Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 92

Whitney was a knockout–a real head–turner–which made her a magnet for unwanted attention in the business world, and Ludwik was acutely aware of it.

He nodded satisfactorily. “Let’s steer those two clients her way; give her a little boost.”

“Sure thing.” Elaine flashed a grin.

The man leaned back, his well–tailored suit and tie highlighting his muscular frame, his chiseled face irresistibly handsome. His deep eyes seemed to drown anyone who gazed too long.

Despite seeing him daily, Elaine felt her heart flutter and warmth spread to her ears hidden beneath her hair.

As she was momentarily lost in thought, Ludwik’s piercing gaze unsettled her, asserting a silent pressure.

Without betraying his thoughts, Ludwik probed, “Elaine, you’ve been putting in quite the effort for Whitney’s sake!”

Elaine smiled softly, then paused, catching a glimpse of the sharpness in his eyes, realizing he might be testing her.

Her hand stiffened beneath her sleeve, but she quickly rebounded with a coy smile, “Bro, when it comes to matters concerning you or Whitney, I naturally take them to heart.”

Ludwik furrowed his brow, recalling Whitney’s lukewarm attitude towards Elaine the night before.

Elaine had no reason to chase after someone who gave her the cold shoulder.

Noticing his frown, Elaine’s eyes softened. “Bro, don’t you see? I just want to be good to you. Whitney and you are quite the match. You can’t force feelings, and you two have genuine attraction. I’ve said it before. I’ve let go. I see you as a brother now, and still, I want to help you from the bottom of my heart. Seeing you and Whitney happy makes me happy, and when you argue, and you’re upset, it hurts me too.”

She sighed lightly, the picture of innocence and gentleness, smiling with eyes that curved. “You’ve known me for years. You should know I’m steadfast, protecting someone no matter the capacity. Your happiness is so important to me. Possessing someone? That’s not so important. Do you still doubt me? Maybe my fondness for Whitney is just an extension of my fondness for you.”

Ludwik saw the unmistakable sincerity in her eyes and the touch of melancholy in her brows, which he did not

miss.

had greatly helped the Imperial Gem Corporation; whenever Kaden applied pressure, she always stood by his side, playing her part in the

relationship was more entangled with family interests than personal affection. Ludwik had never been fond of her, previously cold and indifferent, believing her kindness

even with Whitney in the picture, Elaine remained kind. Perhaps, as she said, she expected nothing

return.

her devotion. All he could offer in return to such a girl was cold comfort. “You see me

washed over Elaine–this was not the first time. His heart was as cold as stone, and yet why did it warm for Whitney? Her fingers clenched tightly, knowing he was again using money to brush her off. With a forced soft

felt reassured. His doubts about

he said, an infrequent smile gracing his

strategic retreat had alleviated his suspicions. She endured the

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Chapter 92

Whitney.

she had a special plan in store for Whitney, and she was confident Whitney would take

Elaine dialed

Gem. The company’s gemstone supply was inconsistent, and she needed

just the right time. “Whitney, do you have a minute? I’ve got

Whitney’s eyes

Elaine’s surprise?

calm as she asked, “Sure, Elaine. Where shall we meet?”

and the

Whitney spotted Elaine, who delicately raised her hand, her eyes innocent and

placing her bag beside her, and

sweet naiveté in their liquid depths. Elaine’s eyes, slightly down turned, easily conveyed a sense of

but quickly shrugged it off with a smile, pulling out two files. “I noticed Skye Gem has been struggling, so I thought maybe you

these vendors; their gemstones were top quality but pricey, and they were selective about their clients, usually not supplying to just