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

would not be fooled. Elaine was

narrowed into a chilly smile as she said, “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 one who’ll be caring for him for a

affection to count.”

a placid smile. “That’s wonderful, Whitney. No misunderstanding, then. Bro’s over there; shall I take you

with Elaine, a cold laugh bubbling

message

proving challenging to provoke. If Whitney had just slapped her, Ludwik

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

Whitney’s solitary figure. His face turned stormy, a cold laugh escaping him. “Am I out of my mind? That kind of fickle woman is better off

Chapter 99

fiercely in him, especially for someone of

could not tolerate any hint of flirtation or

lifted at his response, her eyes

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 with her. So, you might

long for an event Ludwik would attend, and now

I deal with her!” Hannah sneered, rallying

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

a quiet corner, debating whether to approach L. Tiana had advised her not to

her from behind, spilling her drink onto the dress of a nearby

did this?” The woman

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?”

apology, “I’m

the culprit and, spotting

Wendt out of the way to cozy up to her husband?”

certainly done

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

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

want to talk business, but it’s quite indecent to eye

in the club, and Ludwik’s protection of Whitney

scoffed at their antics, alone and

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