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

harmlessness in

Let’s focus on mending things between Bro and Whitney,” Elaine urged,

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

stiffened, immediately scooting away, but

light, his eyes gleamed with a warm intensity, his voice a low, intoxicating rumble, “Do you

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Chapter BB

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

back so much anger. “Not

his heart feeling as if a kitten’s paw had brushed it, ticklish

Home…

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

After days of neglect….

to escape as she abruptly stood up

curved into a sly smile. With

time, scooping her up effortlessly and heading to

assistant, swiftly opened the

watched the scene unfold from the club

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

would make executing her next plan

it, Elaine,” Hannah seethed with

her dismissively. This fool stood no chance against Whitney, but she was still useful. Elaine forced a smile. “Don’t give

wench Whitney pays!” Hannah vowed through gritted

Yes, once Whitney was out of the picture, Hannah would be no

far away from Ludwik as possible, his brow

cautiously, suddenly received a message from Mr. Lippert:

between Mr. Lippert

move.

The heat was off.

set in,

wrapped in her light sweater, shivered

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

Speechless, Felix’s jaw twitched.

man not

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

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

She huffed in annoyance.

slipped off his jacket, extending the warm garment to

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thanks!” She rejected him coldly,

rebuffed man merely