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 facade, her provocations becoming more

cold man in the distance. She would not be

of anyone, especially you. He sees you as a sister. Besides, you might look

affection to count.”

placid smile. “That’s wonderful, Whitney. No misunderstanding, then. Bro’s over there;

laced with insinuation–‘take her to him.‘ Whitney locked eyes with Elaine, a cold laugh bubbling inside

the message

clenched. Whitney was proving challenging to

“Bro, Whitney seems upset, unwilling to talk to me. Maybe you should go and charm

face turned stormy, a cold laugh escaping him. “Am I out of my mind? That kind of

Chapter 99

in him, especially for someone of

not tolerate any hint of

spirits lifted at his response, her eyes shifting to Hannah, signaling her

the crowd, intent 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,

an event

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

might not fall for her tricks, but Hannah was a loose

stood in a quiet corner, debating whether to approach L. Tiana had advised

her drink onto the

who did this?” The

see. Oh, you’re that disgraced Valentine heiress,

murmured an apology, “I’m sorry,

spotting Hannah,

are you trying to get Mrs. Wendt out of the way to cozy up to her husband?” Another

certainly done on

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

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

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 and save yourself the

the club, and

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

party, but he was still chatting away with