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,

when Ludwik appeared, his gaze dark and

sent a shiver

blades, “I asked you to recommend vendors to her. Why did you hide

anticipated Whitney’s counterattack and

mind if you interfered on her

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

ran down

my foolishness cause a misunderstanding between you

from her from now on,” Ludwik commanded, still

Chapter 101

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

not put down his pride and face

argument, Whitney’s explanation had swayed him. His heart softened

Unacceptable.

from Whitney. Thus, tonight, something had

in Elaine’s eyes as

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

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 her antics, but Bro indulges her, and you suffer for

it.”

IS= IO

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

wealthy businessmen here tonight. But I saw her with Mr. Wendt in the garden earlier. We can’t

never been chaste. If she’s seducing Mr. Wendt, wouldn’t that

Hannah, now consumed by hatred for Whitney, would stop

eagerly, “Where is

ignorance, Elaine replied, “She just left the lounge. Is there something you need?”

Elaine,” Hannah smirked

falling into place. She could not wait for Whitney’s downfall tonight.

a tear