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

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

behind her. Through the corner of her eye, she saw L’s strong arm assertively reaching over, resting on her seat

immediately scooting away, but the man quickly caught her

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

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through Whitney. With his mask of shadows in

holding back so much anger. “Not

if a kitten’s paw had brushed it, ticklish

Home…

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

After days of neglect….

to escape as she abruptly stood up and

but his lips curved into a sly smile. With his long strides, he caught

and heading to the Bentley parked

assistant, swiftly opened the

Elaine watched the scene

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

executing her next

it, Elaine,” Hannah

but she was still useful.

that wench Whitney

of the picture, Hannah would be no trouble

sat as far away from Ludwik as possible, his brow furrowing deeper with each

a message from

stealthily glanced at the ‘oceanic gulf‘ between Mr. Lippert and his lady,

move.

The heat was off.

the November chill set in, the car’s temperature

in her light

noting the boss‘ brooding eyes. Another

Speechless, Felix’s jaw twitched.

not

heater is broken! You look quite cold. Perhaps you could

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

She huffed in annoyance.

the warm garment to her. “Since Felix mentioned it,

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him coldly, tossing the jacket back at

rebuffed man