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.

she had greatly helped the Imperial Gem Corporation; whenever Kaden applied pressure,

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

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

return.

such a girl was cold comfort.

warm for Whitney? Her fingers clenched tightly, knowing he was

felt reassured. His doubts about Elaine were unfounded; they stemmed

he said, an infrequent

knew her strategic retreat had alleviated his suspicions. She endured the humiliation all to

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Chapter 92

Whitney.

with cold determination. Next, she had a special plan in store

her office, Elaine dialed Whitney’s

Whitney was in a meeting at the procurement department of Skye Gem. The company’s gemstone supply was inconsistent, and she needed to find

at just the right time. “Whitney, do you

sunlight, Whitney’s eyes carried

Elaine’s surprise?

as she asked, “Sure, Elaine.

was already near Skye Gem, and the two arranged to

spotted Elaine, who delicately raised her

sat down, placing her bag beside her, and looked up with a smile. “What’s

were like pools, luminous and dark, a sweet naiveté in their liquid depths. Elaine’s eyes, slightly down turned, easily conveyed a sense of

Gem has been struggling, so I thought maybe you could use some resources? These are two vendors I know with excellent quality gemstones. If I help

were top quality but pricey, and they were selective about their clients,