Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 98

“Scram! The man’s mature features twisted into a sneer as he glanced over the women.

The gaggle of simpering women scattered like leaves in the wind.

Nolan shook his head. These were the ladies he had invited to liven up the evening.

He turned to Parker, exchanging a look of mutual resignation, before addressing Elaine, “What’s gotten into Ludwik?

Elaine sighed heavily and said, “Ludwik’s had a misunderstanding with Whitney over something”

Another misunderstanding? Nolan’s eyes flickered with curiosity as he gave Elaine an extra glance.

He wasn’t sure what had transpired, but he couldn’t help commenting as he caught sight of the brooding man, whose furrowed brow looked like it could crush a hundred flies, “Ludwik, if Whitney keeps getting under your skin, why not just show her the door?”

The man’s gaze was terrifying as it met Nolan’s. “What did you say?”

Nolan recoiled slightly while Elaine clenched her fingers, watching the storm brewing in Ludwik’s eyes. “He’s anxious for Whitney,” She thought.

Parker voiced Nolan’s concerns, “Haven’t you noticed? Ever since you’ve been with Whitney, you’ve become so unpredictable, Ludwik. You’re too easily swayed by her.”

“Have you really fallen for her?” Parker leaned in close to Ludwik, whispering.

Ludwik let out a cold laugh, his dark eyes unreadable, offering no reply.

Parker sighed and moved towards Nolan, speaking in a hushed tone, “Even though we both are satisfied with Whitney, the way she’s affecting Ludwik… I’m unsure if it’s good for her to stay.”

“Yeah, Whitney has no idea how tough Ludwik’s childhood was, leaving him with that volatile temper. How can she constantly provoke him?”

“Since Ludwik and his mother left the hellhole that was the Lippert family, he’s been engrossed in work, cold and reserved. His heart has only held space for the little girl who saved him back then. His emotional troubles haven’t surfaced in ages, and his night terrors are also a result of his traumatic past. Why can’t Whitney see that and be gentle with Ludwik?”

“She doesn’t know, and their relationship isn’t yet close. Ludwik would never tell her,” Parker concluded in silence.

would not confess such a terrifying condition to a woman

relationship. At this rate,

conversation was cautious, not wanting Elaine to overhear, but that did not

suspicion, sensitivity, and quick anger. These were exactly the

the middle of the night, shivering from the cold. She glanced

not come

Her body felt icy as her

on Facebook, (Whitney, have you seen Elaine’s latest post? Why is

pregnant wife? I thought you two had

clothes last time, and they had added each other, along with

in a lavish private room, her arm raised, capturing half of a man’s enticing chest and a luxurious wristwatch. He leaned back

a full face in the picture, Whitney recognized L by his mature build–she could never

Nolan were

read, [Work’s been hectic,

devoid of flirtation, and with three men

from the joy in Elaine’s eyes that she was boasting, especially since L had just

off a subtle threat, Whitney felt

as

temptress is moving in at the first sign of weakness.

out of nowhere today.] Whitney recalled his heartless words, her heart

do something to upset him again? Men like him, all high and mighty. They don’t spell things out.

had not seen Simon at the company at all.

paused, remembering the abrupt end to their earlier phone call and his accusations that evening, “All

female supplier. Could it be he did not believe

just pushing him toward her?

post essentially confirmed her designs on L,

would not catch on.

be whispering to L in that private

at the time; it was 4 AM, and they were still

carrying his child, scorned and

yield. She felt a seething rage, flopped back into