Love Beyond the Mask by Adelaide Sinclair

Chapter 101

Elaine could do no wrong. To L she was the epitome of innocence and kindness, a modern–day saint draped in designer threads.

“And me,

I am 17 Petty, huh?” Whitney thought.

Her eyes brimmed with icy frustration, a flicker of rage igniting within. She scoffed. “So, you’re blaming me all for her sale?”

“Im just being fair and objective,” the man retorted, his brows knotted in discomfort. Seeing her on the verge of tears, a sliver of softness crept into his heart.

But the next moment, Whitney’s disillusionment erupted as she pointed an accusatory finger at him. “You, with all your smarts, are nothing but a blockhead. Do you even know the hostility your precious Elaine harbors against me? Run along, then. Go to her, your darling sister!”

“Say that again? You have absolutely no decency, yet you accuse me and Elaine? It seems I’ve been too lenient to you for too long!”

In a swift motion, the man captured her slender wrist, his grip firm against the door frame, his fury painting her milky skin with shades of crimson.

Tears welled up in Whitney’s eyes; never had she been so insulted.

She wrenched free from his grasp, her voice laced with bitter sarcasm, “So, you’ve decided I’m a tramp? Even though there’s nothing between Bryce, Simon, and me, you’re ever so convinced I’m the problem, no doubt with a nudge from Elaine. Paranoid, much?”

“Are you not? I’ve seen it with my own eyes! And at the Lotus Clubhouse, Elaine spoke up for you. You really don’t know what’s good for you.”

So, he had also been at the Lotus Clubhouse with Elaine by his side. Was it all a setup?

S

He did not trust her and even tracked her movements at work. Since he had already judged her, what was there left to say?

“Yes, Elaine is always right, and I’m the loose woman, happy now?” Whitney’s heart turned ice–cold; she had no more words to waste.

She stormed out of his embrace, the embrace that once offered warmth, now just a cold memory.

watched Whitney storm off in the shadows,

when Ludwik

sent a shiver down Elaine’s

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counterattack and had

surprise and hurt, she responded, “Bro, maybe Whitney misunderstood? I never meant to hide your kindness. I just thought she might mind if you interfered on her behalf, so I didn’t

the wall, his icy presence almost choking her, “Nobody plays me. And if you’re playing me, you better not touch

ran down Elaine’s

cause a misunderstanding between you two? I’ll go

away from her from now

Chapter 101

not known his intentions and gone

anger was palpable. However, he could not put down his pride and face her after the

tight fist. Despite their heated argument, Whitney’s explanation had swayed him.

Unacceptable.

her to keep her distance from Whitney. Thus, tonight, something had to happen to Whitney! Something that would utterly

Elaine’s eyes as she quickly sought out

ruined designer gown stained with juice, thanks to Whitney. She could not stand the thought of Whitney not being ousted from the dinner party, especially

Elaine’s voice called

concern and said, “You weren’t hurt, were you? Whitney was out of line tonight.

it.”

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she flaunts her beauty, even Bryce protects her. Doesn’t Bro see it? I wish Bro could see through

“Whitney’s probably just networking with all the wealthy businessmen here tonight. But I saw her with Mr. Wendt in the garden earlier. We can’t

just reminded me, Elaine. She’s never

foolish, scheming glint in her eyes. Hannah, now consumed by hatred for Whitney,

eagerly, “Where

“She just left the lounge.

the show, Elaine,” Hannah smirked before darting away.

malicious smile playing on her lips. Everything was falling into place. She could not wait for Whitney’s

clouding her vision as a