiftly, and Nolan caught Parker’s eye, signaling for

had me breaking out in a cold sweat. Her expression was so natural. If we didn’t know her history with Ludwik, I’d

the Imperial Gem Corporation and her distinguished background from Emperor City, not to mention being strategically placed in Ludwik’s company by both families, she

what worries me. The true belle of Emperor City, Elaine from the Bartels family, has more means, stature, and cunning than Whitney. If she’s truly moved on, fine.

the chief jewelry designer at the Imperial Gem Corporation, and given her family connections, her role holds significant importance within the Lippert family. Ludwik, with his mother in tow,

a tough spot, indeed. Whitney’s the unexpected twist, and the Lippert family probably doesn’t take her seriously, just waiting for the year to pass. But what’s Ludwik’s real play here? He seems quite taken with Whitney. Either way, Ludwik definitely doesn’t have any feelings toward Elaine; otherwise, he would have acted long ago.

“Ludwik knows his own heart. Let’s

corner, concealed in the shadows. Despite maintaining a composed facade, her clenched teeth and strained

into a fist,

discreetly, without causing a

was preparing to leave the Royal One

set on tailing you today, Ludwik.

has a meeting at Alpine Springs Resort today, discussing a partnership.

and Whitney was

them with his breath, and glanced at Parker, “You go to Imperial Gem Corporation and pretend

Me, the decoy?”

with a mischievous grin, “You know Whitney’s friend, the one with the cute, doe–eyed look? Maybe I should try my

not her type,” Ludwik replied, his words sharp and

Nolan was left speechless.

clutching a folder, her demeanor both efficient and gentle. “Ludwik, Mr. Lutz happens to

cast a meaningful glance in