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.

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

bit longer due to this personal matter. But

more time with the woman who

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

enjoy this?” he offered

recognized the cake from her favorite bakery–a

only because they had just started dating. She never intended to keep

goodbye,” she said, parting

the chill of December’s approach

chest, towering presence,

toward United Realty Corporation, nestled in the heart of Banyan City’s bustling

its grand lobby a beacon of light amid

secretary stopped her, “May I ask who you’re here

stuttered, realizing she had yet to learn her husband’s name, and

eyed her skeptically, accustomed to women seeking Mr. Lippert’s attention. “Sorry, our

asked her to come to United

Whitney dialed his

No answer.

the third attempt; a chilling voice crackled

she could speak, background

up earlier? You said to come to the office,

a mocking

he laughing

pressed, “Where are you? Sorry, I got held up tonight. Did I make you wait? I’ll

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

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

silence fell over Whitney, her mind going

a bar,

”

rose within her, “L, are you playing around?

when do you have the right to question me? Who do you think you are? Do you really

she