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.

could ignore her compliance and lowered stance, but he knew that for family interests, he couldn’t dismiss her

with a chilling seriousness, “You did speak out of turn today! I don’t want

worry about you and Whitney’s relationship, just like Nolan. Are you doing this because you had

“That’s

stepped out of the

red sedan parked

trailing

him, Elaine suddenly hooked her arm through

plummeted, “Elaine, what are you

12:03

gesturing behind them 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 I can help you put on a little act. Im just being helpfull‘ her

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

this wasn’t such a

push Elaine

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

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

him!

if a fish bone was stuck in her throat, Whitney didn’t think

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

brings you here?” Ludwik asked, as if he’d just noticed her, a crease forming

was he? Seems like she had disrupted his plan,

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

at the woman, Whitney

wasn’t any less attractive than Whitney herself, and the subtle air of sophistication hinted that

felt a

arm. “Bro, do you know this lady?

tightly, her

my residence, currently on an annual contract. Elaine, go ahead and

house worker.” Elaine

twitched, pulling a faint

black trousers, and an unusual addition of a waistcoat, he exuded a striking presence. His commanding aura

agitated to appreciate it; her