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.

hostility. Elaine was finally dropping her harmless facade, her

the distance. She would not be fooled. Elaine

“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

affection to count.”

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

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

the message loud and

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

Elaine had other plans. Returning to Ludwik, she urged with feigned concern, “Bro, Whitney seems upset, unwilling to talk to me. Maybe you

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

Chapter 99

him, especially for someone of his standing with an

could not tolerate any hint of flirtation or

his response, her eyes

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 with her. So,

had waited so long for an event Ludwik would attend,

deal with her!” Hannah sneered, rallying

Whitney might not fall for her

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

spilling her

did this?” The woman turned

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

apology, “I’m sorry,

the culprit and, spotting

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

certainly done on

her husband’s attempts to calm her futile. Convinced

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,

glee, stepping forward. “Ms. Valentine, it’s understandable you want to talk business, but it’s quite indecent to eye someone else’s

her in the

alone and unabashed, her gaze instinctively seeking

the commotion at the party, but he was still chatting away with his buddy, cool