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.

hardly miss the hostility. Elaine was finally dropping her harmless facade, her

would

taking care of him, I’m quite at ease. After all, L himself told me I needn’t be jealous of anyone, especially you. He sees you as a sister. Besides, you might look

affection to count.”

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

to him.‘ Whitney locked eyes with Elaine, a cold laugh bubbling inside her. “Couples meet when they

message loud

Whitney was proving challenging to provoke. If Whitney had just slapped

Elaine had other plans. Returning to Ludwik, she urged with feigned concern, “Bro, Whitney seems upset, unwilling to talk to me. Maybe

to Whitney’s solitary figure. His face turned stormy, a cold laugh escaping him. “Am I out of my

Chapter 99

possessiveness burned fiercely in him, especially for someone of his

not tolerate any hint

her eyes shifting to Hannah, signaling her with a

on Ludwik, having also spotted Whitney. Elaine whispered slyly, “Hannah, I’m only Big Bro’s date tonight to keep an eye out for you, but Whitney’s here,

for an event Ludwik would

I deal with her!” Hannah sneered, rallying her clique of

crossed her arms, watching the scene unfold. Whitney might not

stood in a quiet corner, debating whether to approach L. Tiana had advised her not to play hard to get, and she was ready

her from behind, spilling her drink onto the dress of

did this?” The woman turned

her balance, stumbled into the socialite. “What’s your problem? Looking for trouble, I see. Oh, you’re that disgraced Valentine heiress, aren’t you?” The woman’s

murmured an apology, “I’m sorry, someone

culprit and, spotting Hannah, understood immediately. Her eyes darkened

up to her husband?” Another socialite said. Whitney recognized her – Scarlett,

most certainly done on

to calm her futile. Convinced of the rumors about Whitney’s scandal, her jealousy was triggered by the

Mrs. Wendt shoved Whitney, “Ms. Valentine, still trying to seduce my husband? 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 here?

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 and save yourself the

how Whitney humiliated her in the club, and Ludwik’s protection of Whitney fueled her

scoffed at their antics, alone and unabashed, her gaze instinctively

party, but he was still chatting away with his buddy, cool