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.

stance, but he knew that for family interests, he couldn’t dismiss

turn today! I don’t want to hear any more potentially misleading statements.

you and Whitney’s relationship, just like

her coldly. “That’s none of your

out of the

sedan parked in

trailing

him, Elaine suddenly hooked her arm

plummeted, “Elaine, what are you

12:03

a simple way to find out if a woman is really into you.

face was set to refuse, but 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

this

didn’t push

saw L step out of the car, arm–in–arm with another woman. She felt a sting of

for a fling? The secretary he fired last time must have been just for show. He always had

him!

disappointment, as if a fish bone was stuck in

eyebrow in a wry smile. “What a coincidence, L. Who’s the lady? To an

what brings you here?” Ludwik asked, as if he’d just

he? Seems like

Who knew I’d bump into you

the woman, Whitney

was undeniably beautiful, with a gentle demeanor and delicate features. She certainly wasn’t any less attractive than Whitney herself, and the subtle air

felt a

playfully tugged at Ludwik’s arm. “Bro, do you know this

clenched her dress tightly, her

currently on an annual contract. Elaine, go ahead and purchase

a house

twitched, pulling

Elaine went to purchase tickets, Ludwik stood there with his hands in his pockets. Immaculately dressed in a white shirt, black trousers, and an unusual

to appreciate it;