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

and Whitney,” Elaine urged, helping Hannah up

behind her. Through the corner of her eye, she saw L’s

stiffened, immediately scooting away, but

eyes gleamed with a warm intensity, his voice a low, intoxicating

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

holding back so

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

Home…

bitter. He still knew they had a home. He even talked about creating

After days of neglect….

escape as she abruptly stood up and

curved into a sly smile. With

time, scooping her up effortlessly and

eager assistant, swiftly

Elaine watched the scene

pain, her eyes narrowing. It seemed this woman now saw her as an

executing her

it, Elaine,” Hannah seethed

against Whitney, but she was still useful. Elaine forced a smile. “Don’t give up, Hannah. I’ll help you

wench Whitney pays!” Hannah vowed through

once Whitney was out of

car as Whitney sat as far away from Ludwik as possible,

received a message from Mr. Lippert: [Turn

stealthily glanced at the ‘oceanic gulf‘ between Mr.

move.

The heat was off.

in,

in her light sweater,

the rear–view mirror, noting the boss‘

Speechless, Felix’s jaw twitched.

man not coax his wife

seems the car’s heater is broken! You look quite cold. Perhaps

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

She huffed in annoyance.

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

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She rejected him coldly, tossing the jacket back at

man merely