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 rings, a few bracelets,

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

more

oblivious to his 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

enjoy this?” he offered

recognized the cake from her favorite bakery–a

dating. She never intended to keep

she

the Lotus Clubhouse, the chill of December’s approach

L’s broad chest, towering presence, and inherent warmth

lips curled into a smile as she drove toward United Realty Corporation, nestled in the heart of Banyan

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

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

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

women seeking Mr. Lippert’s attention. “Sorry, our president isn’t in. Without an appointment, you

asked her to come to United

dialed

No answer.

on the third attempt; a chilling voice crackled through the

could speak, background

You said to come

a

he laughing

“Where are you? Sorry, I got held up tonight.

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

Whitney heard a woman’s cooing voice, followed by Elaine’s tender tone, “Bro, don’t drink their toasts. Whitney will be heartbroken. Here, let me

silence fell over

a bar, with women, with

”

“L, are you playing

the right to question me? Who do you think you are? Do you really think you’re my wife?” His voice was a drunken, icy

before she could grasp his last