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

the distance. She would not be fooled. Elaine was trying to

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

affection to count.”

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

offer seemed kind but was laced with insinuation–‘take her to him.‘ Whitney locked eyes with Elaine, a cold laugh bubbling inside her. “Couples meet when they

message

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

“Bro, Whitney seems upset, unwilling to talk to me. Maybe you

the 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 of

Chapter 99

possessiveness burned fiercely in him, especially for someone of his standing with an

could not tolerate any hint

at his response, her eyes shifting to Hannah, signaling her

Big Bro’s date tonight to keep an eye out for you, but Whitney’s

so long for an event Ludwik would attend, and

deal with her!” Hannah sneered,

her arms, watching the scene unfold. Whitney might not fall for her

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

her from behind, spilling her drink onto

goodness, who did this?” The woman turned

Looking for trouble, I see. Oh, you’re that disgraced Valentine heiress, aren’t you?” The woman’s displeasure was evident as

apology, “I’m sorry, someone pushed

turned to identify the culprit and, spotting Hannah, understood immediately. Her eyes darkened with

to cozy up to her husband?” Another socialite said.

most certainly done on

calm her futile. Convinced of

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,

not contain her glee, stepping forward. “Ms. Valentine, it’s understandable you want to talk business, but it’s quite

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

scoffed at their antics, alone and unabashed,

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