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.

earrings, studs, diamond rings, a few bracelets, and

longer due to this personal matter. But there’s no need

he yearned for more

intentions. Their conversation had been strictly business, and Bryce had impressed her with a gentlemanly demeanor. Her guard was lowered, especially when he considerately handed her a wrapped piece

this?” he offered

delighted, Whitney recognized the cake from her favorite

course, it was only because they had just started dating. She never intended to keep it a

she

the chill of December’s approach was biting, darkness falling early in the

broad chest, towering presence, and inherent warmth bubbled

smile as she drove toward United Realty Corporation, nestled in

its grand lobby a beacon of light amid the late hours, its staff a flurry of

desk, a haughty secretary stopped her, “May I ask who you’re here to see?”

she had yet to learn her husband’s name, and offered, “I’m here

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

had asked her to come to United Realty

Whitney dialed

No answer.

third attempt; a chilling voice crackled through the

could speak, background revelry betrayed

earlier? You

a

laughing at

spine. She softly pressed, “Where are you? Sorry, I got held up

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

a woman’s cooing voice, followed by Elaine’s tender tone, “Bro, don’t drink their toasts. Whitney

silence fell over Whitney,

a bar, with women, with

”

you playing

Do you really think you’re my

she could