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

in front of

focus on mending things between Bro and Whitney,” Elaine urged, helping Hannah up and portraying herself as the voice of reason

her eye, she saw

stiffened, immediately scooting away, but

gleamed with a warm intensity, his voice a low, intoxicating rumble, “Do you remember that I’m

29-36

Chapter BB

shiver ran through Whitney. With his mask of shadows in the dim light, he resembled

so

it, ticklish and stirring. He clasped. her small hand firmly, sighing softly, “Will you come

Home…

a warm blade had pierced it – comforting and bitter. He still knew they had a

After days of neglect….

escape as she abruptly stood up and

curved into a sly smile. With

time, scooping her up effortlessly and heading to the

assistant,

sky, Elaine watched the scene

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

make executing her

stand it, Elaine,” Hannah seethed with

her dismissively. This fool stood no chance against Whitney, but she was still useful. Elaine forced a smile. “Don’t give up, Hannah. I’ll help

I’ll make sure that wench Whitney

was out of the picture, Hannah would be no trouble

enveloped the car as Whitney sat as far away from Ludwik

suddenly received a message

glanced at the ‘oceanic gulf‘ between Mr.

move.

The heat was off.

in, the

her light

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

Speechless, Felix’s jaw twitched.

the man not coax

awkwardly, Felix announced, “Ma’am, it seems the car’s heater is broken! You look quite cold. Perhaps you could sit closer to your husband, or he could wrap his coat around

not blind. The heater in a Bentley broken? She glanced sideways at the composed man beside her, this mature rascal

She huffed in annoyance.

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

103

23-36

She rejected him coldly, tossing

rebuffed man merely