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

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

all, L himself told me I needn’t be jealous of anyone, especially you. He sees you as a sister. Besides, you might look after him for a

affection to count.”

Whitney. No misunderstanding, then. Bro’s over there; shall

her to him.‘ Whitney locked eyes with Elaine, a

message loud

walked away with a smile, her fists clenched. Whitney was proving challenging to provoke. If Whitney had

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

suggestion, Ludwik’s gaze snapped to Whitney’s solitary figure. His face turned stormy, a cold laugh escaping him. “Am I out of my mind? That kind

Chapter 99

for someone of his

could not tolerate any hint of flirtation or

her eyes

slipped into the crowd, intent on Ludwik, having also spotted Whitney. Elaine whispered slyly, “Hannah, I’m only Big Bro’s date tonight to

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

I deal with her!” Hannah sneered, rallying her

the scene unfold. Whitney might not fall for her tricks, but Hannah was a loose

advised her not to play hard to get, and she was ready to soften

behind, spilling her drink

goodness, who did this?” The woman turned

the socialite. “What’s your problem? Looking for trouble, I see. Oh,

murmured an apology, “I’m sorry,

culprit and, spotting Hannah, understood immediately.

Wendt out of the way to cozy up to her husband?” Another socialite said. Whitney recognized her – Scarlett, one of

was most certainly done on

calm her futile. Convinced of the

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

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

the club, and Ludwik’s protection of

their antics, alone and unabashed, her gaze instinctively

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