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 front

a scene. Let’s focus on mending things between Bro and Whitney,” Elaine urged, helping Hannah up and portraying herself as the voice

slightly. Suddenly, she felt a warmth behind her. Through the corner of her eye, she saw L’s strong arm

scooting away, but the man

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

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of shadows in the

back so much

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

Home…

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

After days of neglect….

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

brows knitted together, but his lips curved into a sly smile. With his

her up effortlessly and heading to the Bentley parked

the eager assistant, swiftly

the brooding night sky, Elaine watched

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

make executing her next plan all the

it, Elaine,” Hannah seethed with

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

Elaine. I’ll make sure that wench Whitney pays!”

lips curled. Yes, once Whitney was out of the picture,

enveloped the car as Whitney sat as far away from Ludwik as possible, his brow furrowing deeper with

received a message from Mr. Lippert:

Mr. Lippert and his lady,

move.

The heat was off.

set in, the

her light sweater, shivered

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

Speechless, Felix’s jaw twitched.

not coax

look quite cold. Perhaps you could sit closer to your husband, or

broken? She glanced sideways at the composed man beside her, this mature rascal

She huffed in annoyance.

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

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coldly,

rebuffed man merely