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.

studs, diamond

impose on you a bit longer due to this personal matter. But there’s no need to rush like today; my mother can

more time with the

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

enjoy this?” he

Whitney recognized the cake from her favorite bakery–a detail

just started dating. She never intended to keep it

she said, parting

December’s approach was

yearning for L’s broad chest, towering presence, and

drove toward United Realty Corporation, nestled in the heart of Banyan

the imposing building, its grand lobby a beacon of light amid the late hours, its

a haughty secretary stopped her, “May I

yet to learn her husband’s name, and offered,

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

asked her to come to United

dialed

No answer.

attempt; a chilling voice crackled through the

speak, background revelry betrayed

earlier? You said to come

then a mocking

he laughing

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

her ear. “Why don’t you spend the night at the

“Bro, don’t drink their toasts. Whitney will be

fell over Whitney,

a bar, with women,

”

fiery surge of indignation rose within her, “L, are you playing around? You stood me up,

think you are? Do you really think you’re my

ended before she could