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.

in the shadows, a

Ludwik appeared, his

feeling sent a shiver down

you to recommend vendors to

anticipated Whitney’s counterattack and had her defenses

mind if you interfered on her behalf, so I didn’t stress that part. I guess she doesn’t like me, and that’s why

wall, his icy presence almost choking her, “Nobody plays me. And if you’re playing me, you better

chill ran down Elaine’s spine;

cause a misunderstanding between

her from now on,”

Chapter 101

Elaine seemed deep–rooted. If she had not known

he could not put down his pride and face her after

Despite their heated argument, Whitney’s explanation

Unacceptable.

suspicions were rising. He warned her to keep her distance from Whitney. Thus, tonight, something had to

cruel gleam flickered in Elaine’s eyes as she quickly sought out

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

Elaine’s voice

to a secluded column, where Elaine feigned concern and said, “You weren’t hurt, were you? Whitney was out of line tonight. I couldn’t

it.”

IS= IO

eyes reddened with rage. “Elaine, she flaunts her beauty, even Bryce protects her. Doesn’t Bro

saw her with

malice. “You just reminded me, Elaine. She’s never been chaste. If she’s seducing

not miss the foolish, scheming glint in her eyes. Hannah, now consumed by hatred for Whitney, would stop at nothing.

“Where is Whitney

just left the

wait for the show, Elaine,”

could not

vision as a tear secretly escaped, only to be