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

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

Suddenly, she felt a warmth behind her. Through the corner of her eye,

immediately scooting away, but the

a warm intensity, his voice a low, intoxicating rumble,

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Chapter BB

through Whitney. With his mask of shadows in the dim

was holding back so much anger. “Not

if a kitten’s paw had brushed it, ticklish and stirring. He clasped. her small hand firmly, sighing

Home…

had pierced it – comforting and bitter. He still knew they had a home. He even talked about

After days of neglect….

abruptly stood up and darted out of

curved into a sly smile. With his long

scooping her up effortlessly and heading to the Bentley parked out

assistant, swiftly opened the

Elaine watched the scene unfold from the club

the car by Ludwik. Elaine’s heart twisted in pain, her eyes

would make executing her next plan all the

Elaine,” Hannah seethed

but she was still useful. Elaine forced a smile. “Don’t

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

Whitney was out of the picture, Hannah would be no

as Whitney sat as far away from Ludwik as

suddenly received a message from Mr. Lippert: [Turn off

the ‘oceanic gulf‘ between Mr. Lippert and his lady, admiring the

move.

The heat was off.

in, the

in her light sweater, shivered

mirror, noting the boss‘ brooding eyes.

Speechless, Felix’s jaw twitched.

not coax his

You look quite cold.

heater in a Bentley broken? She glanced sideways at the composed man beside

She huffed in annoyance.

arched an eyebrow and slipped off his jacket, extending the warm garment to her. “Since Felix mentioned it, why don’t you

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thanks!” She rejected him coldly,

rebuffed man