Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 93

Elaine slid into the car, a sly chuckle escaping her as she leaned back into the plush seat. Whitney had tried to outplay her, but she had played the wrong hand.

Not that it was entirely wrong – had Whitney agreed to those two female suppliers, Elaine could have easily set her up for a fall in the future.

But right now, Elaine’s triumph lay in Whitney’s refusal. The diamond suppliers in Banyan City were few; only those two were run by women; the rest were all men, and Elaine had them wrapped around her finger long ago. Her phone rang, and she answered with a lazy smile.

“Elaine,” the voice on the other end reported, “Whitney called a quick meeting as soon as she returned to the office. She’s roped in a college buddy, one of those fancy jewel material traders.”

Elaine’s laughter was soft and dark. A young college friend, huh? She could just imagine what kind of trouble Whitney was in now with Ludwik…

As dusk turned the city skyline neon, a sleek Bentley stood out with understated luxury in the plaza below Skye

Gem Ltd.

Right on time, Whitney emerged from the building, a faint blush tinting her cheeks as she spotted the luxurious car. She thought of the man waiting inside and wondered, “Is this a date?”

Felix, ever the dutiful chauffeur, promptly opened the door for her.

The Bentley glided away, leaving Simon on the company steps, his gaze darkening as he watched the taillights disappear. He had caught a glimpse of the masked man inside the car.

That was a limited edition Bentley, and Whitney claimed the masked man had been her savior that night…

Could the enigmatic, powerful Ludwik be the man behind the mask?

Simon clenched his fists, jealousy gnawing at him, feeling utterly powerless.

Inside the car.

Whitney found the man beside her, frowning at some documents. She pouted – was she not more interesting than paperwork?

Nonchalantly, she slipped off her coat.

The man next to her gave a dry chuckle. “Can you not try to seduce me while I’m working?”

Seduce? She had not

cleared his throat before saying, “Don’t you know

his smooth–talking ways. Men and their silver tongues.” Whitney

face flushed. “You don’t

vision just can’t help but

sweet warmth inside. “Okay, then I’ll

away his documents, his handsome face turning stern. He was already

elegant outfit of the day – a trench coat, a chic sweater, pencil pants, and ballet flats

usual, he was dressed in a sharp suit, his tall,

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Chapter 93

looked the part of an elite couple. Her lips were full and tinted with

settled onto

a hint of

as he spoke in a husky tone, “Kiss

his shirt, her heart racing as she glanced at Felix, who might as

pecked his chiseled

slender waist, his breath tickling her neck. “I used to say you must get close to a woman to know if she smells nice. Now

talking nonsense,” Whitney scolded,

this fragrance around the office, luring men?” His brow

“Mr. L, are you really that

where it counts,” he retorted with a sly grin, then grew stern again

sensing that he was probably still bothered by

besides, you’re the man I like. We’re dating, aren’t we? What’s there to worry about? My heart is

from

to be coaxed, Whitney thought to herself with a silent sigh, shaking his sturdy arm.

reserved the entire top–tier Russian

then, Whitney suddenly pointed to a twinkling eatery across the street and said, “Ah, I want that

were both at a loss

red tent on the roadside, dust swirling around, Ludwik’s handsome face was as cold as ice. Whitney saw his displeased expression, and though, as a socialite, she rarely indulged in such street food, the craving was irresistible. Occasionally, she

her eyes already gleaming

won’t allow my child to eat

who wants it. I’ve been having morning sickness for days, and you don’t even care,” Whitney complained, convinced that pregnancy was to blame for her cravings. As he remained unmoved, she blinked back tears, looking pitifully hurt. “You don’t love me