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.

shadows, a sly smile

not gone far when Ludwik appeared, his

sent a shiver down

“I asked you to recommend vendors

and had her

I just thought she might 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 she rejected my offer. It’s all my fault,

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

chill ran down Elaine’s spine; her

hurt, “Did my foolishness cause a misunderstanding between you

her from now on,” Ludwik commanded, still trusting Elaine’s

Chapter 101

seemed deep–rooted. If she had not known his

put down his pride and

into a tight fist. Despite their heated argument,

Unacceptable.

distance from Whitney. Thus, tonight, something had

gleam flickered in Elaine’s eyes as she

could not stand the thought of Whitney not being ousted from the dinner party, especially when Bro could

Elaine’s voice called out.

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

it.”

IS= IO

reddened with rage. “Elaine, she flaunts her beauty, even Bryce protects her. Doesn’t Bro see it? I wish Bro could see through her deceit. It infuriates me to see him

networking with all the wealthy businessmen here tonight. But I saw her with Mr. Wendt in the garden earlier. We can’t let Bro find out. If there’s any hint of flirtation,

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

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

eagerly, “Where

ignorance, Elaine replied, “She just left the lounge. Is there

for the show, Elaine,” Hannah smirked before darting

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

her vision as a tear secretly