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.

Corporation; whenever Kaden applied pressure, she

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

with Whitney in the picture, Elaine remained kind.

return.

return to such a girl was cold comfort. “You see me as a brother. I’ll give you a raise

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 smile, she retorted, “Deal. But I’d need someone even more mature and

doubts about

may go,” he said, an infrequent

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

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Chapter 92

Whitney.

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

office, Elaine dialed Whitney’s

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

came at just the right time. “Whitney, do

sunlight, Whitney’s

Elaine’s surprise?

she asked,

the two

café, Whitney spotted Elaine, who delicately raised her hand, her eyes innocent and inviting, “Over

down, placing her bag beside her, and

naiveté in their liquid depths. Elaine’s eyes, slightly down turned,

it off with a smile, pulling out two files. “I noticed Skye Gem has been struggling, so I thought maybe you could use some resources? These are two vendors I know with excellent quality

the files. She was familiar with these vendors; their gemstones were top quality but pricey, and they were selective about their clients, usually not supplying to just