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

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

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

affection to count.”

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

with insinuation–‘take her to him.‘ Whitney locked eyes with Elaine, a cold laugh bubbling inside her. “Couples meet when they wish; no need to trouble you,

the message loud

walked away with a smile, her fists clenched. Whitney was proving challenging to provoke. If Whitney had just slapped her, Ludwik would definitely give her hell

she urged with feigned concern, “Bro, Whitney seems upset,

stormy, a cold laugh escaping him. “Am I out

Chapter 99

in him, especially for someone of his standing with an ego so

any hint of flirtation or

his response, her eyes shifting to

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

waited so long for an event

Hannah sneered, rallying her clique

unfold. Whitney might not fall for her

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

shoved her from behind, spilling her

goodness, who did

to regain her balance, stumbled into the socialite. “What’s your problem? Looking for trouble, I see. Oh, you’re that disgraced Valentine heiress,

an apology, “I’m

turned to identify the culprit and, spotting Hannah, understood

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

certainly done

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

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

it’s understandable you want to talk business, but

the club, and Ludwik’s

antics, alone and unabashed, her gaze instinctively seeking

at the party, but he was still chatting