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.

storm off in the shadows, a

when Ludwik appeared, his

a shiver down Elaine’s

vendors to her. Why did

had anticipated Whitney’s counterattack and had her defenses ready.

she might mind if you interfered on her behalf, so I didn’t stress that part. I guess she doesn’t

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

down

in feigned hurt, “Did my foolishness cause a misunderstanding between you two? I’ll go clear things up

from her from now on,”

Chapter 101

deep–rooted. If she had not known his intentions and gone to Bryce for the raw materials…

his pride and

curled into a tight fist. Despite their heated argument, Whitney’s explanation had

Unacceptable.

distance from Whitney. Thus, tonight, something had to happen to

in Elaine’s eyes as

stained with juice, thanks to Whitney. She could not stand the thought of Whitney not being ousted

Elaine’s voice called out.

you? Whitney was out of line tonight. I couldn’t stand watching her antics, but Bro indulges

it.”

IS= IO

even Bryce protects her. Doesn’t Bro see it? I wish Bro could see through her deceit.

for a moment before hitting the mark. “Whitney’s probably just networking with all the wealthy businessmen here tonight. But I saw her with Mr. Wendt in the

me, Elaine. She’s never been chaste. If she’s seducing Mr. Wendt, wouldn’t that be

her eyes. Hannah, now consumed by hatred

eagerly, “Where is

“She just left the lounge. Is

show, Elaine,” Hannah

folded her arms, malicious smile playing on her lips. Everything was falling into place. She could not wait for

vision as a tear secretly escaped, only to be crisply