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

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

warmth behind her. Through the corner of her eye, she saw

stiffened, immediately scooting away, but the man quickly caught her

his eyes gleamed with a warm intensity, his voice

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Chapter BB

shadows in the

back so much anger.

kitten’s paw had brushed it, ticklish and stirring. He clasped. her small hand firmly, sighing softly, “Will you come home with

Home…

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

After days of neglect….

abruptly stood up and darted

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

and

eager assistant, swiftly opened the

the brooding night sky, Elaine watched the

heart twisted in pain, her eyes narrowing. It seemed this woman now saw her

make executing her next plan all

it, Elaine,” Hannah seethed with

Whitney, but she was still useful. Elaine forced a smile. “Don’t give up, Hannah.

wench

out of the picture, Hannah

as Whitney sat as far away from Ludwik as possible, his brow furrowing

driving cautiously, suddenly received a message from Mr. Lippert:

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

move.

The heat was off.

the November chill set in, the car’s

wrapped in her light sweater,

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

Speechless, Felix’s jaw twitched.

the man not coax his wife

throat awkwardly, Felix announced, “Ma’am, it seems the car’s heater is broken! You look quite cold. Perhaps you could sit closer to

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

She huffed in annoyance.

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

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rejected him coldly, tossing

man