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.

lowered stance, but he knew that for

he spoke with a chilling seriousness, “You did speak out of turn today!

worry about you and Whitney’s relationship, just like Nolan. Are

“That’s none of your

out of the

parked in the

trailing

she spotted Whitney searching for him, Elaine suddenly hooked her arm

“Elaine, what are

12:03

simple way to find out if a woman is really into you. It’s foolproof, and I can help you

into a smirk. She had been pushing him away, even locking him out of the bedroom. He was curious

perhaps this wasn’t such

didn’t push

as she saw L step out of the car, arm–in–arm with

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

him!

of anger and disappointment, as if a fish bone

a coincidence, L. Who’s the lady? To

asked, as if he’d just noticed her, a crease forming on his

Seems like she had disrupted

“I’m here for the hot springs. Who knew I’d bump into you playing the

the woman, Whitney stiffened

with a gentle demeanor and delicate features. She certainly wasn’t any less attractive than Whitney herself, and the subtle air of sophistication hinted that she might be

felt a

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

her dress tightly, her eyes sparkling with

from my residence, currently on an

a house

lips twitched, pulling a faint

pockets. Immaculately dressed in a white shirt, black trousers, and an unusual addition of a waistcoat, he exuded a

appreciate it; her mind was