Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

hapter 99

The sting at the core of her chest was impossible to suppress.

Elaine nudged the brawny arm of the man beside her, “Bro, look who’s here–Whitney!”

Ludwik’s face stiffened, his deep–set eyes quickly turning cold and eager as they swept over the diminutive figure approaching them.

“JE IS

His gaze narrowed slightly, a flicker of astonishment passing through.

Whitney had not dressed up, simply wearing a black V–neck evening gown, no high heels, her hair soft and cascading down her shoulders. She stood there like a fairy, her delicate features stunningly beautiful, her skin smooth and almost translucent. A subtle pink blush adorned her cheeks, probably from her blusher.

Just standing there, she had already drawn the attention of numerous men.

Ludwik’s expression turned to ice. He had not seen her for days, and the image of her had thinned considerably.

Taryn mentioned she had not been eating well.

Seeing Ludwik transfixed, Elaine swallowed hard, her hand tightening into a fist.

“Bro, did Whitney come to see you? I’ll go check on her,” Elaine offered with a conspiratorial wink, suggesting she would help him gauge Whitney’s mood.

Ludwik’s approval was evident in his satisfied nod.

Elaine quickly approached Whitney, concern lacing her voice as she said, “Whitney, you finally made it. I was starting to worry about you and Bro. What’s going on?”

Whitney’s brows knitted in concern, but a hidden triumph gleamed in her eyes–she had not missed a thing.

Moving closer, Elaine continued, “Don’t worry, Bro’s been working these past few days with me. That night, he got drunk; it was me who took care of him all night. No other woman took advantage of him!”

Elaine’s playful smile was sharp, her eyes gleaming.

Elaine was finally dropping her harmless

glanced at the cold man in the distance. She would not be fooled. Elaine was trying

of him, I’m quite at ease. After all, L himself told me I needn’t be jealous of anyone, especially you. He

affection to count.”

but she maintained a placid smile. “That’s wonderful, Whitney. No misunderstanding, then. Bro’s

a cold laugh bubbling inside her. “Couples meet when they wish; no need

message loud and

was proving challenging to provoke. If Whitney

concern, “Bro, Whitney seems upset,

cold laugh escaping him. “Am I out of my mind? That kind of fickle woman is better

Chapter 99

possessiveness burned fiercely in him, especially for someone

tolerate any

spirits lifted at his response, her eyes

whispered slyly, “Hannah, I’m only Big Bro’s date tonight to keep an eye out for you,

had waited so long for an event Ludwik would attend, and now Whitney was

how I deal with her!” Hannah sneered, rallying

arms, watching the scene unfold. Whitney might not fall for her tricks, but

stood in a quiet corner, debating whether to approach L. Tiana had advised her not to play hard

from behind, spilling her drink onto the dress of a

my goodness, who did

see. Oh, you’re that disgraced Valentine heiress, aren’t

an apology, “I’m sorry,

spotting Hannah, understood immediately. Her eyes

trying to get Mrs. Wendt out of the way to cozy up to her husband?” Another socialite said. Whitney

was most certainly done

this, Mrs. Wendt glared at Whitney, her husband’s attempts to calm her futile. Convinced of the rumors about

Oh, I’ve got plenty of stores under my family’s name, and I’ve heard you’re back at Skye Gem. Trying to trade favors for contracts, how shameless! Who let such a beaten socialite in

not contain her glee, stepping forward. “Ms. Valentine, it’s understandable you want to talk business, but it’s quite indecent to eye someone else’s husband. You might as well leave

Whitney humiliated her in the club, and Ludwik’s

antics, alone and unabashed, her gaze

the commotion at the party, but he was still chatting away with his