Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 97

The more Elaine pleaded Whitney’s case, the more it implied a harsh truth: Ludwik had his heart on his sleeve yet was cast aside by Whitney while Bryce, the man who never clicked with him, effortlessly stepped in.

Was she not acting exactly like a social butterfly, skirting just shy of scandal? Yet here she was, lying through her teeth!

Ludwik’s inner fury was stoked, the seeds of doubt tumbling into an abyss.

Staring through the window at the woman on the phone, lost in a daze.

She hastily returned to the booth. Perhaps it was feigned clumsiness, but suddenly she stumbled forward, her cry cut through the air as Bryce played the hero, catching her delicate hand. She looked up, bashful in profile, while Bryce’s eyes held a deep, melting gaze.

Ludwik watched, an icy chuckle escaping his lips.

His phone met the wall with a shattering force.

The man turned, his expression frosty, slamming the car door behind him. His Bentley roared away, leaving nothing but dust in its wake.

“Bro, wait for me…” Elaine called out desperately, but a sly smile crept across her face as she turned.

“Whitney, you’ve dug your own grave splendidly.”

Back in the booth.

Whitney entered, still shaken by L’s call. A misstep twisted her ankle; pregnant and cautious, she reached for a chair to steady herself.

Bryce was quick to lend a hand, and as she found her balance, she immediately put space between them, “Thank you, Mr. Lutz,” she said, and he quickly withdrew his hand.

Outside the open door, waitstaff bustled about.

Whitney let out a sigh, settling down to finish the half–drawn design. Despite her unease, she powered through the rest of it.

She was eager to finalize the necklace design, so once Bryce reviewed the entire draft, they discussed the details and decided on a precious emerald; the deal was set. She could start crafting it.

of earrings, studs,

to impose on you a bit longer due to this personal matter. But

yearned for more time with

a gentlemanly demeanor. Her guard was lowered, especially when he considerately handed her a

you’ll enjoy this?” he offered with a

from her

they had just started dating. She

goodbye,” she

approach was biting, darkness falling early in the

broad chest, towering presence,

smile as she drove toward United Realty Corporation, nestled in the heart of Banyan City’s

beacon of light amid

her,

her husband’s name, and offered, “I’m here

eyed her skeptically, accustomed to women seeking Mr. Lippert’s attention. “Sorry, our president isn’t in. Without an appointment, you can’t see

to United Realty Corporation, promising to show her his

dialed his

No answer.

the third attempt; a chilling voice crackled through the

speak, background revelry

earlier? You said to come to the office, and

a mocking

laughing

shiver ran down her spine. She softly pressed, “Where are you? Sorry, I got held up tonight. Did

scornful laugh was a dagger to her ear. “Why don’t you spend the

Confused, Whitney heard a woman’s cooing voice, followed by Elaine’s tender tone, “Bro, don’t drink

sudden silence fell over

at a bar,

”

you playing around? You stood me

think you are? Do you really think you’re my wife?” His voice was a drunken, icy deluge, “A woman full

before she could grasp his last