Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 88

Nolan’s jaw practically hit the floor, and his cheeks flushed with a rare shade of red from the audacity of Whitney’s comment.

“Bold words, Whitney,” he stammered, trying to mask his surprise with a chuckle.

Ludwik’s gaze darkened, taking in the sight of the petite woman before him, her cheeks aflame with

indignation. Her delicate hand, soft as a feather, pinched his jawline, a gesture so light it only tickled him. But the itch spread to his throat, a subtle Adam’s apple bobbing with a sensual threat.

Just like the smoldering look in his eyes.

Whitney turned to him, only to catch him watching her. Repulsed, she released his chin and shot him a fierce glare.

Ludwik’s lips curved into a sly grin.

His feisty little kitten was back.

“Big Bro! Look at her, shameless and insulting me. Make her leave,” Hannah complained, leaning closer to Ludwik for support.

His cold gaze swept over her. “Get out,” he commanded with an icy sharpness.

Whitney froze, her heart sinking.

“Did you hear that? He said get out, Whitney!” Hannah sneered with malicious satisfaction.

“I’m talking to you.” Ludwik’s handsome face was stone–cold, his patience wearing thin. He pushed Hannah away with disdain.

“Nolan!” He growled, his brows knitting in disapproval. “How did this woman get in?”

Nolan glanced at Hannah, clearly exasperated. “How was I supposed to know? I heard Whitney was here and immediately came to fetch you.”

Whitney looked up at Elaine, who seemed to have excluded herself from all this mess. “Seems like Hannah arrived with Elaine,” Whitney mentioned offhandedly.

Ludwik’s eyes snapped to Elaine.

Caught off guard by Whitney’s sudden accusation, Elaine smiled innocently. “Oh, Whitney, that’s not fair. I just bumped into Hannah at the door, right, Hannah?”

Hannah, who had promised not to involve Elaine, nodded in agreement. “This vindictive woman is slandering others. I’ve been at the club for a while now.”

Whitney’s smile held a tinge of innocence. “Look at you guys getting all worked up. I just mentioned it. I didn’t say I was certain Hannah came with Elaine. Besides, it wouldn’t be a big deal if she did, right?”

Ludwik’s gaze lingered on Elaine, his brows furrowing slightly.

Elaine’s heart sank as Whitney expertly turned the tables on her. She had worked hard to maintain an image of

and harmlessness in

Whitney,” Elaine urged, helping Hannah up and portraying herself as the voice of

warmth behind her. Through the corner of her eye,

but the man quickly

his voice a low, intoxicating rumble, “Do you remember

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through Whitney. With his mask of shadows in the dim light, he resembled a handsome demon dangerously

back so much anger. “Not for

seemed unaffected, his heart feeling as if a kitten’s paw had brushed it, ticklish and

Home…

comforting and bitter. He still

After days of neglect….

tear threatened to escape as she abruptly stood up and darted out

a sly smile. With his long strides,

up effortlessly and heading to

eager assistant, swiftly opened

brooding night sky, Elaine watched the scene unfold from the club

helped into the car by Ludwik. Elaine’s heart twisted in pain, her eyes narrowing. It seemed this woman

It would make executing her next

stand it, Elaine,” Hannah seethed

chance against Whitney, but she was still useful. Elaine forced

Elaine. I’ll make sure that wench Whitney pays!” Hannah vowed through gritted

Yes, once Whitney was out of the picture, Hannah

sat as far away from Ludwik as possible, his

received a message from Mr. Lippert: [Turn off

‘oceanic gulf‘ between Mr.

move.

The heat was off.

set in, the car’s

in her light sweater,

rear–view mirror, noting the boss‘ brooding eyes.

Speechless, Felix’s jaw twitched.

man not

broken! You look quite cold. Perhaps you could sit closer to your husband, or he could wrap his coat

sideways at the composed man beside her, this mature rascal full

She huffed in annoyance.

jacket, extending the warm garment to her. “Since Felix mentioned it, why don’t

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thanks!” She rejected him coldly, tossing the

man merely