Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 61

The man’s gaze was piercing, almost as if it could cut through the air.

Elaine’s heart skipped a beat, her intention to feign recognition faltering under the intensity of his stare.

He only had half a ring, a clear indication that he’d given the other half as a token of commitment to the other girl–a piece of evidence Elaine sorely lacked.

She hesitated, leaving Ludwik to his own wandering thoughts, before finally handed back the ring with a resigned smile. “Never mind, Ludwik,” she sighed.

Ludwik pocketed the half–ring and glanced in the rear–view mirror on the sedan, which had resumed its journey. Was she on the phone with her bestie?

With a slight curve of his lips, Ludwik’s large hand spun the steering wheel.

Upon witnessing the car ahead make a sudden turn, Whitney promptly ended her call with Tiana.

Tiana had infiltrated Imperial Gem Corporation and had just reported spotting someone in the executive elevator–possibly ‘Ludwik‘ himself. She needed to confirm it immediately.

There was a ten–minute drive left to Alpine Springs Resort.

Out of the blue, Elaine spoke in a melancholy tone. “Ludwik, I must admit I’m a bit envious of Whitney, seeing how you’ve been making her laugh.”

Ludwik’s expression stiffened.

Before he could respond, Elaine quickly backtracked with an apologetic plea, “I’m sorry, Ludwik. I didn’t mean that. I’ve been speaking out of turn today and just couldn’t help feeling a bit envious…”

Ludwik frowned and remained silent. Despite her pitiable demeanor, he didn’t spare her a glance.

He looked at her coolly, his words heavy with intent, “Elaine, I believe I made it clear a long time ago–I only see you as a sister.”

“I know, I know, you were just dealing with the elders…” Elaine tried to conceal the pain in her eyes, offering a carefree laugh. “Ever since you and Whitney made it official, I’ve given up on those girlish dreams. Now, I see you as a brother, Ludwik, I work hard, I don’t trouble you, but please don’t send me away, okay? I swear, I’m looking for a boyfriend. It just hasn’t happened yet. You can’t expect me to rush into marriage, right?”

Her words left him with no recourse to continue the conversation.

and lowered stance, but he knew that for

the car, he spoke with a chilling seriousness, “You did speak out of turn today! I don’t want to hear any more potentially misleading statements. Please, show

Ludwik,” Elaine responded, her posture straightening. “Actually, I’ve started to worry about you and Whitney’s relationship, just like Nolan. Are you doing this because you had a conflict

coldly. “That’s none of your

out of

parked in

followed, trailing

spotted Whitney searching for him, Elaine suddenly hooked her

mood plummeted, “Elaine, what are you

12:03

with a sly whisper, ‘Look, Whitney’s watching you. You know, there’s a simple way to find out if a woman is really into you. It’s foolproof, and

upon seeing Whitney’s shocked reaction seeing another woman on his arm his lips twisted into a smirk. She had been pushing him away, even locking him out of the bedroom. He was curious to see if she could remain

and thought, perhaps this wasn’t such a

push Elaine

widened in shock as she saw L step out of the car,

noticed her following him? Was this jerk bringing a female subordinate to Alpine Springs Resort for a fling? The secretary

him!

a fish bone was stuck in her

an eyebrow in a wry smile. “What a coincidence, L. Who’s the lady? To an outsider, it might look like you’re still on the

you here?” Ludwik asked, as if he’d just noticed her,

like she had disrupted

here for the hot springs. Who knew I’d bump into

up at the woman,

delicate features. She certainly wasn’t any less attractive than Whitney herself, and the subtle air of sophistication

a

Ludwik’s arm. “Bro, do you know

her dress tightly, her

from my residence, currently on an annual contract. Elaine,

house worker.”

lips twitched, pulling

white shirt, black trousers, and an unusual addition of a waistcoat, he exuded a striking presence. His commanding aura drew the attention of many female tourists, making the

Whitney was too agitated to appreciate