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.

was finally dropping her harmless facade, her provocations becoming more

at the cold man in the distance. She would

“With you 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 after him for a day, but I’m the

affection to count.”

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

offer seemed kind but was laced with insinuation–‘take her to him.‘ Whitney locked eyes with Elaine, a cold

got the message loud

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

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

solitary figure. His face turned stormy, a cold laugh escaping him. “Am

Chapter 99

burned fiercely in him, especially for someone of his standing

not tolerate any hint of flirtation or

eyes shifting to

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, but Whitney’s here, and his heart seems preoccupied

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

her!” Hannah sneered, rallying

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

corner, debating whether to approach L. Tiana had advised her not to play hard to get, and she

someone shoved her from behind, spilling her drink onto the dress

my goodness, who did this?” The

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 displeasure was evident as she recognized

apology, “I’m sorry, someone

culprit and, spotting

cozy up to her husband?” Another socialite

was most certainly done

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

stores under my family’s name, and I’ve heard you’re back at Skye Gem.

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

not forgotten how Whitney humiliated her in the club, and Ludwik’s protection of Whitney fueled her

alone and unabashed,

party, but he was still chatting away