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.

off in the shadows, a sly smile curling her

Ludwik appeared, his

shiver down

you to recommend vendors to her. Why did you hide that it was

anticipated Whitney’s counterattack and

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

wall, his icy presence almost choking her, “Nobody plays me. And if

down Elaine’s spine; her

reddened in feigned hurt, “Did my foolishness cause a misunderstanding between you

from her from now on,” Ludwik commanded, still

Chapter 101

had not known his intentions and gone to Bryce for the

pride and face her after

heated argument, Whitney’s explanation had swayed him. His heart softened once again for that

Unacceptable.

rising. He warned her to keep her distance from Whitney. Thus, tonight, something had to happen to Whitney! Something that

flickered in Elaine’s eyes as she quickly

not stand the thought

voice called

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

it.”

IS= IO

her. Doesn’t Bro see it? I wish Bro could see through her deceit. It infuriates me to see him

I saw her with

reminded me, Elaine. She’s never been

the foolish, scheming glint in her eyes. Hannah, now consumed by hatred for Whitney, would stop at nothing.

asked eagerly, “Where is Whitney now?”

left the lounge.

for the show, Elaine,” Hannah

She could not wait for Whitney’s downfall tonight. After all that humiliation, would Ludwik still want her?

clouding her vision as a tear secretly escaped, only to be crisply